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Securing Tomorrow: Understanding Emerging Technologies and Emerging Threats
Arnaud Wiehe
As you consider the technology you have access to, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the pace of development. It feels as if there is a new shiny object every day. AI this, crypto that, VR, autonomous vehicles, etc. It is, therefore, no wonder that we started our new book ‘Emerging Tech, Emerging Threats: A Cybersecurity Guide for Innovative Leaders’ with these words - The pace of change has never been this fast, yet it will never be this slow again. It feels as if we are diving headfirst into a future of highly sophisticated technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT), not to mention quantum computing, each heralding a revolution in connectivity and efficiency. Yet, these technological marvels also introduce a host of correspondingly sophisticated cybersecurity threats.
But before frightening you away, let us look back in history for a moment and consider the tale of the elevator operator. Once a fixture in every multi-storey building, elevator operators were essential, guiding people to their desired floors. Then came the advent of automated elevators. Initially, there was resistance to this "new technology", a reluctance rooted in habit and familiarity with the known. People hesitated to trust a machine to do a human's job despite the clear efficiency and safety it promised. This resistance is not unlike society's current apprehension towards burgeoning technologies and their perceived risks. Would you consider getting into an autonomous flying vehicle or, less scary, a driverless car.....I thought not.....not yet, anyway.
‘Emerging Tech, Emerging Threats’ draws parallels between past reluctances with today's technologies and corresponding cybersecurity challenges.
The book juxtaposes the evolution of technology from the era of the elevator operator to our current landscape, where each device and digital innovation must be developed and scrutinised through the lens of cyber security. Careful consideration is given to regulatory and ethical challenges which new technologies invariably present.
In this rapidly evolving digital world, you must adapt and learn rapidly, which is daunting for most of us. This book is not merely a retrospective on the pace of change but an exploration of emerging technologies and a guidebook for the future. It starts by examining the next generation of computing, including 5G, edge computing, brain-computer interfaces, and quantum computing. It also covers some of the most important technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics, autonomous vehicles, virtual worlds, blockchains and cryptocurrencies, and biotechnology.
It provides a general understanding of the technology, emphasising that cybersecurity is not a static goal but rather a foundational necessity and a continuous area of focus. Each chapter delves into the cutting-edge of tech, revealing the pitfalls, regulations and ethical considerations that accompany their adoption and the steps necessary to secure them.
The story of the elevator operator reminds us that with time, society not only adapts to but embraces new technologies. ‘Emerging Tech, Emerging Threats’ similarly encourages embracing the transformative potential of modern innovations while remaining ever-vigilant to the risks they carry. It advocates for the adoption of ‘security by design,’ a wellunderstood approach to ensuring that as technologies advance, they do so with a foundational commitment to security.
Emerging Tech, Emerging Threats’ invites readers to engage with a future that respects the velocity of innovation and the imperatives of cybersecurity.
In this age where technological change is ongoing and speeding up, the book is an indispensable introduction and guide to emerging technologies. ‘Emerging Tech, Emerging Threats’ invites readers to engage with a future that respects the velocity of innovation and the imperatives of cybersecurity.
For those seeking to understand the gravity of this digital revolution and the sophistication of emerging threats, the book is an essential reading. It is a guide for those ready to lead in a world where technology moves at breakneck speed and where the careful management of these advancements is the only way to ensure a secure and prosperous future.
The book Emerging Tech, Emerging Threats by Tiago Teles and Arnaud Wiehe is available on Amazon.com.
