The Sphere 2023 conference in Helsinki, Finland, organized by cybersecurity company WithSecure, was charged with anticipation as renowned cybersecurity experts took the stage to discuss the ever-evolving world of digital defense. One of the speakers included the legendary Mikko Hypponen, whose talk on “Artificial Evil” left attendees with a much profound perspective.
During his session, Mikko spoke about the rapid advancements of AI and emphasized the significance of GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer). He acknowledged the concerns associated with the potential downsides of AI but also exuded confidence that this revolutionary technology would progress the landscape of problem-solving and take mankind to new heights— curing cancer, reversing climate change, and interplanetary exploration, among others. Mikko vouched for OpenAI, a prominent player in the AI field, and its commitment to responsible AI development. He further stated that if we find ourselves on the cusp of achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), OpenAI should undoubtedly spearhead its development.
During a Q&A session, the question of AI manipulation came up, and Mikko acknowledged the potential for issues but also highlighted the room for improvement as technology advances. While acknowledging the risks and potential problems associated with AI manipulation, he remains optimistic about AI’s overall positive impact on the future.
Mikko emphasized that the realm of cybercrime has evolved into a sophisticated business landscape, characterized by mergers and acquisitions among criminals. With Russia’s recent release of cybercriminals during the Russian-Ukraine War, cybercrime unicorns have become more severe threats, not just to companies but to the world at large.
As an advocate for privacy, Mikko has consistently opposed backdoors in software and privacy policies that fail to uphold individuals’ privacy rights. While acknowledging that GDPR is not a flawless solution, GDPR serves as a mechanism for holding organizations accountable and promoting transparency by requiring companies to disclose data breaches to affected individuals.
Mikko has expressed his concern about the absence of robust regulations governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the potential for companies to exploit its power within the vast realms of the internet. He’s reassured listeners that regulations would soon catch up with the rapid advancements in AI technology. The EU’s commitment to ensure responsible AI deployment resonated with Mikko, who saw it as a significant step toward safeguarding against potential risks and protecting the interests of individuals and society as a whole.
In conclusion, Mikko Hypponen’s thought-provoking presentation and engaging conversation instilled a sense of optimism that, with all new powerful technologies comes great responsibility. As technology advances, it should be for the betterment of society, and regulations being drawn up are signs that people are aware of AI’s growing potential. The words from Mikko should be taken as a reminder that the same tools designed to uplift humanity could also be wielded as instruments of malicious intent, and therefore we need more people like Mikko to stand against it.