Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize countless industries, but with great power comes great responsibility. According to Sarah Bird, Microsoft’s chief product officer of Responsible AI, the use of generative AI, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, could push cyberattacks to new heights while also offering new defense mechanisms. Bird raised concerns about the capabilities of AI in cybersecurity and emphasized the need to build with the technology responsibly and safely.
During a panel discussion at the Global Investment Summit organized by HSBC in Hong Kong, Bird highlighted the dangers of AI as a tool for threat actors. She explained that AI can generate harmful content and code, potentially making systems more susceptible to new types of attacks. Prompt injection attacks and jailbreaking, which allow attackers to bypass software restrictions, are examples of the risks associated with AI. However, Bird also emphasized that AI can be both the cause of and solution to tackling these cybersecurity challenges.
Microsoft is already leveraging AI in the field of cybersecurity. Bird mentioned that the company is using AI to help security analysts assess threat signals in an attack, enabling a more effective response. This shows the potential for AI to enhance both attack and defense strategies.
However, adopting generative AI tools comes with its own set of challenges. Mark McDonald, the head of data science and analytics for HSBC’s global research arm, mentioned varying regulations across different industries and countries as a significant obstacle. Compliance with disparate rules in global organizations with businesses across multiple regions becomes increasingly difficult. The tech community is calling for more clarity and consistency in the regulation of emerging technologies like AI.
In response to these challenges, Bird urged regulators to consider the entire ecosystem when formulating new regulations. Generative AI has applications in various sectors, including highly regulated industries like financial services and healthcare, each with its own specific requirements. However, regulations are evolving at a rapid pace, and different regions are adopting different approaches.
Educating regulators who may not have first-hand knowledge of AI is crucial in order to create effective regulations. Bird stressed the importance of providing regulators with the understanding of what works and what doesn’t in the realm of AI. “So I have an enormous urgency to go and educate around this space if people don’t understand what actually works and what doesn’t work,” she said.
As AI continues to advance, it is vital to ensure responsible and secure use. Microsoft, along with other technology companies, is working towards harnessing the power of AI while mitigating potential risks. By addressing concerns and collaborating with regulators, progress can be made in creating a safe and regulated AI landscape. While challenges remain, the potential for AI to transform industries for the better is undeniable.
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