Manny Athwal, founder of the School of Coding & AI and the School of Cyber Security, gives his expert opinion on threats and opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) introduces cybersecurity and how it helps children prepare for the age of AI.
Businesses and organizations need to stay ahead of the curve in artificial intelligence (AI) to maintain effective cybersecurity. Adopting AI is no longer an option, but a necessity to thrive and succeed safely in the digital age. AI is everywhere around us, impacting everything from our search results when we’re online to how we shop.
The potential dangers and benefits for businesses, organizations and society at large are enormous, and understanding them is crucial. People need to read and embrace the latest developments in AI and automation so they can predict how they will affect their work. This will put them in a better position to anticipate and prepare for changes.
A growing threat
This week, the head of the United Kingdom cyber security Lindy Cameron has warned that Britons must “strengthen their defences” against the growing threat posed by ransomware developed or enhanced using AI. It comes as a new report from the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) reveals that AI is lowering the barrier of entry for entry-level cybercriminals and warns that new technologies will almost certainly increase the volume and impact of cyberattacks short term. The NCSC has already identified ransomware as the biggest cyber threat facing the UK. Analysis from the National Crime Agency (NCA) suggests that cybercriminals have already started developing criminal versions of generative AI models, making better hacking tools available to anyone willing to pay.
Cyber threats have evolved considerably over the years. In the early days of the Internet, they were relatively simple and unsophisticated. However, as technology advances at a rapid pace, so do the threats to our online security and the methods used by cybercriminals. Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and complex, making protection more and more difficult.
Benefits vs Risk
In terms of benefits, AI can detect, analyze and respond to security threats faster than traditional security tools. But AI can also be used by hackers to create more sophisticated attacks and avoid detection by AI-based security systems. Implementing AI-based security systems can also be costly and there is currently a significant lack of cybersecurity experts with the knowledge and expertise to use AI. Businesses and organizations should carefully weigh the cybersecurity benefits of AI against the associated costs and risks.
Protecting yourself against cyber threats requires a combination of education, awareness and technology. Updating software, using strong passwords, being careful what you click on, using two-factor authentication and antivirus software are some practical tips to ensure your safety online. It is essential to stay informed of the latest cyber threats and follow best practices to avoid becoming a victim of a cyber attack.
Preparing the next generation for the AI era
Here at the School of Coding, we train over 5,000 students every month, working with leading universities and over 150 schools and colleges across the UK. With our state of the art Online learning platform, we also operate training centers where students will learn coding and digital skills using innovative virtual reality and augmented reality tools as well as practical applications.
I think it’s time to prepare for the AI era by investing in education and training. Coding powers our entire digital world, from our smartphones to our cars. Our children live in a generation that has never known a world without technology and for this reason, I believe that just as we teach them lifelong skills like reading, writing or doing basic math, we should teach them how the devices and programs they use every day actually work.
By Manny Athwal, Founder of the School of Coding & AI and the School of Cyber Security
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