Chemical Facility Security News: Short Takes

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Short Takes – 12-2-25

‘Fire amoeba’ survives in hotter conditions than any other complex cell. Nature.com article. Pull quote: “Water samples from the [Lassen Volcanic National Park] stream looked devoid of life under a microscope, but after culturing them with nutrients, the researchers spotted the amoeba growing at 57 °C, within the stream’s temperature range. The scientists slowly raised the temperature, sailing past the previous eukaryote record of 60 °C. I. cascadensis was still able to divide at 63 °C and was still moving around at 64 °C. Even at 70 °C, the cells could form dormant ‘cysts’ that were capable of reactivating at cooler temperatures.”

Shingles vaccine may actually slow down dementia, study finds. WashingtonPost.com article. Pull quote: “Crucially, the study suggests that the shingles vaccine — two doses of which are recommended for adults 50 and older or those 19 and older with a weakened immune system — may help people who already have dementia. Those who got the vaccine were almost 30 percent less likely to die of dementia over nine years, suggesting the vaccine may be slowing the progression of the neurodegenerative syndrome.”

How U.S. Export Controls Risk Undermining Biosecurity. LawFareMedia.org article. Pull quote: “Securing governmental authorizations for such [deemed] exports can take a month or more, but competitive pressures push AI labs to complete evaluations in a matter of weeks. This timing mismatch forces American AI companies into a difficult choice: delay product releases to seek export licenses while competitors forge ahead, limit testing to U.S. citizens only and sacrifice evaluation quality, or risk violating export controls and exposing themselves to significant civil and criminal penalties. Our recent white paper discusses these issues in greater technical and legal depth.”

Changing the rules of global chemicals trade. ChemistryWorld.com commentary. Pull quote: “Facing excess global supply of many basic chemicals, and with little prospect of China’s industry backing off production to raise prices, the US has responded with massive trade tariffs. These are intended to deter imports and allow its own chemicals industry to maintain production and profitability, taking advantage of cheaper feedstocks and lower energy costs than European rivals. That has left Europe, along with other markets like South Korea, and others across southeast Asia, bearing the brunt of the supply glut.”

Using AI in Professional Engineering. SCADAMag.Infracritical.com commentary. Pull quote: “So if you are a professional engineer, and you are thinking of using an AI on your next project, remember this: It cannot take responsibility for its actions. You are essential for review. Are you willing to stand behind something that does not formally reason? Are you willing to approach your classically taught profession with post-modernist practice? For now, my answer is no. Some day, if the concerns I expressed above are addressed, I may change my mind.”

Cyber Threats to Water Infrastructure: Insights from Josh Corman. SecurityLedger.com commentary. Pull quote: “As Josh points out, the lack of mandatory reporting laws for cyber disruptions in critical infrastructure like water utilities means many incidents like those detected in Littleton remain unreported, leaving gaps in our understanding of the risks facing critical infrastructure and our defenses. That amplifies the risks associated with integrating software and internet connectivity into operational technology—advancements that, while beneficial, have opened new avenues for cyber threats.”

Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Reminds Broadcasters to Ensure They Comply With Best Practices to Prevent Cyberattacks. Docs.FCC.gov notice. Pull quote: “It appears that these recent hacks were caused by a compromised studio-transmitter link (STL)—the broadcast equipment that carries program content from the studio to remote transmitters—with threat actors often accessing improperly secured Barix equipment and reconfiguring it to receive attacker-controlled audio in lieu of station programming. Affected stations broadcast to the public an attacker-inserted audio stream that includes an actual or simulated Attention Signal and EAS alert tones, as well as obscene language, and other inappropriate material.”

Strengthening Pharma Cybersecurity: A Guide for Manufacturers. ForeScout.com blog post. Pull quote: “This interconnectivity, while enabling benefits like condition monitoring, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) measurement, predictive maintenance, and digital twin capabilities, also creates new entry points for cyber attackers. The need for scalability across multiple lines and plants, customized applications, and seamless integration between IT and OT systems means more software and firmware components are embedded throughout production lines.”