Peter Zinn is a Cyber Security Specialist and expert in Artificial Intelligence. At the Domain pulse in Vienna, he spoke about charred papyrus scrolls, dangerous drones, and the challenges for IT security.

What is AI in your view?
Zinn: Artificial Intelligence aims to replicate human learning and cognition in computers. Computer systems and software attempt to handle tasks typically requiring human intelligence. The topic has gained substantial hype, particularly since the advent of language models like ChatGPT, making AI and especially machine learning very popular. AI serves as a tool, and in many fields, it is an exceptionally powerful one.

Do you have any specific examples?
Zinn: AI is transforming antibiotic research by opening up new avenues. Annually, hundreds of thousands die from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. As antibiotics risk losing their effectiveness against infectious diseases, finding new ones is both costly and time-intensive. AI can expedite this process by aiding in the development of new antibiotics.

Another fascinating example involves historical artifacts: In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius's eruption buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under ash and lava, including a library filled with Roman scrolls. These scrolls, charred and unreadable, were unearthed during excavations. AI specialists have now managed to reconstruct the texts from these 2000-year-old charred papyrus scrolls, showcasing AI's remarkable capabilities.

But there are also downsides …
Zinn: Yes, of course. There are numerous instances to consider. For example, it's reported that AI-enhanced drones are being used in the Ukraine conflict. This means we are seeing a war where AI is employed in lethal ways. Yet, the real danger lies not with the AI itself, but with the individuals who utilize it.

What does AI mean in the field of Cyber Security?
Zinn: AI is increasingly employed in cyberattacks, serving both offensive and defensive roles and contributing to an arms race in cybersecurity. However, its most beneficial use may be in supporting the Security Operations Center (SOC). The primary task for SOC teams is to block cybercriminals and detect their activities within the system. Although entering a system might be straightforward for many attackers, recognizing their presence inside is crucial. Analysts are tasked with spotting irregularities in the company's IT environment as early as possible to safeguard the network. This task is labor-intensive, but AI can assist by analyzing vast amounts of data to identify anomalies or suspicious activities efficiently.

What will be the greatest challenge in dealing with AI?
Zinn: The primary challenge will be discerning between what is genuine and what is not. While we currently grapple with fake news, this problem will evolve in the future, taking on new dimensions. For instance, the issue of voice cloning will likely become prominent ahead of the US elections. We will hear and see AI-generated quotes attributed to both Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

And how do we determine if the quotes are genuine?
Zinn: One option is to pay attention to natural breathing patterns. While AI may replicate speech patterns, it won't mimic regular breathing patterns. Additionally, you can also build an AI and ask it to recognize counterfeits.

So, is AI a good or a bad tool?
Zinn: Neither one nor the other. In headlines, it's often depicted either as a universal solution or as the source of all problems. Neither of these portrayals is accurate. We shouldn't fear Artificial Intelligence itself, but rather the individuals who train and deploy it. Currently, AI is being applied for numerous beneficial purposes, showcasing its remarkable potential for good.

About Peter Zinn:
The Dutch Cyber Security Specialist Peter Zinn studied computer science and became a strategic advisor to the Dutch Police's High Tech Crime Team in 2007. With over ten years of experience as a thought leader in cyber security in law enforcement, he has collaborated with Interpol, Europol, the FBI, and other agencies, and has delivered lectures at Microsoft, RSA, Kaspersky, and many other renowned IT companies. In late 2016, he transitioned to full-time work as a keynote speaker, trainer, and consultant. For more information about Peter Zinn, please visit https://peterzinn.nl/

Picture: (c) Anna Rauchenberger