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Microsoft’s Head of Responsible AI Highlights Cybersecurity Risks and Benefits at HSBC Summit
Generative AI technology can enhance defense mechanisms but also push the capabilities of cyberattacks to new heights. AI can generate harmful content and code, making systems more susceptible to new types of attacks. Microsoft is utilising AI to help security analysts assess threat signals and respond more effectively.
In a panel discussion at the Global Investment Summit organised by HSBC in Hong Kong, Sarah Bird, Microsoft's Chief Product Officer of Responsible AI, emphasised the potential cybersecurity dangers and advantages of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology. While AI can enhance defense mechanisms, it also has the power to push the capabilities of cyberattacks to new heights.
Bird acknowledged that AI is an incredibly powerful tool, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity for threat actors. She cautioned that AI can generate harmful content and code, making systems more vulnerable to new types of attacks such as prompt injection attacks and jailbreaking. These vulnerabilities highlight the need for organisations to learn how to responsibly and safely harness the power of AI.
However, Bird also emphasised that AI can be both the cause of and solution to tackling these cybersecurity challenges. Microsoft is currently utilising AI to assist security analysts in assessing the number of threat signals in an attack, enabling the company to respond more effectively.
One of the challenges in adopting generative AI tools is the varying regulations across different industries and countries. Mark McDonald, the Head of Data Science and Analytics for HSBC's global research arm, highlighted this issue during the panel discussion. Compliance with disparate rules becomes increasingly difficult for global organisations operating in multiple regions.
The tech community is calling for more clarity and consistency in the regulation of emerging technologies. Bird stressed the importance of regulators considering the entire ecosystem when formulating new regulations, as generative AI has applications in various sectors, including highly regulated industries like financial services and healthcare.
However, Bird also acknowledged that regulations are evolving rapidly and taking different approaches. Educating regulators who may not have firsthand knowledge of the technology is crucial. Bird expressed a sense of urgency in educating people about what works and what doesn't in the AI space.
Generative AI technology can enhance defense mechanisms but also push the capabilities of cyberattacks to new heights.
AI can generate harmful content and code, making systems more susceptible to new types of attacks.
Microsoft is utilising AI to help security analysts assess threat signals and respond more effectively.
Source: SCMP