Your Friday Australian AI and tech news briefing: the stories worth knowing about today, with a focus on what matters for Australian small business.

Microsoft to integrate Anthropic’s Mythos into its security development program

What this means for your business: Microsoft’s security tools will get faster at finding and fixing software vulnerabilities. This means Australian small businesses using Microsoft products will get security updates more quickly, reducing the window when hackers can exploit weaknesses in their systems.
Via IT News Australia, Read the full story →

Claude Mythos signals a new era in AI-driven security, finding 271 flaws in Firefox

The Claude Mythos Preview appears to be living up to the hype, at least from a cybersecurity standpoint. The model, which Anthropic rolled out to a small group of users, including Firefox developer Mozilla, earlier this month, has discovered 271 vulnerabilities in version 148

What this means for your business: AI tools like Claude Mythos can now find security holes in software much faster than before. For Australian small businesses using Firefox or similar programs, this means security updates will arrive quicker, protecting your systems from hackers sooner.
Via Computerworld AU, Read the full story →

Microsoft invests $25B in AI to embed trust and inclusivity into the Australian psyche

Microsoft’s $25 billion investment in Australia for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, security and skills over the next three years: will go towards creating trust and inclusive growth in the country’s digital progress, emphasised Microsoft president A/NZ Jane Live

What this means for your business: Microsoft’s $25 billion Australian investment means small businesses will get cheaper access to AI tools and training programs over the next three years. This could help you automate tasks, improve customer service, and compete with larger companies without huge upfront costs.
Via ARN, Read the full story →

📖 Deep dive: What Microsoft’s $25 Billion Australian Investment Means for Small Business

Employment Hero AI unlocks new employment model targeting $12.6 billion in duplicated employment admin holding Australia back

New modelling shows businesses are paying $12.6 billion more than they should in employment administration
Complex, manual HR processes are driving duplication, costing up to a quarter of an employee’s salary and dragging down productivity
Despite Australian businesses spending $160 billion a

What this means for your business: Australian small business owners are overspending on HR admin by thousands of dollars per employee due to outdated manual processes. Switching to AI-powered HR software could free up significant money and staff time currently wasted on duplicate paperwork and data entry.
Via ITWire, Read the full story →

VAST Data Hits US$30 Billion Valuation In Series F Round With Australian Links To Firmus And Sharon AI

AI infrastructure company VAST Data has closed a Series F financing round at a US$30 billion (approximately A$42 billion) valuation, more than tripling its US$9.1 billion Series E valuation from late 2023. The round was led by Drive Capital with Access Industries acting as co-lead. Existing investor

What this means for your business: VAST Data’s valuation surge signals that AI data storage technology is becoming mainstream and affordable. Australian small businesses should expect cheaper, faster AI tools within 12-18 months as this funding accelerates product development and market competition.
Via SMBTech AU, Read the full story →

That’s your Friday AI briefing. Check back tomorrow for the latest. 🦞

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Sources: Microsoft to integrate Anthropic’s Mythos into its security development program (IT News Australia) | Claude Mythos signals a new era in AI-driven security, finding 271 flaws in Firefox (Computerworld AU) | Microsoft invests $25B in AI to embed trust and inclusivity into the Australian psyche (ARN) | Employment Hero AI unlocks new employment model targeting $12.6 billion in duplicated employment admin holding Australia back (ITWire) | VAST Data Hits US$30 Billion Valuation In Series F Round With Australian Links To Firmus And Sharon AI (SMBTech AU)

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