Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Emerging Technologies: A Wake-Up Call for Cyber Resilience?

The adoption of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and IoT is fast proving to be essential for business growth and societal advancement. While these technologies helped organizations streamline operations and drive innovation, they also exposed organizations to an expanding cyberthreat landscape. The World Economic Forum, in its white paper "Navigating Cyber Resilience in the Age of Emerging Technologies: Collaborative Solutions for Complex Challenges," urged organizations to shift from a "secure-by-design" to a "resilience-by-design" model - an approach enabling systems to withstand and recover from inevitable attacks.

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Emerging Technologies and Growing Complexity of Cyberthreats

In response to current digital transformation demands, organizations are integrating emerging technologies at an unprecedented rate. Despite their numerous benefits, securing these technologies is challenging for technology leaders. The white paper identified more than 200 critical and emerging technologies reshaping the digital ecosystem. Beyond AI and IoT, technologies such as blockchain, biotechnology and quantum computing are rising on the hype cycle, introducing new cybersecurity risks.

The interconnected nature of these technologies expands the attack surface and introduces new vulnerabilities. The number of connected devices worldwide is expected to reach $32 billion by 2030, significantly increasing the potential entry points for cybercriminals. Each of these devices becomes a potential threat, requiring organizations to implement robust security frameworks and constantly monitor these systems to mitigate risks. "The proliferation of devices, particularly IoT, makes security and monitoring non-negotiable," the white paper warned.

AI and Quantum: Managing Dual-Use Technologies

These technologies have dual purposes. AI is transforming businesses across sectors by enhancing decision-making and automating processes, yet it introduces significant risks. AI systems have proved vulnerable to sophisticated attacks, including data poisoning and model manipulation, where bad actors can compromise the integrity of AI training data.

Quantum computing, while promising breakthrough computational power, presents grave cybersecurity risks. It threatens to break current encryption standards, and quantum computers can potentially decrypt data collected now for future access. "The threat of quantum computing underscores the need for quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions to secure our digital future," the white paper stated.

Although quantum computing is in the early stages of development, the associated threat has led government bodies and enterprises to invest in quantum-safe cryptographic methods. The National Institute of Standards and Technology spearheaded a global initiative to standardize quantum-resistant encryption. IBM and Microsoft are working on hybrid encryption methods, while quantum key distribution is being explored as a solution to secure communications. China is developing a national quantum communication network linking government agencies, financial institutions and critical infrastructure, with plans to launch quantum satellites into low Earth orbit by 2025.

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: A Persistent Challenge

Global software supply chains have been facing mounting pressure for the past four to five years. These interconnected supply chains - spanning multiple regions - have become prime targets for cybercriminals. The International Information and Engineering Technology Association reported that 85% to 97% of software development code comes from reused open-source code frameworks, third-party software repositories, and APIs, creating vulnerabilities throughout development cycles.

The WEF white paper underscored the importance of securing entire supply chains - from hardware components to software updates - to protect against attacks with cascading effects across sectors. The SolarWinds breach demonstrated how compromised software can provide a backdoor into thousands of organizations.

In this environment, adopting a zero trust architecture and securing IPs are necessary hygiene-related steps organizations must take to reduce the risks associated with supply chain vulnerabilities. CIOs and CISOs need to implement rigorous, continuous validation of supply chain components to prevent single points of failure.

The Skills Gap and Regulatory Challenges

The cybersecurity industry faces a critical shortage of skilled professionals capable of managing emerging technology security. Cybersecurity Ventures projected a shortfall of 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals by 2025. Gartner predicted this skills gap would cause more than 50% of significant incidents by 2025. This shortage is particularly acute in terms of quantum computing, blockchain and AI expertise.

Regulatory frameworks struggle to match technological advancement speeds. Current regulations fall short of adequately addressing the risks posed by emerging technology. The white paper advocated for flexible, adaptive regulatory approaches evolving alongside innovations. "Governance gaps create vulnerabilities that are difficult to close without international cooperation and agile regulatory frameworks."

From "Security by Design" to "Resilience by Design"

The WEF white paper proposed moving beyond conventional "security by design" approaches focused on embedding security features into new technologies. Instead, it championed "resilience by design" strategies that focus on system recovery capabilities alongside breach prevention.

This new approach integrates flexibility, adaptability and continuous monitoring throughout technology development and deployment, ensuring critical systems can maintain operational continuity and recover quickly after breaches.

Case Studies: Practical Applications

Several organizations demonstrated successful integration of emerging technologies into cybersecurity strategies.

Schneider Electric developed a cybersecurity strategy embedding AI and quantum encryption into its operations while maintaining security through continuous validation. Their cybersecurity technology team is dedicated to protecting core and emerging technologies while using generative AI to enhance PLC code generation, balancing technological advancement with security measures.

The United Arab Emirates established itself as an emerging technology leader, incorporating AI, blockchain, 5G and quantum computing into national infrastructure. Through the Dubai Electronic Security Center and public-private partnerships, the UAE created a cybersecurity framework promoting innovation while maintaining threat resilience. Their blockchain strategy aims to transition all government transactions to blockchain by 2025.

Singapore cybersecurity strategy focuses on collaboration, research and supply chain risk management. Their cybersecurity talent, innovation and growth plan fosters innovative security solutions while developing a skilled workforce. The critical information infrastructure supply chain program provides risk management guidelines, highlighting Singapore's commitment to international cooperation and innovative frameworks.

Both private and public sectors are mobilizing to tackle security risks, employing collaborative, strategic frameworks to secure their digital futures.