The inaugural Conversations in Cybersecurity (CONIC) session, a platform for vibrant dialogue on emerging trends and inventive strategies for addressing the ever-evolving digital vulnerabilities in the realm of cybersecurity, was hosted by the Discipline of Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) within UKZN’s School of Management, Information Technology and Governance.
CONIC is an ongoing series of virtual round-table gatherings featuring leading researchers, practitioners and policymakers in discussion about relevant cybersecurity issues.
The panel for the inaugural session consisted of Dr Kiru Pillay of the National Department of Communication and Digital Technologies; CEO of Snode Technologies Mr Nithen Naidoo, and Dr Jabu Mtsweni of the Information and Cybersecurity Research Centre at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
The event was moderated by IS&T’s Professor Manoj Maharaj, who highlighted the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the transformation of Higher Education and technological growth in society. Maharaj noted that current disruptive innovations were reshaping society and necessitating continuous adaptation, especially in cybersecurity, with AI ushering in a new era of threat detection, response and digital protection.
Concerns about the ability of existing cybersecurity legislation to keep pace with the rapid progress of AI were voiced by Pillay, who stressed that the swift advancement and widespread implementation of AI in various sectors could outstrip the development of effective regulations. ‘Legislating AI and other sophisticated technologies like blockchain, distributed ledger technology (DLTs) and cryptocurrencies require regulators and lawmakers to possess a deep technical understanding of the emerging risks and intricacies involved,’ he said.
‘The international nature of cybersecurity threats and the worldwide embrace of AI require an all-encompassing understanding of the implications of AI developed in one country on national laws elsewhere. While the rapid advancement of AI may fuel more sophisticated cyberattacks, there are ongoing legislative efforts, such as the European AI Act and the US Algorithmic Accountability Act, to address these challenges,’ he said.
Naidoo provided a business perspective of current issues emphasising that the ceaseless evolution of technology, including AI, rendered the complete prevention of cyberattacks a near-impossible task. ‘AI could aid in identifying anomalies, recognising patterns of attacks, predicting vulnerabilities, and automating responses to effectively counteract cyberattacks,’ he said.
Mtsweni outlined the dual nature of AI as both a boon and a challenge, suggesting that ongoing improvements in AI research and security, coupled with AI’s critical role in identifying vulnerabilities and aiding in the response and recovery from cyberattacks, were essential. ‘The potential of behavioural analytics in handling large volumes of security data, and contextual threat hunting for more effective vulnerability assessments and penetration testing must not be underemphasised,’ he said.
Mtsweni also highlighted the role of AI in combatting misinformation by analysing data to provide context and actionable insights.
Words: Ongeziwe Mbuthuma
Photographs: Supplied