The Recap
In a recent episode of KBKast, Corien Vermaak, Head of cybersecurity from Cisco ANZ, joined host Karissa Breen to discuss the conversation of AI in and cybersecurity. The interview shed light on the opportunities and ethical considerations presented by AI in the cybersecurity domain, providing valuable insights for both professionals and general audiences.
The Changes
The discussion commenced with an exploration of AI’s evolution, from predicting and recommending to creating, thus enabling proactive and autonomous cybersecurity solutions. Vermaak expounded on the potential for generative AI and natural language interaction to augment resources and streamline processes in cybersecurity, recalling the pivotal role of AI in early threat detection and response.
Vermaak commented,
“If you look at the development of predictive algorithms, it dates back to the 1950’s… 1951 saw the first academic application of a chessboard software that, Dietrich Prinz built, and it was just an algorithm to predict the next move in a chess game.”
A key highlight of the conversation was Vermaak’s debunking of the myth that AI is a new technology, instead emphasising its historical roots and the current paradigm shift towards more creative AI. She went on to say,
“What we’re seeing now is the leap to the creative AI, so the generative AI.”
Addressing concerns about job loss due to AI, she demonstrated the potential for skill augmentation and process streamlining, thereby dispelling apprehensions about massive employment disruptions.
Vermaak expressed optimism about the gradual normalisation of AI in everyday life, likening its integration to that of the Internet. Notably, the discussion looked into the technical aspects of cybersecurity, with insights into how AI can detect and respond to potential threats such as rogue machines and malware, potentially averting major incidents like ransomware attacks.
A Focus On Implications
Ethical considerations were at the forefront of the conversation, with Vermaak drawing parallels between AI decision making and legal reasoning based on the reasonability test. The Executive reiterated the need for accountability and testing of trained algorithms for fair and ethical behaviour in AI development, sparking crucial reflections on the ethical implications of AI in real-life scenarios.
Vermaak went on to say,
“And as an early technology adopter, I can’t wait for self driving cars that are 100 percent autonomous because I think I think that once the algorithms are tested and pressure tested correctly, the margin for error is less.
The conversation was an exploration of the societal readiness for AI, as evidenced by Cisco’s AI readiness study, which indicated a marked awareness of the lacking skills for AI development and adoption. The significance of peripheral skills, such as project management and change management, in the ethical and responsible adoption of AI which signals a potential shift in the job market.
