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Marco Preuss

Marco Preuss monitors Europe's cyberthreat landscape as Director of Europe in Kaspersky's Global Research & Analysis Team. His specialisms include threat intelligence, dark net research and Internet of Things (IoT) security. He also enjoys time in his home music studio.

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future cybersecurity jobs

7 new roles we’ll soon see keeping business secure

  • Enterprise cybersecurity
  • min read
    • Technology penetrates every sphere of our lives, and more devices mean more cybersecurity challenges. How we protect systems is evolving with technology and threats: Routine work like monitoring and response is being automated. But cybersecurity isn't getting less complex – businesses will soon need new, more creative, more diverse roles. While they may seem futuristic, some already exist in one form or another. Given long-term trends, leaders should start planning to recruit for these new roles, coming soon. 1.  AI mentor The rise of AI-based technologies like ChatGPT and voice assistants like Siri and Alexa made new tech more accessible while bringing new concerns around privacy and security. AI's control, regulation and monitoring requirements go beyond product management and development expertise. William Gibson's 1984 science fiction book Neuromancer imagined we'd one day have 'Turing Police' to control AI and AI-based systems, stopping them evolving and becoming independent. Turing refers to famed UK mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing's test to distinguish humans from machines. A need for firm limits on AI is little disputed among experts, with a range of tech leaders, including Elon Musk, signing a open letter asking for a pause in AI development in March 2023. AI Mentors will assess and control AI technology. They may also teach AIs, control access to data and constrain evolution – you might call it, being AI's parent. As AI's complexity and sophistication grows, there will be growing demand for such experts. AI mentors could also develop 'stop' buttons to prevent systems operating on their own. They may also develop protection against malfunction and alternative rescue plans if computers are out of service. 2.  Digital footprint consultant Leaks and breaches negatively affect any brand. Cybercriminals often use threats of reputational damage to extort money from companies once inside systems. A digital footprint consultant will work to protect your brand. However, there's no need to wait for a digital footprint consultant to come on board before you develop strategies to restore your brand reputation after a data leak. 3.  Cyber immunity developer Cybersecurity will change as businesses are forced to rethink how they develop new tech. Embedding cybersecurity principles from the start makes cyber immunity possible – systems so secure that the cost of hacking them isn't worth the reward. Demand for cyber-immune products will see employees scrambling to hire designers and developers with security-first skills. 4.  Threat endurance manager 2022 was a costly year for cyberattacks, with high-profile big tech names like Twitter, Uber and Rockstar Games all hit. Cybercriminals don't shy away from attacking public services and life-saving institutions either, with several universities, the UK's National Health Service and the Red Cross among those attacked. Cyberattacks interrupt production and business processes, pose reputational risks and lead to big financial losses. Health insurance giant Medibank reported a ransomware attack cost them 26 million US dollars. They'll be responsible for business continuity and protect companies by controlling IT systems, responding to cyberattacks and managing software and human errors. 5.  Cyber investigator Cyber investigators already exist, but their work will become more complex and diverse as digital systems get more sophisticated and automated. These specialists normally manage the aftermath of a security breach, covering the whole investigation and eliminating the threat. At Kaspersky, they collect evidence about an incident by analyzing log files and network events, finding indicators of compromise and more. New-generation cyber investigators will be generalists with skills in programming and hacking, but also psychology and decision-making in volatile conditions. They'll also understand robotics and AI, as they must work with emerging systems. 6.  Digital bodyguard Like bodyguards in the physical world, we'll want to hire consultants to protect our digital identities. These bodyguards will protect against doxing – when attackers publish personal data online for revenge – and cyberstalking. They'll clean our accounts and digital history, and guide and support our virtual lives. Pew Research Center found more than 40 percent of US adults experienced online harassment in 2020. Sometimes, online harassment is linked with offline harassment and even violence. Digital bodyguards will help protect us from these kinds of threats, and disrupt and identify the offender when they happen. They may also give victims emotional support. Businesses that provide digital technologies must consider how they'll facilitate digital bodyguards' work protecting their clients. 7.  Space cybersecurity engineer Satellites are the most conspicuous piece of space technology in daily life, used in communications, navigation systems, broadcast media and more. Our reliance on satellites makes them attractive to threat actors. The space industry needs dedicated specialists to prevent attacks, particularly securing operational systems like navigation, engine control and life support. With the advent of space tourism, asteroid mining and new space stations, there'll be rising demand for out-of-this-world cybersecurity experts. What does it all mean for business? The cybersecurity landscape is complex and always changing, giving rise to new roles like these predicted. It's easy for businesses to get left behind. Examples of expensive data breaches at big-name institutions suggest those who invest in top cybersecurity will save time and money long-term. For those developing future technologies, embedding cyber immunity is becoming necessary, especially if your tech will be used in critical services like healthcare and infrastructure.

Human augmentation: Experts on why business must act now

  • Emerging tech
  • min read
    • Far from science fiction, human augmentation has long been with us, from prosthetic limbs to hearing aids to pacemakers. As augmentation gets more sophisticated, most agree the greater independence it can give many, such as ill or disabled people, is worth celebrating. But what about augmentation that makes 'super humans' or implanted identification or payment tech? What ethical limits and security standards do human augmentation technologies need, and how should business be part of the change? In my role as director of global research and analysis (GReAT) in Europe for Kaspersky, human augmentation is one of the most exciting and challenging topics I delve into. I was proud to take part in the Kaspersky-hosted conversation about the future of human augmentation as part of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) conference 2021 with leaders who create, secure and regulate human augmentation. Here's what we said about how business can prepare for human augmentation's future. 1.  Realize human augmentation will become mainstream fast Ilya Chekh, CEO of affordable artificial limb makers Motorica, spoke of how plastic surgery began as a way to repair war injuries, but was fast adapted for cosmetic use. This shows demand to 'improve' an undamaged and fully mobile human body is inevitable. I said we must stop thinking of augmentation as niche and see it as an essential part of future human lives. "We have important challenges to solve today, technologically and for society. We need more standardizations, policies and regulations – not to limit, but to shape this new world." 2.  Give space to discuss concerns Marcelo de Araujo, professor of philosophy of law at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (@profdraraujo,) said debates around COVID-19 vaccination show the prevalence of strong feelings about what could or should go inside our bodies, even for medical reasons. He stressed the importance of giving room to discuss concerns upfront. Kaspersky's research agrees concerns are common. A survey of nearly 14,500 people in 16 countries found most support human augmentation used for the good of humanity, but almost all had concerns about cybersecurity (88 percent) and many worried only the wealthy would have access (69 percent.) Chekh of Motorica says his company already gets approached by people who want to remove a healthy limb and replace it with a prosthetic. "It's a big ethical question. Another example: A client's prosthetic arm was broken in an assault. Is the crime breaking someone's device or arm? The prosthesis is part of their body for our clients – it's not like a smartphone. We should address these ethical questions in the development process." 3.  Prioritize uses that reduce inequality Tristan Vouga, co-founder and mechanics designer for powered exoskeleton creators TWIICE, believes augmentation technologies can vastly improve access for people with disabilities. But, To improve financial access to their powered exoskeletons, TWIICE lets customers hire the technology when they need it. They have also embedded considering of inequality and ethics in their process for choosing ideas to develop. Jorge Quevedo is co-founder of Robotics Lab, which makes robots tailored for sectors like logistics and healthcare. He believes while we should prioritize uses of augmentation that help people, such as medical and mobility, it may be unwise to restrict other uses, because advances for any use will benefit all uses. He says instead, government funding and private sector investment should steer towards inequality-reducing augmentation uses. 4.  Consider security early in the process The first step to better security is not thinking about security when the product is done and ready to ship, but instead, as early as possible in the development process. I said, "When security isn't considered upfront, we see easily avoided mistakes. For example, many IoT devices lack a way to update, so there's no way to correct a problem." I believe businesses must involve the right expertise to understand their security needs, and it needn't be a struggle. "Security is a huge global community – you'll find someone near you." Quevedo of Robotics Lab said with the speed augmentation technology is progressing, we shouldn't wait for the technologies to cause problems before we put security protocols in place. 5.  Get involved to help regulators make better regulation Eva Kaili (@evakaili,) Chair of the European Parliament Committee on the Future of Technology and Science, says good regulation would ensure human augmentation technologies don't harm society while not restricting technological development. Kaspersky research found widespread support for regulation of human augmentation: As high as 77 percent of respondents in the UK. But Professor de Araujo advised countries must work together to regulate fairly. "Perceptions around human augmentation vary between countries and change over time. We see lots of ethical questions revolving around the role of the state. We need international cooperation." Vouga thinks diverse viewpoints make for the best regulation. "I'd love to see more people get involved. As we step into a future radically different from now, artists, policymakers, business – everyone needs to take part." I agreed with Vouga, adding, "It's clear these technologies are essential for our future, but to ensure more including than excluding technologies, all of us together must shape this future."
arrow, pilot, plane

5 technologies you never knew came from space travel

  • Future tech
  • min read
    • With so much interest today in commercial space travel, you may think that space technologies are exclusively concerned with finding new planets to inhabit, like Elon Musk's mission to colonize Mars. Some think of space travel as a leisure pursuit for billionaires who've already been everywhere they want on Earth. But what's less discussed is the contribution space technologies have made to life on Earth. Let's explore five of the most remarkable achievements enabled by space travel, which we now experience every day. Is there mouse on Mars? We interface with computers today using a keyboard and mouse or trackpad, a convenience we take for granted. But in the early days of computing in the 1950s, computers had no graphical interface and only worked using command lines. In the early 1960s, NASA funded Doug Englebart's experiments with different input systems to improve the way people could interact with computer screens. NASA needed advanced data input and analysis to enhance their space travel operations. Most researchers expected the winning device to be a light pen, but the technology that won out was the mouse. The invention of the mouse wasn't the program's only claim to fame: project sponsor Bob Taylor left NASA in '65 to head up the ARPAnet project for the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), giving rise to the birth of the internet. Cleaning up the stardust Wherever you live, you (hopefully) regularly clean your home. Today, your weapon of choice is most likely a vacuum cleaner. I prefer to use the handy cordless vacuum cleaner, another tech that originated from NASA research. The first device of this kind was the 1979 Black & Decker "Dustbuster," commissioned by NASA for its Apollo mission to be powerful enough to collect core samples from the lunar surface. Satellites make the world go round We live in the communication and information age. At the heart of our global communications technologies are satellites – space-based communication we use every day when we make a cellphone call, use the internet or watch satellite TV. Communications satellites are artificial satellites that relay and amplifies radio communications between a source transmitter and receiver in different locations on Earth. There are now about 2,000 communication satellites in Earth's orbit, owned and used by commercial companies as well as governments and the military. Ponder this great innovation in transmitting long-distance data next time you upload a selfie to your Instagram. Beam me up, Scotty. Navigating road, air and sea from the stars When you travel by car, boat or airplane, there's one common technology you will probably use to aid your navigation: GPS (global positioning system), based on a satellite infrastructure. GPS was started in '73 by the US Department of Defense, with the prototype space satellite launched five years later. It was initially used exclusively by the US military, but following an order from President Ronald Reagan, civilians started to use the technology for the first time in the 1980s. Today, no more arguing with your map-bearing co-navigator about whether you took the wrong turn on the highway. The noughties saw the birth of a new co-pilot for drivers to spar with: the sat nav. Turn around when possible. Improving lives on Earth with healthcare innovation One field of innovation, which benefits us all, is improvements in the healthcare sector. Thanks to space travel, we've experienced faster progress with pacemakers, laser surgery, diagnostic imaging scan technologies (CT and CAT scans), and robots for surgery and production of artificial organs and prostheses. Suits with embedded biomedical sensors to study how the body responds to living in space led to the creation of a baby monitoring system to protect against cot deaths. And the innovation continues. In 2019, the UK Space Agency funded Adaptix to develop a pioneering portable 3D medical X-ray machine, based on the technology used to study stars in distant galaxies. Space technologies are benefiting industry right now. And there are many new space tech-powered business opportunities to get involved with in agriculture, logistics, mining and more. I'm looking forward to seeing what new technologies space travel will bring humankind in the future.
river privacy predictions 2020

Never the same river: Predictions for privacy’s next decade

  • Data and privacy
  • min read
    • Your phone. Your smartwatch. Your smart home. Your data is now everywhere. Collecting personal data makes services better for the user, but over the past decade, multiple cases have demonstrated the risk. In privacy, you never step in the same river twice. Concerns, threats and priorities are always changing. What privacy hazards will we see in the coming decade, and how should your business prepare? 1.  Governments will allow themselves to access more of citizens' data It's already happened, but in the next decade, governments around the world will adopt laws that let them access more of citizens' data. They may cite many reasons, including terrorism, instability and the already widespread use of the same data by business. 2.  The gap between regulation and the real world will only grow While the rationale for it is clear, enhanced access to people's data carries risks, such as unauthorized access and leaking information. It will be a big challenge for regulators to keep adapting regulations at the same speed as new technologies come into play. Companies have been slow to change how they're dealing with user data. The only recent significant change has been asking users to consent to how the company will use their data, now mandatory in many countries. We don't see any strong trend toward adding security to protect sensitive user data. There's already a growing gap between regulation and real-world practice, making regulation seem toothless. 3.  Counter-tools will fuel a privacy cyberbattle The trends I've already mentioned will encourage innovators to develop privacy protection technologies. The tech-savvy will adopt these, and more technologies will arise to circumvent them. It will be a privacy cyberbattle. Meanwhile, users will become more proactive about their privacy. There'll be high demand for password managers, virtual private networks (VPNs) and tokens (automatically generated codes) for two-factor authentication (2FA). However, protection mechanisms like 2FA tokens and password managers are just at the endpoint. Attacks and misuse are often at the backend. These tools protect the local environment, but they don't protect against attacks and abuse of systems such as the cloud. And as cloud-based tools go from being leading-edge to indispensable, all employees will need to understand where the risks are. VPNs protect against some data collection (real IP-addresses, geolocation) but don't protect against users voluntarily sharing data with services like Google and Facebook. 4. We'll keep getting fooled by fun Cybercriminals can use this strategy to attack businesses, targeting employees for personal information, and using it to access business systems and data. 5. We'll see new attacks on democratic process and  protections against disinformation These attacks have been with us for many years, and there's no reason for them to stop. Technology for fake visual and audio IDs already exist, and with the political pendulum of a US presidential election, these will bring undesired attention and abuse from multiple parties. 6. Internet of Things (IoT) vendors will scale up security investment The last few years have been turbulent for the cybersecurity industry. IoT-specific malware, data breaches and disinformation campaigns across the globe have all been challenging. This activity will push vendors to a new level of collaboration for the sake of security. Amazon, Apple, Google and the Zigbee Alliance have announced they're creating a working group to develop and promote a royalty-free connectivity standard. This will increase compatibility among IoT products and embed fundamental security. I hope others will follow their lead. All in all, we're looking at an interesting decade ahead for privacy. The challenges will be significant. Businesses will be a key player in securing the privacy of both their employees' and customers' data. Let's hope solutions from innovators follow fast on the heels of each new threat. In the meantime, by putting in place adequate, regular privacy training and cyberthreat education for all employees, any business can be part of the solution.
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About Secure Futures

Secure Futures magazine is your go-to business guide for opinions, trends and insight into the world of technology and cybersecurity. We help your business to bring on the future. Brought to you by Kaspersky, the global cybersecurity experts.

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