GUEST COLUMN
Onkar Singh
Reminiscing the major disruption of the global IT landscape in July 2024, the critical vulnerabilities in technological infrastructure ought to be pondered upon. In this instance, a faulty software update triggered widespread service failures across multiple sectors, including airlines, banking, healthcare, and retail payments resulting in global losses of an estimated $5 billion and exposing the interconnected nature of modern IT systems. In another notable incident, the shutting down of a large number of government websites in Uttarakhand in October 2024 points to the rapid proliferation of ruinous cyberattacks. Amongst many IT service outages, the unavailability of services due to server breakdowns, website shutdowns, network failures, etc. are happening quite often.
The frequent IT breakdowns in the realm of increasing reliance on cyber-physical systems underscore several key issues like cascading system failures, increasing cybersecurity risks in the complex technological ecosystems, limiting the public perception of technology being a panacea, endangered technological reliability and a need for a robust framework of IT awareness, cyber hygiene and preventive measures. Such disruptions demonstrate how technical glitches or potential cyber-attacks can rapidly propagate through interconnected frameworks, causing operational and economic impacts.
Undoubtedly, these could be software-centric intrusions or hardware breakdowns caused intentionally or inadvertently because of technical glitches and inadequate security protocols. But, the occurrence of a series of IT failures across the world from time to time has triggered global discussions about improving technological resilience, preventing large-scale IT service interruptions, and ensuring the positive and ethical use of ICT technologies, data access, and advances in fields of artificial intelligence and computing power.
AI and cyber threats
The widespread internet access and continuous digitalization of contents and processes have led to the generation of huge data which facilitated their usage for developing tools for automating process outcomes, decision making and predictions. Concerted efforts to mimic the cognitive processes based on reasoning models utilizing the relevant data and machine learning algorithms have evolved self-learning and adaptive systems that are capable of complex problem-solving as well. The incessant collection of data from the web interactive systems and its availability is paving the way for developing and training applications/bots with artificial intelligence (AI). The utility of AI-powered systems being conducive to society pushes for its unstoppable furthering.
The spread of IT applications and cyber systems has gradually engulfed all critical activities around us and the methodologies have completely transformed. The interconnected computer systems, networks, and digital infrastructure enable speedy communication, data storage, data processing, cloud computing, and information management. As a result of this, the temptation to deploy artificial intelligence for better efficacy of processes and minimise human intervention is constantly growing and increasing cyber threats. Concurrently, devious intents have also grown and unremitting assaults on the normal functioning of such ICT systems with ill intents of destabilising the systems and monetary gains are not uncommon. Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report categorically points out that the disinformation, rapid adoption of AI and emerging technologies, cyber skill gaps, geopolitical tensions, widespread integration and dependence on complex supply chains are predominantly contributing to new threats.
Even with security features in place, developers face continuous challenges as new tools emerge to breach these protocols. The lack of adequate risk tolerance further exposes AI technologies to potential attacks. Additionally, the rapid proliferation of knowledge in information and computer technologies is powering the rise of cybercriminals and cyberterrorists.
Strategies to combat cyber threats
Indisputably, the reliance on the Internet for accessing different services carrying out processes by sharing data and resources, and, setting up digital platforms has to reach the unprecedented level of making Internet accessible for every individual in future. Under these circumstances, the development landscape is gradually getting embedded in the networks and the integration of information and operational technologies is on the rise.
As a result, the propensity of data breaches and cyber risks may further rise. The enthusiasm to relish the ease offered by technology and the ignorance of the users about its’ likely misuse calls for a strategy to combat cyber threats. The simultaneous education of the users and others regarding all facets of the growth of cyber-physical technologies and their vulnerabilities. Because ongoing incidents like financial fraud and duping through digital arrests can be largely regulated by creating awareness and careful use of technologies. Sensitising the community through repeated messages, dial tones, posters, displays, etc. are bringing awareness for not falling into the trap.
Organisations ought to set up tools for early detection and prevention from Ransomware attacks and strategize for earliest recovery while ensuring safe storage of data. Undoubtedly, the fast emergence of Ransomware as a service platform to attack surreptitiously calls for deep learning techniques for its earliest detection. This can be suitably addressed by bridging the gap between academic research with real-world applications and developing deep learning-based ransomware detection techniques for integration with the security system in use. Also, the synergy between the researchers, industry, and law enforcement agencies in combating cyber attacks can help in evolving robust forewarning systems. Further, generative AI has the potential to threat detection and facilitate cybersecurity readiness.
A report by the World Economic Forum highlights the need for approximately 2.8 million to 4.8 million cybersecurity professionals to ensure robust digital security. It’s high time to invest in resilience against emerging cyber threats and harness the full potential of the internet, resource sharing, and data security. Developing a skilled workforce for cybersecurity and cyber forensics should be a top priority, alongside raising awareness about cyber-physical systems amongst the masses. Educational institutions can play a crucial role in launching both short- and long-term cybersecurity training programs and conducting research to enable the safe and resilient deployment of cyber technologies.
(The author is vice chancellor of Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Uttarakhand Technical University, Dehradun; views expressed are personal)
