AI connectivity, SASE security, and NAND and optical transport updates - Week of August 25, 2025

Overview of Recent Activity

Recent updates covered NAND flash and optical transport performance, along with enterprise AI and connectivity deployments. Organizations also advanced software delivery automation using CodeLLMs and MCP-based integrations, while security teams focused on SASE and AI security controls. Network and infrastructure changes included identity consolidation in SASE and guidance updates for OT asset inventories and vulnerability remediation.

Key Themes and Developments

Technology Releases & Product Enhancements

SK hynix began mass production of its 321-layer 2Tb QLC NAND flash, with a commercial launch planned for the first half of 2026. SK hynix increased the number of independent operation units, or planes, from four to six and reported write performance improved by up to 56% and read performance boosted by 18%.

Netskope introduced Behavioral Evaluation of Application Metrics (BEAM), an open-source tool aimed at identifying supply chain attacks using existing network traffic data. Netskope also launched Netskope One Copilot for Private Access to automate the configuration and optimization of zero trust network access access controls and refine policies based on user behavior.

Partnerships & Ecosystem Engagement

Deca Technologies collaborated with IBM to implement M-Series Fan-out Interposer Technology (MFIT) at IBM's Bromont facility in Quebec. The collaboration aimed to improve semiconductor manufacturing capabilities using the M-Series technologies.

Softbank developed a Transformer-based AI model for wireless signal processing and demonstrated uplink channel interpolation on GPUs in a live Over-the-Air (OTA) environment. Softbank reported an uplink throughput increase of approximately 20% compared to conventional signal processing methods.

Infrastructure, Platform, or Deployment Updates

CISA released updated guidance for Minimum Elements for a Software BOM (SBOM) and opened a public comment period until October 3, 2025. The update aimed to reflect advancements in tooling and implementation and refined data fields, automation support, and operational practices to ensure SBOMs are scalable and interoperable.

CISA and U.S. agencies published guidance for Operational Technology (OT) asset inventories and taxonomies, and added CVE-2025-54948 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) Catalog. CISA identified the vulnerability as a Trend Micro Apex One Operating System command injection issue with active exploitation risk.

Full Update Index

SK hynix begins mass production of 321-layer QLC NAND flash; Softbank's Transformer AI model boosts 5G uplink throughput by 30%; Deca Technologies collaborates with IBM on semiconductor production; Cloudbrink integrates identity management with CrowdStrike in SASE platform; Itential utilizes CodeLLMs for software development efficiency updates; Netskope introduces supply chain detection tool and emphasizes AI security strategies; Dell'Oro Group reports 14 percent growth in optical transport market for Q2 2025; Weekly Intelligence Brief on Chiplets and Silicon - Week of August 18, 2025; Weekly Intelligence Brief on Secure Access Service Edge and SASE Solutions - July 2025; Nokia partners on optical network in Mexico and data center upgrades in Seoul - July 2025; CISA seeks public comment on updated SBOM guidance; Dell'Oro Group Reports 14 Percent Growth in Optical Transport Market for Q2 2025; ISC2 Updates Advanced Certifications ISSAP, ISSEP, ISSMP; CISA issues guidance on operational technology asset inventories and vulnerabilities; CISOs and CIOs prioritize governance and resilience; CISA updates Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog with CVE-2025-54948; 360 Privacy partners with Hetherington Group to enhance digital protection services; Dell'Oro Group RAN report shows growth outside China; Gartner Report: Evolving Automation for Business Value

1. SK hynix begins mass production of 321-layer QLC NAND flash
   Mass production of SK hynix's NAND flash allows entry into ultra-high-capacity markets, with optimizations for power and performance.
2. Softbank's Transformer AI model boosts 5G uplink throughput by 30%
   Softbank's Transformer model achieves ultra-low latency at 338 microseconds, outperforming CNN-based methods in real-time 5G applications.
3. Deca Technologies collaborates with IBM on semiconductor production
   Deca Technologies partners with IBM to enhance semiconductor production in Bromont, Quebec with M-Series technologies.
4. Cloudbrink integrates identity management with CrowdStrike in SASE platform
   Cloudbrink integrates identity management with CrowdStrike for streamlined SASE solutions.
5. Itential utilizes CodeLLMs for software development efficiency updates
   AI-driven automation supports operational efficiency and cost control.
6. Netskope introduces supply chain detection tool and emphasizes AI security strategies.
   Netskope highlights the rise in phishing targeting Navy Federal Credit Union members, utilizing various platforms for data theft.
7. Dell'Oro Group reports 14 percent growth in optical transport market for Q2 2025
   Dell'Oro Group noted a 14% optical transport market growth, driven by demand for disaggregated WDM solutions in Q2 2025.
8. Weekly Intelligence Brief on Chiplets and Silicon - Week of August 18, 2025
   Deca Technologies partners with IBM to enhance semiconductor production in Bromont, Quebec with M-Series technologies.
9. Weekly Intelligence Brief on Secure Access Service Edge and SASE Solutions - July 2025
   Cloudbrink integrates identity management with CrowdStrike for streamlined SASE identity solutions.
10. Weekly Intelligence Brief on Identity Access Management and Software Delivery Innovations - Week of August 18, 2025
    Itential adopts CodeLLMs for enhanced automation in software development.
11. Nokia partners on optical network in Mexico and data center upgrades in Seoul - July 2025
    Nokia partners with MX Fiber to deploy optical network in Southeast Mexico, enhancing internet access across several states.
12. Netskope introduces supply chain detection tool and emphasizes AI security strategies - July 2025
    Netskope introduced BEAM, an open-source tool to detect supply chain attacks using existing network traffic analysis.
13. CISA seeks public comment on updated SBOM guidance
    CISA opens public comment period on SBOM updates until October 3, 2025, enhancing management of software components.
14. Dell’Oro Group Reports Growth in RAN Market Outside China
    Dell’Oro Group reports growth in RAN market following two years of decline outside China.
15. Daily Intelligence Brief: Optical Transport Growth and Cybersecurity Certification Updates - August 22, 2025
    Dell'Oro Group noted a 14% optical transport market growth, driven by demand for disaggregated WDM solutions in Q2 2025.
16. Dell'Oro Group RAN report shows growth outside China
    Dell'Oro Group reports growth in RAN revenues outside China for a third consecutive quarter, with shifts in market dynamics.
17. Gartner Report: Evolving Automation for Business Value
    Automation now focuses on delivering business outcomes beyond just eliminating repetitive tasks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive workflows.
18. Dell’Oro Group Reports 14 Percent Growth in Optical Transport Market for Q2 2025
    Cloud provider purchases of WDM systems surged 60 percent year-over-year, contributing to market growth, Dell’Oro Group states.
19. ISC2 Updates Advanced Certifications ISSAP, ISSEP, ISSMP
    ISC2 introduced updates to its advanced cybersecurity certifications ISSAP, ISSEP, and ISSMP, enhancing exam outlines and training.
20. Dell'Oro Group Reports 14% Growth in Optical Transport Market in 2Q 2025
    Dell'Oro Group reported a 14% growth in Optical Transport market in 2Q 2025, largely due to disaggregated WDM demand.
21. CISA issues guidance on operational technology asset inventories and vulnerabilities
    CISA and U.S. agencies issued guidance for operational technology asset inventories.
22. 360 Privacy partners with Hetherington Group to enhance digital protection services
    360 Privacy partners with Hetherington Group to enhance protection services for clients with significant reputations.
23. Nokia ranks #1 in Omdia's core network competitiveness report
    Nokia adds Ooredoo Qatar and Telefónica Spain as customers, highlighting sustained demand in its core networks offerings.
24. CISOs and CIOs prioritize governance and resilience
    A transformation in security governance reflects a new operational focus for CISOs and CIOs as infrastructure becomes central.
25. CISA updates Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog with CVE-2025-54948
    CISA adds CVE-2025-54948 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog due to active exploitation concerns.