By Chinenye Anuforo
As As artificial intelligence (AI) continues its rapid evolution, Microsoft said it is committed to the responsible development and deployment of AI.
Vasu Jakkal, vice president of security, compliance, identity and management, recently highlighted the need for a reimagined approach to cybersecurity in light of escalating threats and the transformative power of AI.
To address these challenges, Microsoft launched the Secure Future Initiative (SFI), a multi-year initiative dedicated to safeguarding its digital ecosystem. SFI brings together Microsoft’s diverse teams to advance cybersecurity protection across the company and its products.
The Microsoft Digital Defense 2024 report revealed a surprising increase in cyberattacks, with daily incidents targeting customers around the world doubling to a staggering 600 million. These attacks, ranging from ransomware and phishing to identity-based threats, pose significant risks to global cybersecurity.
Microsoft South Africa Chief Data Officer Dean Erasmus highlighted the company’s focus on AI security and ethics during a webinar on Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative and the role of AI. AI in the evolving cybersecurity landscape. He highlighted the framework developed by Microsoft, which prioritizes fairness, reliability, inclusiveness, standards and accountability.
Erasmus recognized the challenges associated with implementing AI, including the need for high-quality data and robust infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of ethical considerations, such as mitigating bias, discrimination and privacy violations.
While acknowledging the challenges, Erasmus highlighted the immense potential of AI to increase efficiency, reduce costs and drive innovation across various sectors. He highlighted the importance of investing in education and training to develop a skilled workforce capable of harnessing the power of AI responsibly.
Wessel Pieterse, Head of Information Security at Microsoft South Africa, has sounded the alarm on the growing cybersecurity threats organizations face today. He highlighted the rapid increase in password attacks and the growing number of active threat groups.
Pieterse advocated for a more integrated approach to cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of consolidating security strategies, adopting unified platforms and investing in security awareness training.
Colin Baumgart, CTO and Regional Director of Business Solutions at Microsoft South Africa, highlighted the role of AI in the fight against cybercrime. He highlighted AI’s ability to analyze large amounts of data to identify potential threats.
However, Baumgart also emphasized the importance of designing, building, testing and operating technology that meets the highest safety standards. He highlighted the Secure Future Initiative’s emphasis on the principles of security by design, security by default and secure operations.
By collaborating with partners and fostering a collective effort, Microsoft aims to contribute to a more secure digital future.
