[Cybersecurity Contribution] Protecting Conversational AI in the Modern Era
Well, folks, you must’ve heard the buzz around a new artificial intelligence tool called ChatGPT a while back. Unveiled by a startup in the US, this AI tool was all the rage in November 2022. What made it so unique was its ability to understand and use language contextually, similar to human conversations. In fact, it was so good, it felt like it was venturing into the realm of human creativity. Within two months of its unveiling, it had a jaw-dropping 100 million users per month!
However, as cool as this might sound, it quickly raised alarm bells about possible threats to cybersecurity. Tools like ChatGPT can potentially churn out phishing emails that seem entirely natural and create harmful codes ripe for exploitation in cyber attacks. All of a sudden, the world of cybercrime, which once required specialized knowledge, became easily accessible.
Cybersecurity threats, coupled with our increasing reliance on digital technology, can potentially disrupt our everyday life, business operations, and even national security. A sobering reminder of these threats were the high-profile cyber attacks we saw in the news not too long ago. There was the crippling DDoS attack on Ukraine in February 2022 and the hacking of several US federal agencies, including a radioactive waste storage facility, in June 2023.
These are perilous issues that need urgent solutions. On a positive note, folks are already working to mitigate these threats. Cybersecurity is now recognized as a crucial area in tech on a national level. Efforts are being made to identify, develop, and implement appropriate technologies that tackle cyber threats head-on.
New security frameworks are also being explored. The ‘zero-trust’ and ‘software supply chain security’ approaches look mighty promising to combat diverse and evolving threats more effectively than the current processes. The idea is to trial various models and identify the best fit for our unique environment here in the bay area. Guidelines for implementing ‘zero-trust’ were released earlier this year to help push this narrative further.
One of the best ways to deal with these threats is by leveraging the tremendous potential of our private sector. We need to develop our cybersecurity industry as a reliable, resilient sector that can respond to these threats effectively. By fostering growth in this sector, especially in tech fields like AI and integrated security, we can create new markets and opportunities, leading to mutual prosperity.
In a bid to beef up our security, strategies for threat intelligence and early detection systems are being developed. Plus, measures are in place to run mock hacking exercises and improve real-time information sharing. These practices will help uncover potential vulnerabilities, facilitate rapid response, and prevent extensive damage from cyber incidents.
Now, here’s where we all come in! July has been the official “Information Security Awareness Month” since 2012. This year, the celebration focused on building a “Safe Digital Korea by Combining Cybersecurity Capabilities”. The idea is to foster a society where citizens, businesses, and the government collaborate to build a secure digital nation.
Remember, government efforts, while essential, can only do so much. A truly safe ‘Digital Korea’ becomes possible when we combine technological innovations and effective co-operation among citizens. Let this ‘Information Security Awareness Month’ be a reminder to all of us about the importance of protecting our information. The power to create a secure digital world is in our hands, folks. Let’s join hands and make it happen!
by Morgan Phisher