< Previous30 Business Link www.blmforum.net SECURITY G enerative AI, a subset of artificial intelligence techniques, epitomises the innovative potential of AI in creating new content across various mediums, including images, text, audio, and videos. At the forefront of generative AI are techniques like Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), where two neural networks (a generator and a discriminator) engage each other to produce content that mirrors reality. These applications span a wide array of uses, from generating lifelike images to crafting coherent textual narratives and even generating musical compositions. However, the potential misuse of generative AI is great. The creation of fake content, such as deepfake videos, poses a significant risk, potentially enabling widespread deception and manipulation of its audience. Thus, ethical considerations and the responsible utilisation of generative AI are imperative to mitigate such risks. It is for these reasons that generative AI serves as a double-edged sword when it comes to cybersecurity. On one hand, it can facilitate the creation of synthetic data for training models and enhancing security measures. On the other hand, malicious actors can exploit generative AI to craft convincing phishing emails and perpetrate deepfake social engineering attacks, amplifying the need for robust defence mechanisms and detection protocols. As it’s always learning, the increasing sophistication of AI poses a significant danger to create progressively complex cyber threats. An example of this might be the deployment of AI to craft personalised spear-phishing messages, tailored to mimic internal organisational communications. This means that traditional tell-tale signs of phishing attacks, such as misspelt email addresses, will become harder to spot. The everyday use of AI- powered tools like ChatGPT underscores the transformative potential of AI in various domains, including software development. While such tools offer exciting opportunities, they also introduce new avenues for exploitation, potentially enabling the creation of sophisticated malware with minimal human intervention. Experts warn of the potential for AI-powered attacks to scale at unprecedented speeds and complexities, exploiting vulnerabilities in cloud infrastructure and leveraging geopolitical tensions for nefarious purposes. Moreover, AI can optimise existing attack techniques, such as ransomware and phishing, by improving communications with native or colloquial The impact of artificial intelligence on cybersecurity Divisive as ever, as AI technologies advance at a rapid pace, so too does their potential for use in cybercrime. Yet, AI also stands as a powerful tool to recognise and intercept the very cybercrimes it can create. 32 Áwww.blmforum.net Business Link 31 SECURITY © stock.adobe.com/Mysterylab32 Business Link www.blmforum.net SECURITY phrasing to make them more convincing. As demonstrated in recent spates of celebrity hoaxes, deepfake technology is of particular concern. Attackers may impersonate high-ranking executives and orchestrate fraudulent transactions or disseminate damaging misinformation. This could be used to support AI manipulated data such as fabricated stock portfolios, undermining trust in financial markets and corporate reputations. Addressing the challenge of cybersecurity requires a collaborative effort involving businesses, policymakers, and AI developers. Policymakers hold a crucial role in establishing robust legal frameworks conducive to cybersecurity best practices and talent development. At the governmental level, legislators are pivotal in modelling regulatory landscapes to effectively address emerging cyber threats. This involves shaping legislation and governing frameworks which incentivise cybersecurity best practices by organisations, whilst holding malicious actors accountable. Additionally, fostering international cooperation is crucial in combating this emerging type of cybercrime, as organised cybercrime threats often transcend borders. Where AI is to be used to enhance cybersecurity, governing frameworks must also account for bias in AI algorithms, data privacy concerns, and the potential for AI-driven attacks. Transparency, accountability, and fairness must be prioritised in the development and deployment of AI-powered www.blmforum.net Business Link 33 SECURITY cybersecurity solutions to ensure that they serve the collective interest. Industry partners, including technology companies, cybersecurity firms, and critical infrastructure operators, must prioritise investments in cybersecurity capabilities. This includes continuous monitoring of the use of AI-powered security solutions, conducting regular risk assessments, and enhancing incident response capabilities. Promoting a culture of cybersecurity awareness and resilience within organisations is essential to empower employees to recognise and mitigate potential threats. Fostering a culture of innovation and creativity within the cybersecurity community can drive the development of novel defensive strategies and techniques. Businesses, of every size, should begin significant investments in cybersecurity infrastructure and encourage a security- first culture through regular audits and incident response planning. Integrating AI into cybersecurity strategies provides a potent means of identifying and mitigating threats, necessitating developers to design systems resilient against misuse. Techniques such as differential privacy and federated learning can safeguard sensitive data whilst facilitating collaborative research efforts to stay ahead of evolving threats. As AI integrates further into daily life, ensuring the evolution of cybersecurity strategies is paramount. Although the threats posed by AI-enabled cybercrime are significant, the opportunities presented by AI in combating such threats are equally substantial. Organisations should therefore explore the advantages of using AI in security and automation but remain informed on advancements and deficiencies with a still-developing product. AI should not currently be the only or primary form of security deployed due to its ability to be manipulated. The emphasis on collaboration to creating effective AI cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Experts are citing the need to create an “ecosystem” where each element supports the other. This ecosystem comprises various stakeholders, including government agencies, industry partners, academia, and cybersecurity professionals. Collaboration and information sharing among these stakeholders are critical, as cyber threats remain broadly the same across organisational and sectoral boundaries. Academic institutions also play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and advancing cutting-edge research in AI-driven cyber defence. By offering interdisciplinary cybersecurity education programs and fostering collaboration between academia and industry, universities contribute to building a talent pipeline equipped to tackle emerging cyber threats. In conclusion, the intersection of AI and cybersecurity presents both unprecedented challenges and opportunities. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, investing in cybersecurity capabilities, and embracing AI-driven innovations responsibly, we can navigate the complexities of the digital environment and secure a safer and more resilient future for cyberspace. © stock.adobe.com/Gorodenkoff34 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY A s businesses take a closer look at their operations in order to improve their sustainability — helping save the planet, reduce costs, and attract more customers — there is a place on the road to Net Zero for their corporate hospitality to be greener too. In an increasingly eco-conscious world, environmentally friendly initiatives should be added to event checklists, and with some careful consideration as an occasion is planned, your team outing, product launch, conference, seminar, or other event can offer a sustainable experience. By making the right choices, no matter how big or small, the environmental impact of your event can be decreased. A simple start might see the selection of a sustainable venue. When researching locations enquire about their environmental credentials, whether they source green energy and use energy- efficient equipment and lighting, ask how they handle waste, whether they have a recycling programme, what sustainable materials they utilise, whether the venue is close to public transport for diminishing CO2 emissions from guests, and if it has electric vehicle charging points. Some venues for example take part in food redistribution schemes, which see unused food donated and repurposed, and have their own stringent strategy on sustainability across water and power, offsetting your carbon emissions. Firms can also collaborate with sustainable vendors when organising an event, asking prospective suppliers similar questions to venues. Ask what environmentally friendly options they offer, if items such as decor are reusable, where they source food from. Considering the last of these, local food sourcing is often promoted at events today, illustrating a commitment to the local area, reducing food’s travel and subsequent carbon footprint, while going organic presents a chance to cut down the association of your event with damaging toxic chemicals. Menus could be enhanced with responsibly reared and A green event Sustainability is only becoming more important to businesses, and with a few tweaks corporate events can meet their greener expectations. www.blmforum.net Business Link 35 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY caught meat and fish, or avoiding meals that use ingredients like beef, which are associated with a more negative climate impact. Moreover, the type of meal selected may make an event more sustainable, with sit down meals generally creating less waste than buffets. Returning to decor, renting or seeking out upcycled items is a green choice, again preventing waste, while the technology you hire can also be chosen based on its sustainability, such as employing low energy LED walls over projection, which consume around half the power by comparison. Creating a paper-free occasion is © stock.adobe.com/ennady Danilkin © stock.adobe.com/santoelia 36 Á36 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY additionally sensible; turn to digital invitations and e-tickets to shrink waste, which can also make access to events more streamlined, reduce costs with no postage and printing required, and enable a larger audience to be reached, quicker. Paper waste could be further cut with digital event agendas, maps and signage, and not using paper plates, cups, or paper napkins. Forbidding single use plastics from your event is another option, and providing clearly marked waste and recycling bins throughout an event is good practice to ensure it is not making a major contribution to landfill. Meanwhile choosing a virtual event where appropriate means a minimised carbon footprint. Considering transportation, accommodation, food production, and venue energy, running an event virtually significantly reduces carbon emissions from myriad sources. Finally, for gifts and goodie bags for www.blmforum.net Business Link 37 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY attendees to take away, a key marketing tool, avoid plastic in packaging and the items themselves, and/or opt for things made of recycled materials. This can apply to classic notebooks, clothes, reusable bottles, and other merch. Avoid using any gift that is likely to be used only once or thrown away. As businesses and the public become more eco-conscious, the demand for sustainable events is expanding. There are numerous benefits to holding green events, from lowering your environmental impact and living up to company commitments, to meeting stakeholder/customer expectations and values, improving brand image, and gaining an edge on competitors. With a few adjustments, greener corporate hospitality can be easily achieved, and with all your efforts, ensure to let attendees know about your actions in pre- and post-event communications and share this with a wider audience online. © stock.adobe.com/pressmasterYour next motor As we approach the midway point of the year, we look at what may be coming in the near future. Dacia Duster 38 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINKDacia Duster Dacia has reinvented Duster’s design. It still has the striking looks that propelled the previous generations to the top – especially its solid, sturdy SUV character – but pushes them further with Dacia’s new, distinctive design. The All-New Dacia Duster opens the next chapter in the story of a model that has grown into a standard-setter in the market. It is an all-round icon, encapsulating everything the Dacia brand stands for: ‘Robust and Outdoor’, ‘Essential but Cool’, and ‘Eco- Smart’. All-New Duster is the first production model to use Starkle®, a new material invented by Dacia’s engineers. It contains up to 20% reused polypropylene and is entirely paint-free, meaning the carbon footprint from its production process is smaller. The side underbody shields, wheel-arch guards, hallmarks, triangles on the front bumper, and rear shield tail are made of Starkle®. And making the front and rear skid plates with a dyed-in-the-mass material also limits the amount of paint used in the process. www.blmforum.net Business Link 39 AUTOLINK 40 ÁNext >