With rapid advancements in technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain, comes a new era of business we could not have even imagined a decade ago. However, these near-limitless opportunities ahead are paired with first-of-a-kind risks. It is a reality that necessitates 360-degree security that goes beyond data protection. Working securely in this new age will require iterative cybersecurity acumen from all employees, and vigilance for evolving threats beyond simple phishing emails. Cybersecurity is no longer a ‘set it and forget it’ measure satisfied with a firewall — it is a state of mind with contingency protocols.
At Automation Alley's recent cybersecurity roundtable, we discussed the pressing issue of cybersecurity in the age of AI and IoT. Our roundtable participants, comprised of experts from various industries, share their insights on the current situation and what we can expect in the future.
A Look at the Current Cyber Threat Landscape
What makes good cybersecurity today and what made good cybersecurity ten years ago are two vastly different things. Back in 2014, it was all about having the right firewalls, anti-virus software, and strong passwords. While these are still important aspects of cybersecurity now, they are no longer enough to protect against what may lurk in the coding shadows.
AI mimicry has advanced tenfold in the past year alone. Before, a common cyberattack via email mimicked a boss or colleague’s text communication demanding a wire transfer or money order. Now AI can mimic their voice, their writing style, and their face at a video conference. The power of AI to threaten cybersecurity is already on display: Recently, a person utilizing multiple AI deep fakes of board members at a fake company board meeting convinced a finance worker to wire $25 million to a fraudulent account.
And it is not just small companies that are falling for evolving cyber threats. It's estimated that more than 2,200 cyber attacks happen to organizations ranging from healthcare to retail each and every day. Manufacturing is among the hardest hit sectors, having faced the highest share of cyber-attacks among leading industries worldwide in 2022. The third quarter of 2023 saw a 15% increase in incidents from the year prior and that trend is only expected to continue as time goes on.
“We’re all connected and the tech in our advanced manufacturing lines only grows bigger and bigger, the analytics as well become bigger and bigger,” said Michael Baker, Kelly VP and Chief Information Security Officer. “We’ve seen attacks that used to take days to accomplish come down to minutes when they hijack a machine.”
Read the full feature article in our Integr8 Playbook, “Creating a Secure Future: Navigating Cybersecurity Resilience,” here.
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