In conversation with Anudeep Parhar, Chief Operating Officer of Digital at Entrust as he discusses the impacts of data poisoning on AI systems, AI related threats and safeguarding digital identities.
As AI is changing the way we deal with IT, how do you view its role as a driver of digital transformation within businesses today?
AI plays a pivotal role in driving digital transformation within businesses by revolutionizing how companies utilize and analyze data. It enables automation, predictive analytics, and the ability to derive actionable insights from vast amounts of information. AI-powered technologies streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and offer personalized customer experiences, thus accelerating digital transformation initiatives.
With all it’s incredible benefits, AI can also become a threat through being used by bad actors. This is why personifying AI and understanding its mindset is of utmost importance today. By exploring the potential threats posed by data poisoning and the critical need for adaptive security, we can better prepare ourselves for any security challenges that lie ahead.
Can you explain the concept of “data poisoning” and its implications on AI systems?
Data poisoning refers to a malicious attempt to manipulate training data used by AI systems. This manipulation aims to deceive AI algorithms during their learning process, leading to compromised performance or incorrect predictions. Implications of data poisoning include misleading AI models, potentially leading to erroneous decisions, security breaches, or privacy violations.
By proactively addressing data poisoning risks and implementing robust preventive measures, businesses can safeguard their data integrity, ensure accurate decision-making, and maintain trust among stakeholders. Here are some ways in which this can be done:
- Data Quality Control: Implement robust data validation and quality control measures to detect anomalies, outliers, or suspicious patterns in datasets. Regularly audit and clean datasets to ensure accuracy and reliability.
- Model Validation and Testing: Thoroughly test models for resilience against poisoned or manipulated data. Incorporate adversarial testing techniques to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen the model’s resistance to attacks.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Implement stringent security protocols to safeguard data against unauthorised access or tampering. Utilise encryption, access controls, and secure data transmission methods to protect datasets from manipulation.
- Diverse Data Sources: Utilise diverse and varied data sources to minimise the impact of poisoning attacks. Incorporating data from multiple reliable sources can help in identifying inconsistencies and anomalies more effectively.
- Regular Training and Awareness: Conduct regular training sessions to educate employees about data security threats, including data poisoning. Foster a culture of vigilance and awareness to empower employees in identifying and reporting suspicious activities.
How big of an impact does AI have in the cybersecurity space?
AI has a significant impact on cybersecurity, both in terms of defending against cyber threats and in the methods attackers use. AI-powered cybersecurity systems bolster defense mechanisms by identifying patterns, anomalies, and potential threats in real-time. However, cybercriminals are also leveraging AI to enhance their attacks, making it essential for cybersecurity professionals to continuously evolve their strategies and defenses. At Entrust, we are on a mission to continue innovating and developing systems using the latest AI models, in order to combat the latest AI threats.
In the context of safeguarding digital identities, how can businesses and individuals protect their personal data from cyber threats?
At Entrust, our north star is the zero-trust approach. This means verifying anything and everything trying to connect to the system, not just blindly trusting entities based on their location or prior authentication. This principle governs the way we help businesses and individuals safeguard their data and ultimately keeps the world moving safely by enabling trusted experiences for identities, payments, and digital infrastructure.
By adopting a zero-trust approach, both businesses and individuals can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches, protect sensitive information, and uphold trust and integrity in their digital interactions. Entrust’s zero trust approach aligns global and local compliance regulations, as well as upholds a security mindset that continuously verifies and validates access, ultimately creating a safer digital environment for all.
In line with UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031, how can businesses prepare to be a part of the undergoing revolution around smart technologies?
The UAE is a fast paced and digitally thriving economy, and it is increasingly becoming dominated by AI, as it rushes to tally with the global pace of digital transformation. To align with the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031, businesses can prepare by investing in more AI research and development, fostering partnerships with AI solution providers, upskilling their workforce with AI-related skills, complying with ethical and regulatory frameworks, and adopting AI-driven innovations across various operational aspects to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
