CIO OPINION
With the proliferation of interconnected systems , cloud computing and the Internet of Things ( IoT ), the attack surface for cyberthreats has expanded exponentially . To add to this threat , as organisations increasingly rely on digital channels for their operations , customer interactions and data storage , the potential impact of security breaches has grown in scale and complexity .
As CIOs are uniquely positioned to understand the interplay between technology , business objectives and risk management , we are now often entrusted with the critical task of fortifying our defences , implementing robust security measures and fostering a culture of vigilance across the organisation . The stakes are high and the consequences of a security breach can be catastrophic .
On top of this , there ’ s an ever-present pressure to deliver solutions that not only protect a business but actively drive growth and enhance operational efficiency , all while maintaining the integrity and security of our digital ecosystem .
In fact , the very technologies we are all now evaluating to increase business efficiency , namely Generative AI models , can actually be used as weapons against a business , further increasing the threat landscape .
The impact of AI in cybersecurity
2023 was the year that AI started to take off in terms of application and awareness – it ’ s now on everyone ’ s mind . But there ’ s also some risks with AI that can ’ t be ignored .
AI can be used by bad actors in ways that we have never seen . The development in voice deepfake technology for example is particularly concerning from a security perspective and one that needs to be addressed .
These tools have fundamentally lowered the barrier of entry for bad actors seeking to commit cybersecurity attacks , as now , with the availability of AI-powered tools and resources , even novice hackers have the power to unleash devastating attacks with minimal technical expertise .
Similarly , AI-powered phishing attacks could employ natural language processing algorithms to craft highly convincing spear-phishing emails tailored to deceive individual users , bypassing email filters and authentication mechanisms .
As AI continues to advance , the landscape of cyberthreats becomes increasingly complex and challenging to defend against , underscoring the urgent
In the realm of cybersecurity , what was once considered beyond the traditional scope of a CIO ’ s responsibilities has now become a central concern that we cannot afford to overlook .
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