thefuturecats-innovation-consultancy-blog-post-Three-perspectives-for-a-safer-future-with-ΑΙ-hero-banner

Three perspectives for a safer future with AI

The benefits of AI 

Artificial intelligence (AI) and its multiple benefits are widely recognised. Its advent has revolutionized many sectors, offering many opportunities, especially in the field of security. AI enhances threat detection by analyzing huge data sets to identify small anomalies of potential cyber attacks. Through predictive analytics, AI learns from historical data to predict future attack methods, enabling proactive defensive strategies. In addition, AI automates security tasks, such as releasing security personnel for more strategic initiatives. AI-powered threat intelligence also aggregates and analyzes threat data from various sources to anticipate future threats.   

AI-powered security  

Mitigating cyber risks is a top priority for 2024 and beyond. “Mega breaches” are increasing in frequency and severity, with security costs skyrocketing. The growing threat of a cyber attack requires robust cybersecurity solutions, and artificial intelligence offers huge benefits to security systems. Businesses are eager to take advantage of these capabilities, and rightly so many businesses are undergoing a rapid transformation process.   

A recent study reveals that 40% of CEOs fear that their companies will become obsolete within a decade if they do not adopt innovation. This relentless pace of change requires the adoption of cutting-edge tools such as artificial intelligence to stay ahead of cyber threats and maintain a competitive advantage.

“The urgent need for AI-based security is evident as major breaches increase in frequency and severity. AI offers promising capabilities in this area, with a significant increase in companies experiencing breaches of more than $1 million. Businesses are rapidly transforming through technology and adopting AI is critical to stay ahead of cyber threats and maintain a competitive advantage,” Dr. Lillian Balatsu, Cognitive Neuroscientist and AI Leader. 

However, while AI can be a powerful tool for both offense and defense, it is important to develop and deploy secure and ethical AI applications. For this reason, it is very important to consider factors such as collaboration, regulation and training before getting involved. 

Collaboration 

A collaborative approach is essential if we want to harness the power of artificial intelligence to reduce cyber risks and build a secure digital future. In this context, we need open communication, information sharing, holistic IT strategies and a commitment to responsible AI development. And we need to look at this in the light of all stakeholders. Through collaboration, governments, the private sector, Big Tech and individuals can address the complexity of AI in cybersecurity by ensuring strong defenses and ethical applications.

“AI is like electricity – just as electricity revolutionized the world, AI is going to transform every industry and aspect of our lives. The way I see things, there will be three scenarios about trust: ‘trust in me’, ‘decentralized trust’ and ‘centralized trust’. Understanding these models will shape how AI and machine learning secure our digital interactions. But it is imperative that we work together – we need international and multilateral efforts that explore actionable, workable and implementable solutions for a well-conceived future through AI. It is positive that in Europe, through the EU AI law, and in the US through the AI executive order, governments are trying to introduce a level of accountability and trust in the AI value system by pointing out to other users the authenticity (or not) of the content”, Dimitris Dimitriadis, Futurist and AI expert.

Legislative framework

Legislation plays a key role in addressing the challenges posed by AI, in particular with regard to privacy and data security. Comprehensive governance is needed to enable internet users to exercise their individual rights. For example, the implementation of an opt-out mechanism can empower data holders to prohibit the use of their personal information for AI training. 

Governments should also develop regulatory frameworks around AI technology. Two of the most pressing requirements are banning the non-consensual creation and distribution of deepfake pornography and addressing political disinformation campaigns. A collaborative approach is required to address these issues – developing regulatory frameworks, investing in education and awareness of technology misuse, and mobilizing research and development programmes to develop safe detection technologies. 

Guidelines for labeling and watermarking AI content should also be developed and harmonized to enhance transparency and trust. These measures will seek to enhance data protection and build trust in AI systems.

“Along with other measures by tech companies, social media companies, AI developers, for their part, should mobilize research and development programmes to develop deepfake detection technologies and systems and adopt ethical principles and transparency when designing and training AI models. 

Strict guidelines for tagging and watermarking AI content should be developed and harmonized by mutual agreement,” said Yuliya Shlychkova, Head of Government Relations at Kaspersky

Education and the skills gap

Education is important to address the AI skills gap and ensure privacy. There is a notable shortage of skilled professionals able to develop, implement and manage AI technologies. This skills gap may hinder the effective adoption of AI. Moreover, the complexity of integrating AI systems into existing infrastructures and processes, combined with the high initial investment required, poses challenges, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises. Therefore, investment in talent development and training is critical to bridge this gap and ensure the successful implementation of AI.

“The increasing tendency of AI developers to collect publicly accessible data, including personal user data, to train AI systems raises concerns. This practice, while often well-intentioned, poses significant data protection risks, as users may not be aware that their data is being collected and how their information is being used, contrary to the spirit of the General Data Protection Regulation. Comprehensive governance is required, including an opt-out mechanism and defined hashtags to enable users to opt-out of the use of their data for AI training, thus strengthening data privacy practices. But that alone is not enough, we also need to see meaningful collaboration between social media companies and regulators to address the threats to democracy and lack of consumer education being exploited,” explains Kaspersky’s principal security researcher David Emm. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, in order to reduce the risks associated with AI, an integrated multi-stakeholder approach must be adopted. In particular, this includes the development of regulatory frameworks to prohibit the non-consensual creation and distribution of deepfake pornography, as well as political disinformation campaigns. In addition, governments and the private sector should invest in education and awareness-raising about the misuse of deepfake technologies among IT professionals and internet users. Such education could increase the resilience of citizens, organizations and institutions against the risks.

 

AI offers significant benefits for enhancing security, but also presents significant challenges that require a collaborative, regulated and educated approach. By addressing these aspects, we can create a safe and healthy digital future by harnessing the potential of AI, while ensuring protection against its misuse.

Tags: