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Article by: Dr Noor Zuraidin Mohd Safar is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Information Security and Web Technology, Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)

Source: Tinta Minda BERNAMA

In a modern era full of technological sophistication, Malaysia is in the race to catch up with the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology or "Artificial Intelligence" (AI). AI's ability to automate processes, analyze big data and improve productivity has changed the landscape of business and industry as a whole. Malaysia, like other countries, faces challenges to remain competitive in the rapidly changing world of AI. Among the challenges that exist are data security, cybercrime and AI exploitation. Increased expertise and awareness of cyber security, especially in the era of AI use is very important.

Expertise, Awareness and Cyber Security

In this context, the role of Cybersecurity Malaysia has become increasingly important due to the growing cyber threats that require effective action to protect the country's critical infrastructure and sensitive data. Cyber attacks can include attacks on critical systems such as electricity, transportation and telecommunications. Cyber attacks can also lead to the leakage of important data and the theft of Malaysians' personal information.

To face this threat, Malaysia needs to strengthen expertise in the field of cyber security. This involves training and developing a quality cyber workforce as well as improving cyber regulations. Authorities need to work with higher education institutions and the private sector to identify weaknesses in the country's cyber infrastructure and take steps to improve them. This also includes the development of innovative cyber security technologies and improvements in cyber monitoring.

Cyber awareness is also an important part of the fight against cyber threats. Malaysia needs to promote cyber awareness among citizens, organizations and public institutions. This can include awareness campaigns, awareness training and collaboration with local or international cyber awareness activists. This year, CyberSecurity Malaysia celebrates 10 years of the National ICT Security Discourse (NICTSeD) program by emphasizing cyber awareness and digital literacy among students and teachers. NICTSeD has undergone a transformative journey, moving from a national ICT security debate competition for high schools to now a discourse where participants engage in structured arguments that foster critical thinking and teamwork among students while addressing evolving cyber threats.

Apart from that, Malaysia needs to play a more active role in international cooperation in the fight against cyber threats. This includes information sharing about cyber attacks and collaboration in developing regional cyber security initiatives. Malaysia also needs to support international agreements that promote cyber cooperation in the global AI race.

The AI race also opens up huge economic opportunities. Malaysia needs to see AI as a potential in driving economic growth and creating jobs. This includes the development of safe AI technologies, research and development in the field of AI, as well as improvements in AI training and education. Government agencies are encouraged to collaborate with the private sector to generate economic opportunities in the field of AI.

Generative AI

Recently, a type of artificial intelligence with the ability to create new content such as music, video, text, audio or images is known as Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI). Popular Generative AI models such as ChatGPT, Dall-E, Bard and Bing Chat have the potential to increase economic productivity through the automation of fast data processing and accurate or near-exact results. However, the emergence of AI Genearif like FraudGPT, which operates on the dark web, has raised serious concerns in the cyber security community. FraudGPT is designed to assist cybercriminals in creating sophisticated cyberattacks, including "spear-phishing" emails, password leaks and the creation of undetectable malicious software. Apart from the increasing threats, this situation has also sparked competition for firms related to cyber security using Generative AI to produce automated cyber defense systems in dealing with cyber security threats.

Netenrich, a cyber security firm, has identified FraudGPT as a major threat. The existence of such a tool shows the urgent need to further strengthen cyber security measures effectively in dealing with threats driven by AI. Experts emphasize the need to protect the data and algorithms behind Generative AI models to prevent them from becoming targets of cyber attacks.

Recent studies and reports emphasize the increasing importance of Generative AI in the field of cyber security. A study by IBM showed that 84 percent of corporate executives would give priority to Generative AI security solutions over conventional methods. Forecasts show that by 2025, spending on AI-based security solutions will increase by 116 percent compared to 2021. This shift in focus reflects the changing cybersecurity landscape toward AI-driven solutions. Companies and organizations have begun to adapt Generative AI for cybersecurity purposes. Darktrace, a global cyber security firm, has developed a Generative AI model that observes and understands patterns of behavior in computer networks. This model is able to detect anomalies and abnormalities in the computer network. This approach increases the ability of security professionals to act quickly and respond to emerging cyber threats. In addition, Generative AI can also potentially help in analyzing malicious software to determine the origin of attackers and their intentions. This capability is one area where Generative AI technology is not yet widely used but has the potential to effectively identify and mitigate cyber threats.

Generative AI models have brought benefits in economic productivity and cyber security. However, the emergence of malicious Generative AI such as FraudGPT has created new challenges in the cybersecurity landscape. Organizations need to increase awareness, expertise and investment in security solutions based on Generative AI to stay ahead of cybercriminals and cope with the ever-changing and dynamic threat landscape. The balance between leveraging AI for defense and protecting against its misuse is an important consideration in the continued development of AI-based security solutions. Malaysia can be said to be in a unique position and play an important role in the global AI race, while ensuring that the country's cyber security is at an optimal level. With a good focus on cyber security, the development of secure AI models and strong international cooperation, Malaysia can ensure that it remains relevant in the rapidly evolving AI era.

Date of Input: 31/01/2024 | Updated: 13/02/2024 | muhammad.isam