AI Technology Adoption – Is it a one-way street?

This article explores the growing impact of AI technologies on our lives, highlighting both their potential benefits and serious risks in the realm of cybersecurity. It urges readers and decision-makers to critically evaluate the consequences of AI adoption and consider its implications on security, governance, and society while keeping all categories of people at the centre of such decision-making.

Scratching the AI Surface: Will It Hurt or Help More?

The headline "See: Claude 3.5 Sonnet Can Control Your Computer" caught my attention, and as I read through the article, a flood of questions and concerns emerged. It’s another example of an AI application that has the ability to take control of your computer, performing tasks like an actual user. While such developments might bring benefits, the potential for misuse is troubling. Despite assurances about built-in safeguards, this kind of technology creates new opportunities for crime and harm.

We're still in the early stages of AI application development, and the road ahead promises even more advanced and complex tools—tools that could erode trust and, ultimately, threaten the social order. We may face a growing need to invest in protective measures and redress systems. But even then, businesses, governments, and individuals might still find themselves struggling to keep up, especially when these resources might drain funding from more pressing needs. Technology and online systems are already under constant attack, and AI only adds fuel to the fire. The evidence is clear: cybercriminals are exploiting vulnerabilities faster than ever. This isn't just a Luddite fear—it's rooted in the reality of our rapidly changing digital world. (Read more on this trend: Threat Actors Are Exploiting Vulnerabilities Faster Than Ever).

Even at a consumer level, the threats are mounting. We’re already dealing with the dangers of malware and viruses, but now there are deepfakes (audio and video), and the growing issue of spam attacks fuelled by data leaks and AI-driven online behaviour tracking. Scams are increasingly sophisticated, with attempts to lure us into clicking on dubious links or providing sensitive data. (See: Bengaluru residents lose Rs 95 lakh after trusting deepfake videos of Mukesh Ambani and Narayana Murthy). Here are some of the most common crimes we face online: (Chart: The Most Common Types of Cyber Crime | Statista)

Cyberattacks: A Growing Threat

For many, the idea of a cyberattack conjures images of data breaches or financial fraud. But these attacks extend far beyond banking. Critical sectors such as healthcare, utilities, manufacturing, and public services are increasingly targeted.

Take a look at some notable cyberattacks outside the finance industry:

• Not if, but when: Cyberattacks threaten hospital systems
• Significant Cyber Incidents | Strategic Technologies Program | CSIS
• New Report: Cyber Security Threats in Manufacturing Industry
• Why Does Manufacturing See the Most Cyber Attacks? | Cyber Magazine
• 14 recent cyber attacks on the transport & logistics sector

With AI tools making inroads into industries like healthcare and manufacturing, a targeted attack could trigger serious consequences. Imagine a rogue AI being used to trigger false diagnoses in a hospital or an autonomous manufacturing system overridden to deliberately malfunction, resulting in dangerous products reaching consumers. These risks, often dramatized in films as science fiction, are now inching closer to reality. We once trusted that businesses and authorities would safeguard us, but can we still place that same trust in them?

Cybersecurity: Can We Rely on It?

Given the escalating risks, businesses are pouring resources into cybersecurity. The cybersecurity industry is growing rapidly, with some estimates suggesting a 14% annual growth rate that will continue for the rest of the decade. However, this growth comes with its own challenges. One of the most pressing is the stark inequality in cybersecurity resilience between rich and poor nations, as well as between large, well-funded organizations and small or developing ones. A report by the World Economic Forum highlights this gap:

"The distance between organizations that are cyber resilient enough to thrive and those that are fighting to survive is widening at an alarming rate. The least capable organizations are perpetually unable to keep up with the curve, falling further behind and threatening the integrity of the entire ecosystem."

Moreover, by one estimate, over 82% of small businesses had at least one successful cyber-attack in 2021. (See: 35 Alarming Small Business Cybersecurity Statistics for 2024 | StrongDM).

This growing divide spells trouble not just for businesses, but for consumers as well. As the demand for cybersecurity professionals increases, there is a notable shortage of skilled workers. Cybersecurity companies are struggling to find qualified professionals, which creates additional stress on the existing workforce. The pressure of constantly evolving threats leads to burnout, with a high turnover rate among professionals. (See: 24% of Cybersecurity Leaders Are Ready to Quit Jobs: Here’s Why - Techopedia). The skills gap is a significant challenge, but it also presents opportunities for those entering the field.

Explore the demand and challenges:

• Skills shortage persists in cybersecurity with many jobs going unfilled | VentureBeat
• Nearly 4 Million Cybersecurity Jobs Are Vacant: Here’s Why You Should Consider Breaking Into This Sector
• Booming Job Market: 3 Reasons Why Cybersecurity Jobs Will Reign Supreme - Business2Community
• 4 Million Job Openings Await Skilled Cybersecurity Professionals

At the same time, generative AI and other advanced technologies are being leveraged to improve cybersecurity capabilities. AI can speed up software development, automate vulnerability testing, and even help detect breaches faster. However, its potential to also fuel cybercrime has raised concerns. (See: How AI Is Shaping the Future of Cybercrime). As the speed of technological advancement continues to outpace the development of protective measures, there is a growing fear that rogue AI could exploit system weaknesses before cybersecurity systems can adapt. This raises important questions: can we truly safeguard AI-driven systems, and who is responsible when they fail?

The Role of Governance

Governance frameworks for AI are emerging, with some governments introducing regulations to manage its development and deployment. However, many countries, particularly in the developing world, are lagging. The laws are in place, but enforcement is often weak, and there's a growing risk of exploitation by malicious actors who operate outside regulated environments. This creates a dangerous environment where technology might be used irresponsibly, putting consumers and citizens at risk.

What happens to those who use these technologies with malicious intent? Who is protecting the everyday person from these threats? (See: AI governance trends: How regulation, collaboration, and skills demand are shaping the industry | World Economic Forum).

The Big Picture: Who Bears the Burden of Responsibility?

As the battle between cybercriminals and cybersecurity experts intensifies, it's essential for us, as citizens, workers, and consumers, to question our increasing reliance on technology. At some point, we may need to set limits on its use. Drawing clear lines about where we allow technology to intervene is becoming one of the most important decisions we must collectively make.

Governments must take a proactive approach to engage in this conversation and make decisions from a strategic, long-term perspective. Unfortunately, with many governments struggling to keep up with the complexities of AI and cybersecurity, it’s unlikely these issues will be addressed without widespread public demand.

Until we can develop more secure systems—an effort that could take years—citizen education and awareness are crucial. As much as we focus on the benefits of technology, we must also devote equal attention to its vulnerabilities and potential harms. This means evaluating risks and lobbying for technology adoption that considers both the upside and the downside. Only by carefully weighing these factors can we make informed decisions about where and how to use AI.

It’s essential to involve a broad range of perspectives in this debate. We must consider the impact on all people, including the elderly, those with cognitive challenges, and communities in regions with limited resources. AI development cannot be driven by convenience and profit alone; it must prioritize people’s well-being. The metrics for AI adoption should not focus solely on efficiency or growth but should reflect democratic values and social responsibility. We need to create spaces where citizens, not just tech companies, have a voice in determining the direction of AI’s adoption. After all, technology is not an inevitable path in every domain; it must be navigated thoughtfully, through democratic processes, with ongoing review and adjustment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we must educate ourselves on how these technologies will affect our work and lives and contribute meaningfully to conversations within our communities and workplaces. As AI continues to evolve, we need to consider how it impacts different groups of people—those who are less tech-savvy, the elderly, those with disabilities, and people in lower-income countries or under-resourced organizations. It's crucial that AI development puts people at its centre, not just the convenience of a few or the profits of tech companies.

Adoption and usage should not be the only goals; they certainly shouldn’t be the most important ones. We must have the ability to change course, to reverse or redirect AI adoption when necessary—not as dictated by capitalists or tech enthusiasts, but through collective decision-making by everyday people. Only through thoughtful evaluation, democratic consultation, and regular review can we ensure AI’s integration into society is beneficial and safe. When it comes to technology adoption, let’s make sure it’s not just a one-way street.

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Final Notes

• Consider how AI and other technologies are impacting your life, your work, and the society around you.
• Who is influencing decisions on technology adoption in your area? Do you have a way to communicate your questions and concerns to them?

#artificialintelligence #AI #cybersecurity #technology 

Sustainability and the Role of the Individual in Addressing Related Concerns

I was asked by LinkedIn to share an article or video on what sparked my interest in sustainability and how individuals can contribute: #GreenerTogether #LinkedInNewsIndia. 

So, here it is; this is why sustainability sparked my interest and how I think individuals can contribute to the agenda.

Quality of life is rapidly deteriorating, with declining availability of good air quality, nutrition, and other essentials. While many accumulate luxurious possessions and enjoy extravagant experiences, the majority of the planet suffers from a lack of basic needs. Our health is at increased risk, and as we become aware of the implications of global warming, climate change, and pollution, we realize that our very existence is also at stake. Animals, who cannot advocate for themselves, silently endure the consequences of our excesses, perishing in forest fires, oil spills, and warming oceans. This reflects an alarming trend of increasing selfishness and insensitivity in society. Pair this with the rise of extreme climate events and chronic and zoonotic diseases, alongside reduced biodiversity inside and outside the human body, which is essential for survival, and we are faced with an ecosystem in crisis. There is an increasing number of fatalities because of these crises each year. This trajectory cannot continue; escalating selfishness threatens our ability to live peacefully, as evidenced by high crime rates, intense competition, stressful workplaces, rampant opportunism and corruption.

What we are witnessing is a result of unbridled capitalism, which has driven us toward a culture of one-upmanship and conflict among individuals, groups, and nations. To counter this downward spiral, we must develop a post-capitalist, environmentally friendly, and people-centric economic model. Those in power, who benefit from maintaining the status quo, are unlikely to propose genuine solutions. Therefore, it is up to individuals and groups to unite and propose well-developed ideas at both micro and macro levels to address this unsustainable way of life. This will require creative thinking, problem-solving, and building awareness on a large scale. We need to mobilize a critical mass and ensure that people with the right value-set aligned to sustainability occupy decision-making positions to drive meaningful change. 

While we acknowledge that a genuine solution to the sustainability crisis remains elusive, many piecemeal ideas exist—both expressed and unexpressed. These include legislation (like banning single-use plastics, limiting oil drilling, preventing deforestation, and enhancing effluent treatment), educational initiatives, (such as free environmental and sustainability courses and student eco-projects), alongside concepts around the circular economy (like recycling and rainwater harvesting). However, many initiatives remain ineffectual, often undermined by insincere implementation, leading to accusations of greenwashing. What we need are earnest platforms to enable these initiatives and identify actionable incisive ideas and ingenious individuals to develop meaningful solutions for local and global deployment.

Governments will not act unless it serves their interests, so citizens in democracies must demand more from their leaders. Those businesses and governments that harm the planet will continue to spread misinformation for their benefit; conscientious individuals must counter these narratives. Addressing these challenges requires collective action; otherwise, there is little chance of any meaningful confrontation with
the powerful, who wield more money, resources, and control. We should also recognize the potential for individuals to expose transgressions by businesses and governments, inspiring others to earnestly pursue sustainability.

I have several ideas that can contribute to the solution, but I have yet to find a defined channel for gaining serious stakeholder attention. I can envision countless others with brilliant, workable ideas facing similar obstacles in expressing them and gaining traction. To address this, in addition to platforms for discussing solutions, we must ensure green financing is more accessible at the grassroots level. This includes increasing funding options for impactful and scalable initiatives while protecting our green entrepreneurs, encouraging them to share their ideas and fully commit to their implementation.

I firmly believe that the problem is surmountable, even with the urgent timelines. However, we need substantial backing from committed groups, along with the necessary resources to maintain independent control over these initiatives and prevent them from becoming lost in bureaucratic processes associated with crony capitalism.

Individual and collective activism is central to addressing the sustainability challenge. Unless changes are adopted by the majority of the global population to counteract harmful practices, we will struggle to find solutions. Every individual and initiative therefore matters, and we must treat them as such. So while we work to encourage participation through education, and enablement, the key questions we have to get everyone asking themselves are: Am I aware enough? Am I on the right side of this? Am I doing what is needed? And can I do more? So, as a reader of this, why don't you give it a go?

#capitalism #sustainability #climatechange #biodiversity #climate #globalwarming #greenwashing