By Kelly Allen
10 years ago, when I started my career in cybersecurity, it was Machine learning, and now everyone seems to be talking about AI. But I have to say, I am desensitised by it all and it’s becoming a little, shall I say... boring.
WAIT, before you throw things at the screen with disgust, don’t get me wrong, AI is incredibly empowering. But I don’t see it as a threat to my career or what makes me, well, me.
As AI continues to reshape industries, I truly believe a new paradox has emerged: the more advanced AI becomes, the more vital human skills have become. Lateral thinking, complex problem-solving, and interpersonal communication are so important and recent research shows that these abilities are now the most sought-after in every sector, worldwide, as the human touch becomes indispensable in an increasingly automated world.
AI and the Need for Diverse Thinkers
This is more evident in cybersecurity, where the combination of AI's power and human ingenuity is essential to tackling emerging threats.
I have always felt like an imposter, never understanding why I wasn’t like everyone else.
Throughout my life, simple tasks like riding a bike, being on time, feeling rejected, always being told “you are just too much” and in the next breath why are you so lazy has been my day-to-day running commentary. Heaven forbid if I made a spelling mistake or used the wrong where, were, or we’re.
When I was diagnosed with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia at university you would think it would have been my ah ha moment but in reality, I cried. Correction, I sobbed.
I remember thinking I am not thick, you do not need to give me a yellow special screen, and do you ever want me to have friends? Having a “companion” in all my classes to take notes for me was not going to help me fit in at University.
Understanding how my brain works has been a continuous journey and I have recently been on my own ADHD diagnosis journey, but unlike my 20-year-old self at university, this time I have realised I am far from stupid or thick - I am unique, and I have a superpower! My mind is diverse, and I am special making me perfect for tackling the bad guy online.
With AI revolutionising how we identify and address risks, there’s an urgent need for diverse minds to come together. As AI takes on more analytical and predictive roles, the role of human creativity, empathy, and ethical reasoning becomes more important than ever. Beautiful people and their beautiful minds—bringing unique perspectives, experiences, and thought processes—are the real assets in this AI-powered world.
In an environment where cyber-attacks grow more sophisticated and where AI is used both for defence and malicious intent, our human skills can help us stay one step ahead. Diverse thought offers innovative ways to look at problems, disrupt conventional approaches, and create cybersecurity solutions that benefit everyone. We need thinkers from all walks of life, from different cultural backgrounds and professions, to approach challenges holistically. Cybersecurity is no longer an industry just for white collared middle-aged men who had the benefit of having access to a computer in the early 80s.
Should We Regulate Access to AI?
This leads us to a critical question: should access to powerful generative AI models be regulated? AI tools capable of generating sophisticated text, video, and images can be harnessed for good, but they also pose significant risks when used for malicious purposes—such as spreading disinformation or manipulating public opinion. However, we may already be too late to fully control who has access to these tools. As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, the challenge lies in balancing the incredible potential of AI with the ethical responsibility of ensuring its safe use.
My marketing team create AI-generated versions of myself for the trailers for our podcast if I have been busy or unwell. As marketers is it our responsibility to ensure we are telling the truth (ai generated badge?) not what sells?
Should governments and regulatory bodies step in, or should the onus be on tech companies to self-regulate? Perhaps more importantly, can regulation keep up with the pace of AI development, especially when global cooperation on technology governance remains a challenge? This is all giving my brain a headache.
The Environmental Dilemma: The Hidden Cost of AI
Another pressing issue is the environmental impact of AI. While it’s no secret that AI can optimise processes, increase efficiency, and drive innovation, the development of AI models requires vast amounts of computational power. This, in turn, consumes significant energy resources, contributing to the growing carbon footprint of the tech industry.
As we continue to push the boundaries of AI capabilities, are we considering the environmental toll? Big tech companies often highlight AI’s potential to solve global problems, but is this overshadowing the environmental damage that comes with it? Ethically and morally, should we prioritise the advancement of AI at the expense of the planet’s health, or should we pause to assess and mitigate the environmental risks?
A Call to Action for a Safer Future
It’s a lot and we stand at a crossroads. AI has the power to enhance human potential, but it also poses risks that require careful consideration. In the context of cybersecurity, the combination of AI and human skill is essential for a safer future. The time has come to embrace diverse minds and perspectives to solve the complex challenges posed by cyber threats.
As we move forward, it’s critical to think about the kind of future we want to create. Will we use AI responsibly, ensuring that human creativity and ethics guide its development? Will we regulate its access to prevent harm, while also addressing the environmental impact? These are the questions we must answer to thrive in an AI-driven world, ensuring a safer, more sustainable future for all.
By leading with these considerations, we can harness the full power of AI while also ensuring that the best of human qualities—diverse thinking, ethical judgment, and empathy—remain at the forefront of our efforts.
I for one believe like any great film there is dark and light with an unsung hero that saves the day. The plot with have twists, turns and hard decisions but I am very much the optimist that AI will be there to empower my beautiful, muddled mind, and I will be using its power to unleash the full force of my operating system to protect people in this ever evolve cybersecurity environment.
