Hammer Weekly Update, week ending 7 December 2025

It was an active week across UK and EMEA enterprise technology, with momentum around cloud, AI, security, storage, servers and enterprise components. Below we unpack the signals behind the headlines and what buyers and partners should watch next.

Cloud cost optimisation and platform moves

Recent developments in cloud services have highlighted the growing importance of robust security measures, particularly in light of the Aisuru botnet, which has turned Q3 into a significant stress test for internet infrastructure. Hammer Distribution helps partners deliver cloud architecture and cost optimisation so platforms align to budget and governance. This situation underscores the necessity for organisations to enhance their defensive strategies against large-scale cyber threats, as the botnet's activities have raised concerns about the resilience of cloud-hosted applications and services _[1].

In response to evolving customer needs, cloud providers are expanding their service offerings. For instance, the introduction of VPC support for API endpoints in email services allows for more secure and controlled communication channels, enabling businesses to better manage their data flow _[2]. Additionally, the launch of WhatsApp as a channel for outbound campaigns within customer engagement platforms demonstrates a shift towards integrating popular messaging services into cloud solutions, enhancing customer interaction capabilities _[3]. These advancements not only improve operational efficiency but also reflect the ongoing trend of leveraging cloud technologies to meet the demands of a rapidly changing digital landscape.

AI in production: infrastructure and governance

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, the need for robust security measures becomes increasingly critical. For UK projects, Hammer Distribution supports deployments with AI servers and NVMe storage, alongside power and cooling for dense racks. Recent discussions highlight the importance of developing AI systems capable of defending against potential threats posed by other AI agents. This proactive approach to security is essential as organisations integrate AI technologies into their operations, ensuring that vulnerabilities are addressed before they can be exploited _[4].

In parallel, the rise of sophisticated cyber threats has prompted governments to enhance their surveillance and security protocols. For instance, incidents involving GPS spoofing at major airports have underscored the vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. This has led to calls for more advanced monitoring systems and security frameworks that can effectively mitigate such risks _[5]. As organisations adopt AI-driven solutions, the integration of enhanced security measures will be vital in safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining operational integrity.

Security: resilience, Zero Trust and real threats

Recent developments in cybersecurity highlight the evolving tactics employed by criminals, particularly in social media environments. For execution, Hammer Distribution supplies managed SOC, data protection and Microsoft 365 backup to raise baseline resilience. A concerning trend has emerged where attackers utilise images and videos from social media platforms to orchestrate 'virtual kidnapping' scams. This method leverages the personal information and visual content shared by individuals, making it easier for perpetrators to manipulate victims and create a sense of urgency or fear _[7].

In addition to social media threats, new vulnerabilities are being exploited through innovative attack vectors. A recent clickjacking attack has been identified that cleverly employs CSS and SVG to bypass traditional security measures, demonstrating the need for organisations to enhance their web application security protocols _[8]. Furthermore, the ongoing challenges in maintaining robust cloud infrastructure were underscored by a recent outage attributed to a flawed fix for a critical vulnerability, which serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in securing cloud services _[9]. These incidents collectively underscore the necessity for continuous vigilance and adaptation in security strategies across the enterprise landscape.

Storage for AI and backup: NVMe and tiers

Recent advancements in cloud storage solutions have significantly enhanced the capabilities available to enterprises. Hammer Distribution provides NVMe storage and backup options that simplify tiering and recovery at scale. For instance, the maximum object size for cloud storage has been increased to 50 TB, allowing organisations to manage larger datasets more efficiently. This expansion is particularly beneficial for sectors dealing with big data, as it facilitates the storage of extensive files without the need for complex data segmentation or multiple uploads.

In addition to storage capacity improvements, there are also developments in data management tools that support better integration and utilisation of stored assets. New functionalities enable the export of asset metadata as a queryable dataset, streamlining the process of data retrieval and analysis. This capability enhances the overall data governance framework, allowing businesses to derive insights from their stored information more effectively while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. As companies continue to leverage these innovations, the potential for optimised data workflows and improved operational efficiency becomes increasingly tangible.

Servers and GPUs: efficient compute

Recent advancements in server technology are significantly enhancing the capabilities of cloud computing environments. Hammer Distribution sources fit-for-purpose servers and GPU platforms to balance performance and efficiency. For instance, the introduction of serverless architectures for Apache Spark workloads is streamlining the management of data processing tasks. By eliminating the need for local storage provisioning, organisations can focus more on their analytics and less on infrastructure management, leading to quicker deployment times and reduced operational complexity_[12].

Additionally, the unveiling of new EC2 instance types, specifically designed for Mac environments, is set to benefit developers working on macOS applications. These instances provide high performance and scalability, enabling teams to run their development workflows in the cloud without the constraints of physical hardware. This flexibility allows for more efficient resource utilisation and can accelerate the development cycle for software projects_[13].

Enterprise components: refresh signals

The UK is advancing its use of facial recognition technology, despite ongoing concerns regarding civil liberties and privacy implications. Hammer Distribution stocks enterprise components such as SSDs, drives and memory for refresh and expansion programmes. This expansion aims to enhance security measures across various sectors, including public safety and law enforcement. However, the deployment of such technology raises questions about the balance between effective surveillance and individual rights, prompting debates among policymakers and civil rights advocates alike _[14].

In parallel, there is a notable development in the realm of software safety, particularly with the Rust programming language. A core library is being refined to align with industrial safety specifications, which is crucial for applications in sectors where reliability and security are paramount. This initiative reflects a broader trend towards adopting robust programming frameworks that can support the development of secure and efficient systems, particularly in environments demanding high safety standards _[15].