From Ai to the Cloud – Cybersecurity

AI, Cloud and Hybrid Work Trends

2024 is turning out to be a fascinating year for the tech industry as AI becomes mainstream and companies double down on the cloud as a way forward for business process streamlining.

As the year unfolds, forward thinking businesses will be watching the evolving trends and planning their cybersecurity strategies accordingly. Here are some big movements in the tech industry to keep an eye on this year.

AI isn’t going away anytime soon

Since the world was thunderstruck by the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, the rollout of AI solutions and businesses around the world has only intensified.

Large Language Models, AI assisted internet search offered by sites like Microsoft Bing, and the outsourcing of basic tasks to chatbots have gone from futuristic dream to a new reality.

In fact, some economists still predict that AI will threaten the future of many jobs.

Developed markets like the US have rolled out AI at a large scale, either replacing or augmenting positions that were previously done exclusively by humans. These changes may only be affecting employees at the entry level for now, but professionals in all industries – including law, medicine, and even executive management – are exploring the possibility that some of their traditional expertise may be carried out by machines in less than a decade.

For companies, there’s an indisputable cost/benefit to using AI and it certainly can improve efficiencies in many areas of a business – but new technology is not without risks.

AI applications have been proven to be unreliable in certain areas, including fact checking, with ChatGPT providing hilarious instances of output that seems professionally acceptable at first glance but actually contains several highly problematic facts and phrases.
Accuracy aside, the involvement of AI in business processes raises the risk of cybercrime and hacking attempts, which could be potentially disastrous if bad actors take control of an AI-run Business process of a major corporation or bank.

It remains to be seen whether the rollout of AI will bring all the benefits that it promises but there’s no doubt that it’s here to stay. The enormous amount of data that AI applications produce will need to be managed and secured – and that’s where reliable secure cloud storage comes in.

Hybrid work continues to become the norm

The remote working trend that accelerated during the pandemic has become a way of life for millions of workers around the world. South African businesses are embracing the remote working model, giving employees flexibility and companies the ability to obtain talent without borders.

These benefits come with a parallel responsibility for businesses to comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act and keep their sensitive data safe. Secure cloud storage is an ideal way to secure important files and scale up the amount of storage as needed.

Cloud computing is the future

Companies are producing more data than ever before with a staggering 120 zettabytes created in 2023 alone – and all of this information needs to be stored somewhere. Increasingly, companies are choosing to keep their files safe in the cloud, making it essential to choose the right storage provider.

Recently, an incident in which Google Cloud accidentally deleted every single file belonging to a major Australian pension fund made shocking headlines. This may be a rare incident, but it certainly highlights the potential for disaster that may occur in the wake of a cyberattack.

Not all cloud providers are created equal Before businesses simply upload all their files to a generic online storage location it is essential to ensure that the necessary security protections are in place. Chief among these is immutable storage, which uses advanced coding to ensure the data cannot be manipulated once it’s stored safely in the cloud.

Our range of secure backup solutions feature immutable storage as part of their key architecture. To learn more about our offering and how it can keep your company’s data safe and out of the hands of cybercriminals, browse our range of packages today.

Apple Spotlight Shifts – AI

Apple spotlight shifts from cars to robots

Apple pushes robotics as its car business moves off the table

Apple may be famous for its $200 billion a year iPhone lineup but the company has recently shifted gears when it comes to R & D, with its sights firmly set on the robotics sector.

As tech giants try to find new avenues for growth at a time when competition has become fierce on their traditional terrain, should we expect to see innovative new robots bearing the apple logo soon?

Here’s the latest scoop on what Apple has been experimenting with, and what the implications might be for the cybersecurity sector.

The evolution of Apple from desktop computer manufacturer to a laptop maker, and most recently the creator of the iPhone and iPad, a trio of Portable devices that revolutionised the way we communicate for work and pleasure, is legendary.

These innovations have propelled the company to ever increasing heights in terms of revenue and market valuation, with the company now worth $2.8 trillion – an amount almost equal to the GDP of France.

However, with major competition from rivals like Samsung and critics pointing out that the latest iPhone contains very few essential upgrades and is more an exercise in aesthetics, the company is seeking new avenues of growth.

Several years ago, Apple impressed investors and financial journalists when it announced an ambitious smart car project to rival Tesla. Unfortunately, this seems to be stuck in first gear with no realistic timeline for a viable product offering.

Instead, Apple appears to be investigating the potential of robotics – presumably with AI integration.

Like every piece of information about Apple’s, future activities, reports of its robotics research are mainly obtained through leaks and a fair amount of industry gossip. Word from Silicone Valley is that the manufacturer is developing two main prototypes:

A consumer robotics product with full integration to the companies of the devices.
A possible rival for the Roomba vacuum – which to date has been the most successful robotic home consumer product produced despite being in its 20th year.

Whatever these early prototypes end up becoming, it’s clear that smart devices are a major focus for big tech – and that poses a cybersecurity threat all by itself.

The impact of consumer robotics on cybersecurity

As the Internet of things continues to develop, electronic devices other than computers and mobile phones, that are both connected to the internet and sync with our other devices, are becoming the norm.

Given that we live at a time when cybercriminals have managed to carry out daring hacking attempts – even using the water monitor in a casino’s fish tank – the potential for denial of service attacks and takeover attempts on household robotic items could be huge.

Apple has generally been good at securing the privacy and personal data of its users, but as hacking attempts become more sophisticated, there’s no telling what cybercriminals could pull off.
Rather than placing the blame or expectation of safety on a single manufacturer, internet users should carefully consider what risks they are taking when they buy and use sophisticated consumer products.

As a general rule, if your device sends and receives data, that data needs to be backed up – and that’s where secure cloud storage comes in.

Our range of cloud storage solutions for businesses and households is the ideal place to start when securing your crucial data. Browse our range of packages today to get started,

ChatGPT, the revolutionary AI Bot | AI Technology

Is ChatGPT the newest cybersecurity threat?

The hot topic at almost any workplace meeting or social gathering since its release in November 2022 has been ChatGPT, the revolutionary AI bot that can, it seems, write almost anything.

For those not yet familiar with this new technology, ChatGPT is fundamentally a chatbot that uses AI to answer questions or prompts by way of text. The functionality of this revolutionary AI includes capabilities such as search and code generation to create something as simple as a meal plan with a shopping list, or as complex as writing code for new technology.

As industries around the world deliberate on just how AI is going to influence the way they work in the years to come, cybersecurity experts are ringing alarm bells over the risks that this type of technology might soon pose.

From cybercriminals using ChatGPT to write malware code to a new generation of scam emails that sound totally legitimate, the risk horizon around artificial intelligence is escalating. Here are some things for business owners to look out for as the machines march nearer.

Bots can write now – and some of them are writing very bad things

Like school teachers and college professors around the world who have been astonished by ChatGPT’s ability to write essays that seem legitimate on the surface, cybersecurity managers are waking up to the conceivable risks that AI could also write dangerous scripts and code used to create viruses, malware, and ransomware.

Open AI, ChatGPT’s parent company, has tried to reassure the public that the product will not create dangerous or harmful text or computer code, but hackers could trick it into doing just that by varying the input that they use and the questions they ask it.
One of the risks associated with ChatGPT’s ability to write text is that fraudulent emails, including phishing scams, could be produced by the bot using almost perfect English grammar.
Errors in punctuation and grammar used to be noticeable tell-tale signs of fraudulent emails (especially with those written by non-native English speakers), but with advanced language AI this detection method has gone out the window.

It’s important to note that while ChatGPT itself is not malicious, it has the potential to be used in a sinister manner to create malicious code.

The sheer volume of output that an AI text bot can produce is astounding, and hackers can now rely on automated text generators to create thousands of words in a short period of time, potentially flooding the Internet with fake emails that are almost impossible to filter.

Can cybersecurity software stop AI in its tracks?

Cybersecurity providers will need to develop superior detection tools that can tell if an email has been written by AI or not, and Google has already announced that it will penalise machine generated websites.

Until these applications are reliable and available to the public, the risk of falling victim to ransomware and email scams may increase exponentially – and that calls for a top-level cybersecurity setup in every business.

Stay ahead of the bots with secure cloud storage

At a time when potentially dangerous communications and computer code are flooding the internet, and as cybersecurity experts explore the possibilities of using this revolutionary technology to overcome malicious threats, what can you do to feel secure?

To begin with, start to familiarise yourself and your employees with ChatGPT and use its threat detection capabilities to your own advantage. For example, if you suspect an email to be spam or phishing, ask the chatbot “is this email safe or a scam”. The chatbot has the ability to detect and classify unusual communication patterns and would likely advise you not to respond if it detects malicious language.

You can also stay one step ahead of the hackers and their AI sidekicks by browsing our range of affordable online cloud backup packages for businesses and households today. Ensure peace of mind for yourself and your business. No matter what happens to you data – if it’s backed up online, it’s never lost.

Ai Aids Conservation | Big Data

AI powers conservation efforts worldwide

Saving our planet is the top priority this century and AI is increasingly being used to help organisations around the world achieve their sustainability goals.

From preserving endangered species to ensuring adequate food supply in the decades to come, technology is being used in new and creative ways in the interests of a green and prosperous future.

Here are some exciting projects using AI to solve some of the most pressing issues of our time.

Conservation goes online

Scientists tasked with preserving biodiversity on earth often face the challenges of insufficient funding and too few people on the ground. But now a new initiative called Wild Me is empowering average citizens to do exceptional things when it comes to documenting wildlife.

Using a technology called Flatfile which applies AI and machine learning to upload and process data quickly, the platform allows people around the world to photograph wild animals and upload them to a central database.
Scientists then use this data to create and update a comprehensive list of species and estimate their population numbers.

Initiatives that maximise the impact of volunteers from the public could expand far beyond wildlife conservation in the future. Crime reporting, new creative communities, and citizen journalism are just some of the applications that Flatfile makes possible.

solving the food crisis with smart farming

The world’s population is set to expand by 2 billion over the coming decades, and securing enough food for our planet’s burgeoning population is becoming a very real challenge for farmers and governments around the world.

Minimising wastage and ensuring food quality are two areas where AI can be deployed extremely effectively. By using sensors to monitor soil quality, rainfall, invasive pests, and other factors that affect the growth of crops, technology is helping farmers to optimise yields and ensure a reliable food supply.

more AI means more data – and it needs to be kept safe

As artificial intelligence becomes widespread in virtually every area of life, the sheer amount of data produced on earth every day is staggering.

To avoid data leaks and breaches and keep sensitive information out of the hands of hackers, cybersecurity protocols including secure cloud storage have become non-negotiable.

Take the first step in securing your company’s data today with our range of secure cloud storage solutions.

The future of work | AI

Here’s How AI Will Change the Future of Work

AI has already changed the way we shop, collaborate with colleagues, and even line up a Friday night date – and that’s just the beginning. With virtual meetings, hybrid work arrangements, and the Metaverse redefining the way we do business, AI is set to play a huge role in our professional lives and the future of work from now on. Let’s take a look at some of the changes to expect this year and beyond.

put on those VR glasses, it’s meeting time!

With remote teams collaborating on every continent, AI tools are making those sometimes awkward zoom calls more real and more human.

Companies have been experimenting with VR and AR interfaces that will make you forget that you’re not in the same room as your team – and 3D presentations are just the tip of the tech iceberg.
This technology can be extended to sales and customer service, allowing team members to reach out to clients remotely and present products, services, and ideas in an immersive virtual showroom or conference venue.

need that order filled? say goodbye to waiting times

Instantaneous customer service and order fulfilment may sound like a dream, but thanks to smart coding, machine learning, and cloud connectivity, entire businesses are being run and monitored in real time to eliminate long waiting periods.

Robots that respond immediately to orders and requests from customers are being rolled out in countries around the world, with the entire process taking place in the cloud.
For every business looking to grow and stay competitive today, that means having a strong data management system with secure cloud storage and backup.

cloud storage is the future of work and business security

With AI and cloud-based processes becoming universal, now is the time to ensure that your business is ready to operate in the cloud with full security. Our range of cloud storage solutions will help you keep your data safe and encrypted – no matter how much information your business produces today and in the future.

To learn more about our cloud storage offering, contact the Soteria team today.

Future Farming | Driverless Tractors

Smartphones and tractors turning over new earth in self-drive fields

The place where one of 2022’s biggest AI innovations is being felt is… a farm? Yes, you read right: self-driving tractors are now a thing – and they’re set to be a very good thing for agriculture around the world, driven by both a labour shortage and a push to reduce the environmental footprint.

pull over, Tesla: John Deere goes driverless

Automated cars conjure up images of Silicon Valley, Elon Musk’s broad smile, and the new tech elite – but this year, farmers are staking their claim on driverless cool.

John Deere – one of the world’s foremost agricultural equipment makers – has been tweaking its assisted driving technology for years. In 2022, it’s finally ready to let farmers release the wheel and leave the driving to AI.

The fully autonomous tractor combines John Deere’s existing GPS-assisted steering tech with machine learning features that let the vehicle drive itself.
Farmers will be able to “track the tractor” using their smartphones while it carries out ploughing and seeding tasks remotely.
The company will still include a human element in the functioning of the vehicle. Obstacles that the AI can’t detect will be shared remotely from the tractor’s camera with human support agents for verification.

After years of GPS tech development, John Deere seems to have found a way to engineer farmers out of the driver’s seat and free their time up for more productive farm management tasks.

fewer safety worries on a farm

Unlike driverless cars that pose a potential threat to fellow road users, autonomous tractors often operate on large commercial farms where the nearest vehicle is hundreds of meters away.

As a result, manufacturers are able to focus less on driverless lane changing and just-in-time braking, and focus their R&D efforts on building a tractor that ploughs straight with no hands on the wheel.

going high tech on your farm? you need cloud storage!

Agriculture is big business, and if your farm is investing in a more data-driven way of farming in 2022, you’ll want to consider a secure cloud storage solution to keep your data safe.

AI-Based Algorithm from Wits Tracks Chances of a COVID-19 Third Wave in SA

As a service provider of online cloud backup, we often focus our attention on topics related to data. In this article, we would like to give a shoutout to a team that has developed an early detection system that helps to predict future cases of COVID-19.

Enter the spotlight; our very own Wits University as a frontrunner for developing an Artificial Intelligence-based (AI-based) algorithm that has helped to predict the severity/chances of a third wave of COVID-19 South Africa. While the statistics predict that the chances are low, the country is still vulnerable and it’s important that we all continue to do our bit to follow all the necessary COVID protocol and regulations.

The system was developed by Wits University in partnership with iThemba LABS (a leading research facility for accelerator-based science), the Gauteng Provincial Government, and Canada’s York University.

We take a look into the AI-based algorithm and exactly what it seeks to achieve.

what is the functionality of the new AI-based algorithm?

The AI-Based algorithm functions as an early detection warning system. It predicts daily cases in the future based on historical data from past infection rates across the country. While the algorithm works independently, there is another algorithm that is also referenced. The existing algorithm currently used by the SA government is based on classic analytics, and when run at the same time as the Wits University algorithm, more reliability is added to the process and outcomes.

Each algorithm works independently, navigating a large number of parameters, dimensions and analysing complex problems while continuously learning from the data.

what’s the benefit of another detection system?

The general public and the health care industry need to know beyond reasonable doubt that they can rely on the systems in place. With two detection systems running simultaneously and updated daily, the results are more reliable. Should the systems show a discrepancy, it provides a red flag worth further investigation.

The rise and fall of COVID-19 is still very much an unknown entity but it’s evident that infection waves are hard to predict or control. An AI-based algorithm provides a warning signal to policymakers and the population in South Africa.

The system monitors daily data, and when it notices a change that may indicate a new wave or greater threat, it issues an alert to the relevant decision-makers and authorities.

are AI algorithms accurate?

It needs to be noted that predictions by algorithms can be accurate, but there is never 100% guaranteed accuracy. It is better to use the system to predict outcomes over the short term (a few weeks at a time) than over the long term (say, a year), as the longer the prediction period, the less accurate the predictions stand to be.

It’s undeniable that such systems provide a valuable service, especially when quick and decisive action needs to be taken

last word

Thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment of local students at the University you can follow these predictions for each of our provinces on the 3^rd wave risk index dashboard. The orange line seen in the graphs indicates a possible risk for an onset of a new wave in the respective province.

A big shout out to Wits University and all their co-collaborators! Well done!

7 Technology Revolutions in 2021

After living through ‘the year that wasn’t’, 2021 has to be the year of great things. Even if COVID-19 is still ravaging the world we have a handle on it now and, thanks to science and technology, we will get the better of it! As it turns out, nothing can stop the advancement of technology with technology revolutions making their way into the spotlight this year. Here are just 7 of them that should get your attention.

1. messenger RNA vaccines

With all the talk of COVID-19 vaccines, this one is of particular interest. Messenger RNA (mRNA) has been in the pipeline for 20 years already. Several biotech companies turned to their research on mRNA to create potential vaccines at a time when the pandemic was in full swing.

mRNA is like software for cells and can be modified relatively quickly. When injected into the human body Messenger RNA delivers a set of instructions to the cells, telling them to make the proteins required and send them to the body parts that need them. Pfizer and Moderna use mRNA technology in their vaccines and this new therapeutic looks promising for gene fixes to sickle-cell disease and even to help the body in the fight against cancer.

2. digital contact tracing

Digital contract tracing is an important technology to cast into the spotlight. Ideal for managing the vaccine rollout, contact tracing shows us just how much of our personal data can be collected and shared by using our mobile device.

Digital contact tracing makes it possible for mobile apps and GPS to let people know when they have crossed paths. The apps are designed with total security in mind, so you know someone has been in the same space as you, but you will never know who that person is.

While many people, especially in South Africa, are hesitant to use the apps associated with digital contact tracing for COVID-19, it’s certainly a technology that will impact other areas of the tech world.

3. data trusts

Tech companies have been steadily losing the public’s trust as more and more people find their data being sold on the dark web, shared, and exposed. In the search to overcome privacy and security threats, governments are beginning to explore data trusts which offer an alternative approach to the problem.

Data trusts act as a legal entity, collecting and managing people’s personal data for them. Privacy and security will be the primary focus of data trusts.

4. improved algorithms

To understand this one you’ll have to break down and take a look at TikTok!

With an app that has been downloaded billions of times and hundreds of millions of users, TikTok clearly has an indisputable appeal. The app has changed the way users see content and the way people become famous!

Gone are the days where people are seeing irrelevant content. With enhanced algorithms such as those that power TikTok’, people have an improved online experience. It’s excellent for new creators, too, as they have just as much chance of getting into the public eye as famous people do. Thanks, Tik Tok!

5. AI threat detection systems

Artificial Intelligence is no longer just being used for customer service queries. Tech gurus have been teaching AI to detect data breaches and hacking attempts while they are in action. The AI then sends a warning to the correct team leaders so that action can be taken!

6. GPT3

This language model technology revolution can seem a little scary as it shows us just how quick we are to assume we are talking to someone else when we aren’t. In the case of GPT3, it’s that we are communicating with AI.

The AI has been taught to better understand the world around it and how to interact with it. Training is given to GPT3, at a huge cost and leaving a large carbon footprint, through thousands of textbooks on the internet. GPT3 can mimic human writing and information, but at this stage, it doesn’t understand what it is writing, so some of the information can come out garbled with misinformation and prejudice.

7. hyper-accurate positioning

In some way or another, we all use GPS daily. Most of us acknowledge that the current accuracy of GPS apps is typically within 5 to 10 meters of the actual position. Now, hyper-accurate positioning makes it possible to pinpoint your position within a few cms or even millimetres.

Hyper-accurate positioning won’t just help you get to the exact spot your friend is waiting or the location of your next appointment. The technology will be the future of accurate robot deliveries, landslide warnings and help self-drive cars avoid minor accidents along their way. With four new GPS III satellites due to be launched in November 2021 and more in orbit by 2023, GPS it on a continuous upgrade for accuracy.

don’t let technology revolutions get the better of you

As a small to medium-sized business owner, you may feel you are too busy to keep on top of all the latest tech trends. However, keeping up with technology can help you stay on top of any new cyber threats that your business could face and exactly what cybercriminals are up to too. Take the time to familiarise yourself with tech trends, and your business will be a great deal safer going forward.

AI vs. a pandemic – giving credit where credit is due

The time has come to both acknowledge and offer up a round of applause to the technological advancements the world has made. Right now, we owe a big thank-you to technology for aiding frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19.

If you think about the world, way back in 1918, when the Spanish Flu wiped out 50-million people, it’s obvious just how far we have come. Back then, humanity didn’t have access to the technological discoveries and innovations that we do today. And it was much harder for the population to keep up to date and informed, unlike now.

Today, we have Artificial Intelligence, robots, drones, television and radio news, social media, and the internet! We are surely in a far better position to beat a virus than the world was in 1918!

How Technology has been helping COVID-19 Frontline Workers

While we can’t ignore the fact that humans are intricately involved in the fight against COVID-19 and deserve a great deal of praise for it, we also can’t overlook the role that technology is playing in this fight. Without the advancements in AI and other technology, frontline workers would undoubtedly have had a much harder time.

PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) such as masks and gloves is one thing; mobile phones are alos being used to make protection a great deal easier. Most people have a phone these days, and the track and trace functionality of the mobile device and the various apps that can be installed on them, means that countries can use software to flatten the curve.

Enter the Limelight: AI (Artificial Intelligence)

AI is proving to have a significant impact in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19, in the spotlight, centre stage and shining bright. AI technology is being used to aid the numerous research fields as well as in the process of developing drugs, vaccines, testing kits, and analysing data collected.

AI is also effectively handling contact tracing and risk assessment to ensure that the spread of the virus is minimised. While AI is not curing the disease, it is helping to slow its spread…something that just a few years ago would have been impossible.

The time taken to scan, and research data has been considerably reduced thanks to AI technology is able to do. There is a mass of data from all the various health departments around the world on diseases and viruses that are similar to COVID-19. AI is able to analyse and process this data, freeing up the time of essential health care workers that need to be focusing on patients.

AI Handles Virus Testing & Scanning

AI is doing more than just scanning and analysing data. It is also acting as a viable weapon in the war against this pandemic. As they say, knowledge is power, and knowing who is infected is the type of knowledge required to beat this virus. AI is also able to handle testing for the virus and has had a major positive impact in helping with this in countries such as Brazil, India, and China.

One example of this is the Baidu AI-powered testing station that has been set up in a railway station in Beijing. The system works by scanning individuals with infrared. In just one minute, the system can scan the body temperature of more than 200 people! Because so many masses of people can be scanned on a daily basis, frontline worker’s lives can be better protected.

Another example of AI in action in the war against COVID-19 is the DarwinAI neural network that’s been set up. This is an open-source network which means that it can be freely accessed across the globe. This specialised software is able to scan a patient’s X-rays and determine if the patient has the virus or not. This is particularly useful if testing kits for the virus run out or are hard to come by.

Robots in the COVID-19 Fight

It’s not just computers sifting through data and making sense of X-rays that are helping frontline workers – robots are also being used to their full potential. In order to minimise contact between frontline workers and COVID-19 patients, the Wuchang Hospital in Wuhan is up-staffed with robots. These robots pick up a lot of slack in a busy hospital such as serve meals to patients, disinfect areas of the facility, dispense masks and sanitizers and respond to patient alerts. This leaves frontline workers free to focus on more pressing tasks.

Drones in COVID-19 Fight

Healthcare workers are not the only frontline workers in the fight against Covid-19. Police forces are also on the frontline, enforcing restrictions and ensuring that individuals are practising social distancing and wearing their masks out in public. Drones have proven to be especially helpful in easing the burden and lessening the risk of policemen and policewomen. In Italy, France, China, Spain, Israel, and the UAE, drones are being used to track humans and help maintain a sense of order.

Last Word

As COVID-19 continues to wage war on the world, frontline workers are turning to AI and other technology to minimise risk and ease the burden.

So, let’s hear it for technology. Let’s give a great round of applause for our technological advancements over the years – where would we be without it?!

Blame it on AI | Who or What is an ML Forensic or Ethics Investigator?

When AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) hit the market and became all-encompassing, there was widespread interest from the consumer and business markets. Everyone wanted to get their hands on the latest AI and ML tech and for good reason. Unfortunately, that excitement and trust in the technology has quelled greatly as data breaches and the misuse of data have become synonymous with both of these technologies.

While fear and mistrust have caused a lull in the adoption of AI and ML tech, it is not the end of the road for either of these technologies. In fact, industry experts predict that within the next five years, the global cyber market will see two new positions enter the job market that will once again boost the deployment of AI tech, especially in the corporate world:

Ethics investigators
Machine learning forensic investigators

The new job listings will come with various supporting roles such as AI behaviour forensic investigators and customer trust specialists.

Trust Lost Through AI Bias

The supposition that AI is an unbiased entity that sees no colour, race, gender or location, is far from the truth. Users have found that AI tech is able to display bias behaviour based on these very things, and it is, in fact, a problem that stems from the training of these AI models.

Deep learning issues can also make interactions present in predictions that end up hard to understand. Of course, using these forms of AI can cause a company to lose customers and suffer corporate and brand reputation tarnishing.

And this is the very reason why job roles such as Machine Learning Forensic Investigators and Ethics Investigators see being developed.

The Role of ML Forensic Investigators and Ethics Investigators

Before a company can implement AI tech, they need to be sure that it contains no undesired bias. Unfortunately, this is hard to do, and the legal implications, if it isn’t done correctly, are considerable.

The role of the ML Forensic and Ethics Investigator is to ensure that all bias no longer exists within the system. Large corporations such as NASA, Google, and even Facebook already have such individuals on their payroll.

These specialists are involved in the development phase. Once the system is deemed “ready to deploy” they also spend a considerable amount of time testing and monitoring the system to ensure that they haven’t missed any bias along the way.

While these two positions will see hundreds of new employees enter the job market within the next five years, it must be noted that various free open source programs already offer systems that help detect and remove unwanted bias from AI tech.

Conclusion

With more and more businesses deploying AI tech to handle specific functions within their businesses and customer services departments, there’s always the risk of AI not behaving as expected. The industry fully expects to see the ML Forensic Investigator and Ethics Investigator role becoming a necessity in the field.