The Future of Work Friday (vol 17.) Security

The Future of Work Friday (vol 17.) Security

Hey there, it's Dan Sodergren here!

You know me as the guy who's always banging on about AI and the future of work (and sometime technology in general.) But in this edition, I'm wearing a slightly different hat. I've just come back from giving the keynote at the Stone Group Cybersecurity Summit 2024 , and let me tell you, it was an eye-opener.

Why on Earth is Dan Talking About Cybersecurity?

I know, I know. You're probably thinking, "Dan, mate, you co-founded the AI Teacher Course working in education... BUT... What are you doing at a cybersecurity summit?"

Well, here's the thing: in today's world, AI and cybersecurity are like two peas in a very complicated pod. Whether we're coding the next big AI breakthrough or teaching kids how to use ChatGPT, (or businesses how to create AI agents) we can't ignore the cyber elephants in the room. Even if we might like to...

Especially not in my chosen sector for my non for profit work - EDUCATION. As sadly, the criminals are coming for education.

The Education Sector is Under Attack (Literally)

Buckle up, because these numbers are going to make your head spin:

  • A whopping 80% of unis and colleges have been cyber-attacked in the last year.
  • 1.5 million UK businesses got hit by cybercrime. That's more than the population of Birmingham!
  • Public sector cyber attacks? Up by 40%. Yikes.

And get this - the day after I gave my talk, an academy got hit by a major attack. Talk about timing!

AI: The Double-Edged Sword

Here's where it gets interesting. AI is like that friend who's brilliant but a bit unpredictable. On one hand, it's boosting productivity by up to 400% in some sectors. (That's why I launched the AI Marketing Course, by the way. Shameless plug, I know.)

But here's the kicker: the same AI that's making our lives easier is giving cybercriminals superpowers. We're talking deepfakes, voice cloning, the works. It's like we're living in a spy movie, except it's real life.

The Public Sector is Lagging Behind (Spoiler: It's Not Good)

Ready for a shocking stat? Only 27% of public sector organisations are using AI to fight cyber threats. I'll give you a moment to pick your jaw up off the floor.

And don't even get me started on training.

"While 41% of businesses know they should be updating their cyber training monthly, only 29% are actually doing it."

It's like knowing you should go to the gym but deciding to binge-watch Netflix instead. We've all been there, but with cybersecurity, the stakes are a bit higher than missing out on those summer abs.

Where Are All the AI Policies?

Speaking of things that should exist but often don't - AI policies. If your school or business doesn't have one, it's time to get cracking. Without clear guidelines, AI can go from being your best defence to your biggest vulnerability faster than you can say "Skynet".

Look, I'm not here to scare you (well, maybe a little). The threats are real, but so are the solutions. At the summit, we had this brilliant "speed dating" session with security vendors. It was like Tinder, but for cybersecurity. Much safer, I assure you.

And if you're in education, don't forget to check out Stone's new publication 'The Collection 2024' which has a section all about cybersecurity - and our non-for-profit AI Teacher Course is featured there in too. In the section about AI. The whole thing is worth a read and a think about as the cybersecurity section - might just save your digital bacon one day.


The Dan Sodergren Cybersecurity Mantra

Here's what I want you to take away from all this:

Don't. Wait.

Don't wait for the next big attack. Don't wait for someone else to protect you. Don't wait to get done at work. Teach yourself how to be more safe. Start learning the digital green cross code. Read up with some of the links below on the new dangers at work and home. This knowledge is going to be key for you in the future of work. And the future of your life.

For those of you that are leaders in teams, organisations and businesses. Be proactive. Get that training sorted. Draft those AI policies. Invest in your team. Partner with the experts.

Because here's the truth: the future of work isn't just about AI and robots and all that jazz. It's about creating a secure, innovative, and sustainable environment where we can actually use all these cool tools without constantly looking over our digital shoulders.

So, let's get to it. Stay informed, stay protected, and for goodness' sake, update your passwords! Oddly I am off now to do some filming for the BBC on this very topic. Of scammers and how they are getting cleverer and cleverer due to AI. Watch this space for that...

Until next time.

Here's to you and yours....

P.S. If you want to know more about my shenanigans (AI-related and otherwise), swing by www.dansodergren.com . I promise it's (mostly) cyber-secure!


References for your further reading…

The AI Teacher Course

The AI Marketing Course

The Collection 2024 Schools Edition | Stone Group

Stone Cybersecurity Summit — 19th September 2024 | Stone Group

Future of Work, Technology And Digital Marketing Man Dan Sodergren

Gartner Forecasts Global Security and Risk Management Spending to Grow 14% in 2024

MIT report details new cybersecurity risks | MIT Sloan

Is 2023 the year of deepfake cyber crime? ( psybersafe.com )

The biggest cybersecurity and cyberattack stories of 2023 ( bleepingcomputer.com )

Deepfakes are spreading in scams and on social media ‘faster than expected’, experts warn

It’s a scam! How deepfakes and voice cloning taps into your cash | Euronews

Deepfake Cyber Crime to Shift the Cyber Threat Landscape ( cyberint.com )

The Dark Side of AI in Cybersecurity — AI-Generated Malware ( paloaltonetworks.com )

The biggest ransomware attacks of 2023 | Kaspersky official blog

SANS: Ransomware Cases Increased by 73% in 2023

Deep Instinct 2024 PDF report

The-Continued-Threat-to-Personal-Data-Key-Factors-Behind-the-2023-Increase.pdf

Completely valid, proactive cybersecurity measures prevent tomorrow's crises today

Umar I.

My Clients make 3x Extra Sales | Help your Business Grow through Content, Marketing, Design, and Social Media Solutions | Ghostwriter | SMM

1 个月

This is so true, Dan, cybersecurity is a pressing issue that needs attention now

Dan S?dergren

Inspirational professional keynote speaker / trainer and author about the #FutureOfWork, #Technology and #AI Hire Dan as an inspirational #keynotespeaker / corporate trainer or as your private workshop provider.

1 个月

With a lovely mention of clients Stone Technologies Ltd, A Converge Company

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