Organizations must change to face emerging threats related to artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, 5G, blockchain, and quantum computing, among others.
Technologies open up a world of possibilities for creating and optimizing business models, and beyond that, they transform our everyday lives. However, emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, 5G, Edge Computing, and Blockchain, mentioning the most prominent ones, also bring a big challenge: how to secure them against cyberattacks.
Not that these technologies bring new vulnerabilities, but cutting-edge technologies eventually expose vulnerabilities. For example, there are cases of people asking ChatGPT - one of the hottest artificial intelligence systems today - to generate malicious code to hack an organization. Therefore, in addition to the vulnerabilities that a tool in search of maturity may have, it can also consolidate itself as a new source of threats to other systems.
We often see that the devices are not parameterized correctly in the Internet of Things. For example, users maintain the factory default password, leaving the door open for any cybercriminal to access. With 5G technology, the challenge is even tougher. This is why resilience to new attacks is essential to promote its use and drive its adoption.
And then there is quantum computing, whose processing power will be capable of "cracking" any encryption. Although this day is not so close, companies must act because, at some point, companies that cannot adapt to post-quantum encryption structures will have their data exposed.
Providing Resilience
Organizations and governments should work together to implement these new technologies to add value and improve people's lives and on how to secure these technologies to guarantee their safe use. The tools can themselves be used as allies to prevent possible attacks. For example, artificial intelligence can predict patterns and detect threats in advance. Standards such as ISO 27001, NIST, and ISO 27701 or industry-specific standards (such as those available in the banking industry) help define controls, processes, and new roles and assign new responsibilities to the existing functions.
Although emerging technologies do not - at first glance - negatively impact cybersecurity, it is necessary to remain alert. Lab research and development teams focus on various innovative use cases. However, security strategies are often evaluated late when these innovative tools are widely used.
Cybersecurity experts need to develop a strategic plan to ensure the secure utilization of these technologies while effectively managing associated risks.