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paper dead shredder

Is paper dead?

  • min read
    • For retailers, predicting customers' future wants and needs is crucial – especially in this era of disrupted supply chains. I hope you won't recognize this story as something that might happen in your business, but it demonstrates how soon retailers of all sizes could find themselves in a new future. I bought a blouse recently from a traveling vintage clothes seller. Picture several racks of bright retro outfits set up under a caravan awning with a changing room crafted from tie-dyed blankets. Incense hangs in the air, as does the ringing of tiny bells attached to the seller's impossibly long hair, jingling as she wanders around after customers, straightening coat hangers. To pay, I offer cash, but she instead presents me with a beautifully calligraphed sign showing her bank account details. Given the riskiness of this practice, I offer a moment of security education. She tells me she's in the habit of giving out her bank details because it means more sales, and keeping enough change around is hard when you're always on the road. Even those on the fringes are moving towards electronic payment for its convenience and customer preference, albeit sometimes not in ideal ways. When it comes to meeting customer expectations in how your transactions happen, are you ready for a future where paper money, receipts, plastic cards are a thing of the past? Could your retail business work in a world where all money is changing hands by smartphone? Among Kaspersky researchers' privacy prediction for 2023 is that we'll keep seeing smartphones and other smart devices encroaching on activities once dominated by paper and plastic cards. A future where all we'll need is a smartphone seems close when we're paying by near-field communication (NFC) like Apple or Samsung Pay or QR code like Swish, or using apps to show COVID-19 testing and vaccination status. What does this mean for paper and plastic transactions? And what privacy and security issues should business consider when it comes to doing it all by smartphone? Environmental reasons to stop using paper and plastic Some might say the sustainability drive to eliminate paper and plastic in business transactions is overplayed. While both have significant environmental impacts, business transactions are not a major source. Meanwhile, electronic transactions can be responsible for much energy use and the equipment used will ultimately become resource-heavy and hard-to-recycle ewaste. Gen Z, Millennials and those younger will do much to avoid adding more plastic and paper to the world. Regardless of environmental impact, consumer demand for more convenient paperless and cardless transactions will only grow. Processes likely to move to smartphone apps Digitized identity documents look set to be the next big frontier for smartphones. It's already been a common approach to declaring COVID-19 testing and vaccination status worldwide, but soon passports, driver licenses, student IDs and more will be made available through apps. Germany started using app-based ID cards in 2021. Around the same time, Apple announced several US states would make digital identity cards and driver licenses available using Apple Wallet. ID stored on phones brings convenience and risk. A well-implemented system would let stores verify customers' age without seeing personal details they don't need, like home address – also known as 'zero trust' security. Digitized IDs could also speed up know-your-customer (KYC) procedures when applying for a loan with a smartphone. But using a smartphone to store growing amounts of personal data introduces 'single point of failure' security risk. Those who develop and commission smartphone software like apps must ensure top-notch device security and privacy-preserving data storage. Cardless cash withdrawal at ATMs is taking off around the world, especially where bankcard fraud is more common, like India. Smartphone apps enable cardless withdrawals, for example, scanning a QR code on the ATM screen with a payment app like Google Pay, or using near-field communication (NFC.) Again, these transactions aren't without risk. Speaking to price-comparison service Bankrate, Ricardo Pina, founder of personal finance blog The Modest Wallet, said, "Since bank cards are being replaced by phones, criminals will now be more enticed to target and hack your phone to mine your data, information and even change your phone and bank app settings." When will paper and card transactions become history? Those who run businesses that experience higher overheads thanks to processing cash, cards and printed receipts may dare to dream of a world where these go the way of the 'check.' Ubiquitous throughout most of the 20th century, many banks have stopped issuing and accepting these. Check payment is expected to be extinct by 2026. Those old enough to remember when checks were commonplace might think they'd disappeared years ago. But sometimes these methods strongly persist in parts of an economy that need them for specific reasons. A few years ago, a friend and I hiked the five-day South West Coastal Path in Cornwall, UK – and yes, it was glorious. This part of the UK is far from any major city. We were surprised to notice most bed-and-breakfasts  accepted only cash or check. Once we understood the area's geography, we paid by check wherever we could. Traveling on foot and far from towns, it seemed unwise to part with cash we might need. These businesses told us they didn't take card payments because they only had customers in summer, making point-of-sale machines uneconomic. Similarly, can smartphones – and reliable access to affordable data to operate apps – be all things to all people in all places? While access to mobile technologies has certainly enabled greater economic participation from marginalized people, we can easily overestimate how many can and will use these technologies if we use them or see them used around us often. Pew Research estimates around 85 percent of the US population owns a smartphone, but in China and India, it's lower at 70 percent. While China leads the world in mobile payment adoption, smartphone ownership numbers don't tell us how many people could use their smartphone for payments – for example, successfully download and register to use payment apps, and access data when needed. Cash transactions still account for far more business than many people think – in 2021, customers used cash for over 20 percent of point-of-sale transactions globally, according to the International Currency Association. Many businesses wouldn't survive losing 20 percent of their sales. There is also the inevitable backlash against smartphones because of negative mental health impacts, seeing some choose to quit or radically reduce how much they use them. It seems paper- and card-based identity and payment options will be with us much longer than we think, if the lifecycle of check payment is anything to go by. For small business, alternative point-of-sale card payment providers are fast making accepting cards more affordable, making paying by card even more ubiquitous without reducing security. When it comes to taking payment, it 'pays' to be flexible and listen to what your customers want, rather than focusing on what suits your business. Meanwhile, keep an eye on evolving technology making retail transactions simpler and more affordable.
cyber threats business 2022

Five business cyberthreats taking center stage in 2022

  • min read
    • Every year, businesses face a changing threat landscape. It pays for leaders to know what the experts think will come next. If you're upgrading your cybersecurity or looking for a new vendor, knowing what attacks are likely in 2022 will help you make the right choice. It turns out our predictions for 2021 were on the money. So what should you and your colleagues plan for this year? We're forecasting these four events that could have flow-on effects for other industries. 1.  Financial organizations will face more threats around cryptocurrency Cryptocurrency keeps growing, and people will keep investing in it for many reasons, including its anonymity, which also makes it attractive to cybercrime groups. In the scramble for cryptocurrency investment opportunities, cybercriminals will use social engineering campaigns, fabricating and selling rogue devices with backdoors to steal financial assets. More financial industry cyberthreats we'll see in 2022 2.  Fake medical documentation will trouble healthcare We saw the trade in faked medical documents like COVID-19 vaccination passports and test results in 2021. Fake vaccines were even spotted for sale on the dark web. As more countries roll out privileges alongside vaccination or test documentation, criminals will roll out more fakes. Medical-themed bait has long featured in cybercrime. With the pandemic triggering increased use of online medical services, patients watch for notifications about test results and messages from doctors. More healthcare cyberthreats likely in 2022 3.  Governments will conflict and compromise with big tech Governments are wary of big tech's growing power and data hoarding. As states build more digital infrastructure for delivering services and deeper insights into their population, they'll show more interest in what citizen data big business holds. We'll see more regulation, such as privacy and data localization laws, and regulation around how law enforcement can access data. Apple's new system that scans devices for child abuse images shows the challenges of balancing user privacy against stopping crime. More privacy predictions for 2022 4.  Industrial attacks will become more focused In many parts of the world, a rapidly snowballing trend is laser-focused attacks, particularly on Industrial Computer Systems (ICS.) We've seen increasing theft of authentication data using spyware, with each attack directed at only a handful of targets. We think these kinds of attacks will make up an even greater portion of the threat landscape in 2022, and we'll see the tactic used more widely. These attacks show why industrial shop floors must be protected. Industrial internet of things (IIoT) devices are easily overlooked and often vulnerable. More predictions for industrial cybercrime in 2022 5.  Ransomware attacks will get more targeted 2021 was a big year in ransomware, with a 30 percent growth in Ransomware 2.0, also known as double extortion. These attacks go beyond demanding a ransom to de-encrypt systems to using stolen sensitive data as leverage to pressure victims to pay up. In November 2021, the US FBI warned ransomware actors are "using significant financial events, such as mergers and acquisitions, to target and leverage victim companies for ransomware infections." At these times, any leaked information could have devastating consequences, making victims more inclined to pay ransoms. In 2022, this type of extortion will become more common. Regular, high-quality cybersecurity training for all staff is one of the best ways of avoiding falling victim to ransomware. Kaspersky is one of several organizations behind the No More Ransom initiative, providing free decryption tools and advice for ransomware victims. More on ransomware activity in 2021 As your strategic plans for 2022 take shape, improving cybersecurity will no doubt be among them. Your business must adapt as cybercriminals' ways and means change. These predictions will help you and your team be forewarned and forearmed.
global regulations

INFOGRAPHIC: How GDPR changed the world, and privacy regulation’s future

  • min read
    • One piece of regulation has never before had such global impact as the EU Global Data Protection Regulation (GDPR.) It's firmly established data privacy in the public mind, giving extensive and unassailable rights and affecting behavior well beyond the EU's borders. GDPR legislation was a pioneer that other regions followed. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) came into force in 2020. The more expansive California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) will replace it in 2023. While there is no federal nationwide data protection law in the US, all fifty states have regulated data safeguarding, disposal and breach disclosure. US data privacy is pointing towards giving consumers more rights. Africa and Asia, with few exceptions, have a way to go in privacy regulation. It may be fair to say data protection regulation follows economic and political development. But China has a different focus. Having enacted strong privacy regulation, it's regaining control of local Big Tech, starting with corporate dismemberment of Alibaba. It aims to control the massive amounts of data held by Chinese companies that may list overseas. New consumer expectations of data privacy GDPR and other regulations worldwide have raised awareness of privacy issues. There's a gap between what customers want and what businesses think customers want in their digital experience. Businesses think it's profiles (for example, offering relevant suggestions,) live help and price-matching. But consumers prioritize rewards, free shipping and data protection. Forced innovation is also good innovation Data protection is now front of mind for everyone. Many once saw security regulations as an innovation inhibitor adding friction to the customer experience, but now they're customer experience's new best friend. With today's cybercrime landscape, data protection has never had so much focus, driving the need for strong authentication. 3-D Secure is a great example. Ecommerce businesses saw the first version of 3-D Secure as an important tool for tackling fraud, but also the main culprit for customers not completing checkout. But the same businesses are finding the latest version, which includes new security features like biometrics, highly attractive for easier authentication across the whole customer experience. 3-D Secure's latest iteration links with new EU regulation's authentication requirements. Privacy expectations impact on cybercrime The COVID-19 pandemic has sped up changes in digital consumer behavior like never before. Security and fraud risk increased, triggering more stringent regulation. Ransomware gangs try to extort money from victims by encrypting their data, but also releasing it if the ransom isn't paid, adding data privacy insult to injury. Nations are stepping up to address ransomware, now the world's biggest cyberthreat. But it's early days. Attempts to reduce ransomware risk are sometimes surprising with little consensus on how to address it, like US proposals to make ransomware payments tax-deductible or, conversely, making paying a ransom illegal. Once a profitable niche, cyber insurance now struggles to stay afloat with increasing ransomware and skyrocketing demands. Emerging trends in data regulation and oversight Data protection and privacy regulations are now part of life. We also see several emerging trends. For example, increased data protection and privacy oversight; in the three years since GDPR, nearly half of UK businesses have been reported to the Information Commissioner's Office over breaches. With longstanding data breach disclosure laws in the US, a new bill could force businesses to report breaches faster. India has long deliberated its Personal Data Protection Bill (PDP.) We're also seeing financial and security regulations aligning. Financial services regulations now include extensive obligations overlapping with security. Penalties are no longer the sole domain of national data protection authorities but could come from any regulator. UK's Financial Conduct Authority fined Tesco Bank 16.4 million pounds sterling for failing to protect customers' accounts and not doing enough to prevent financial crime. And we see increased desire to control Big Tech. The most notable example started in China with Alibaba in 2019. New Chinese data protection regulation has more scope for oversight, as we saw with the crackdown on ride-hailing service Didi and others. China perhaps sees its companies listed overseas as a national security risk because foreign governments could scrutinize the massive amounts of data they hold. But there are other risks: Several shareholders sued Didi since their share price fell after regulatory crackdown. It's not just China wanting to rein in Big Tech and their data – security concerns led to Germany's data protection commissioner telling government organizations to shut down their Facebook pages. UK's draft Online Safety Bill proposes a new Big Tech oversight body to help tackle illegal and harmful online content. Another trend is increasing regulatory oversight of start-ups, especially in fintech. Stock trading app Robinhood must pay 30 million US dollars to the New York State regulatory body for cybersecurity and anti-money laundering failures. The Swedish financial regulator is investigating buy-now-pay-later firm Klarna for data privacy breaches. Coming soon: The data regulation to prepare for Data regulation laws are often challenged. In Europe in 2020, the Schrems II judgment invalidated Privacy Shield, the data-sharing mechanism between the EU and the US. Austrian activist Max Schrems scored a major win as his case questioning Facebook's legal basis to collect data was referred to the EU Court of Justice. Trump's US attempt to ban TikTok and WeChat shows this isn't confined to the EU. India's Reserve Bank banned Mastercard from issuing new credit and debit cards for not keeping to local data storage rules. Three years since GDPR came into force, regulators aren't standing still. In April 2021, the EU Commission published a draft proposal to regulate artificial intelligence in line with GDPR. With increased automation globally, this is one area to watch.
space infrastructure cybersecurity

Why aliens might be the next big cyber-hackers

  • min read
    • On Earth, we depend on what we've put into space. And like all critical infrastructure, space infrastructure needs cybersecurity. It's a vital backbone for sensitive systems and tasks that support economies, communication and science. Increased technology in critical infrastructure means improved service, but it also means more ways for intruders to attack. We use satellites to communicate and monitor weather, but also to explore space. Increasing space missions also bring new ways to attack. And whenever a new technology emerges, it attracts hacktivists, organized state cybercriminals and cyber mercenaries. We must learn from past mistakes and put cybersecurity front and center while expanding space operations. Layers of space infrastructure Like typical critical infrastructure, space infrastructure has three main layers. Corporate network or user segment Typical critical infrastructure has a corporate network that hosts email, file servers, digital services and so on. In space infrastructure, it's called the 'user segment,' and it's where administrators and systems operators process data from all segments. Field layer or space segment Space probes, sensors, satellites and other things that collect data from the environment are the 'space segment.' In traditional critical infrastructure, it's the field layer. The space segment facilitates long-range communication and monitoring services to the ground segment. Supervisory or ground segment We need a layer between connecting field devices with the corporate network for monitoring and processing data. It's called the supervisory segment in critical infrastructure or the 'ground segment' in space. The ground segment receives space communications, and monitors and controls spacecraft like satellites, telescopes and probes. Each segment hosts systems, networks and devices and provides a set of services to other segments. When a service or device is network-connected, it's exposed to cyber threats. Cyberthreats in space Cyberattacks can enter space infrastructure through corporate networks (the user segment,) satellites, satellite communication and any system that connects to the space network. As early as 2022, 4G towers on the moon could be another entry point. We don't often hear about cyberattacks on space infrastructure, but they happen, which is why some countries are expanding their space cyber defense. In 2019, the US government established the Space Force as its sixth armed force. The Space Force protects US interests in space, including cyber operations. In the same year, NASA found a rogue device, a Raspberry Pi, stealing sensitive information undetected for 10 months. Cyberattacks affect space agencies like all big organizations. Cybercriminals target their networks for many reasons. As well as targeting space networks' user segment, threat actors target communication between ground stations and satellites, eavesdropping and spying. We also see an arms race in space warfare. Global powers are establishing space units within armed forces, while others are taking it to the next level with kamikaze satellites. But seriously, alien cyber-hackers So far, we've discussed human-generated threats. But there are also non-human and unintentional threats like space junk, solar flares and thunderstorms that affect space infrastructure and cause disruptions on Earth. Future of space exploration More countries than ever are launching missions to space. In 2020 alone, China, the United Arab Emirates and the US launched missions to Mars while China's rover has been exploring the Martian surface. NASA's Artemis program aims to place the first woman and next man on the moon by 2024, to study and collect information for planning a base camp on its south pole for the next giant leap – sending humans to Mars. Once, only governments were in space, but private companies are now taking over the space race. Here are my predictions for the future of space exploration. We'll fly by rocket instead of airplane We're always looking for the fastest way to travel. On the ground, the proposed Hyperloop could reach speeds of 760 miles an hour – 50 percent faster than commercial jets. Meanwhile, Elon Musk wants to fly people in rockets instead of airplanes, avoiding friction and air resistance to make speeds up to 17,000 miles per hour, or London to Dubai in under 30 minutes. Space tourism will be a norm Space tourism is right around the corner. We'll see hotels in orbit as our newest 'getaway' on a whole new level. Gateway Foundation announced plans to open the first space hotel, Voyager Station, as early as 2027. As we learn how to survive in conditions different from Earth, we'll also see vacation destinations on the moon and Mars. Robots are the new astronauts Artificial Intelligence is prominent in our lives today. It's just a matter of time before we have robots capable of doing anything humans can do, including becoming astronauts. We can design robots to withstand harsh conditions on different planets. There are already semi-autonomous machines like Perseverance on Mars, but their computational intelligence is limited. As technology advances, we'll send robots powered by supercomputers to discover the unknown. Human colonies on planets and moons Humans will venture into space and start colonizing solar system planets and moons. We're already planning bases on the moon and Mars, so it's just a matter of time until we see sustainable colonies hosting thousands, if not millions, of people. Infrastructure will also progress to host hospitals, farms and schools. We'll mine space resources To settle on a planet, we'll need to mine its raw materials. Water could be highly valuable on other planets because it can be broken down to hydrogen for rocket fuel and oxygen to breathe. Space mining will be one of the most crucial industries for humans going interplanetary. This space future, or any other we imagine, will need IT infrastructure and communication, and like space infrastructure today, will have ways for cybercriminals – alien or human – to attack. We must remember space infrastructure is already crucial to life on Earth and protect it accordingly. Cybercriminals have already shown they can hide a Raspberry Pi from NASA, and they'll have many more tricks up their sleeves. Let's make sure we explore the solar system and the universe in the safest way we can.
Democratizing artificial intelligence

How we can make sure AI benefits everyone

  • min read
    • We're at a tipping point in history, but the potential in our situation is also palpable. Smart technology has been disruptive. Artificial intelligence (AI) is growing exponentially, creating radical change in how we live, work and play. Every country and industry feels its reverberations. Whole systems of production, management and governance are changing while we face huge challenges like climate change and a global pandemic. Add ongoing issues like fake news, wealth inequality and bias to the mix. We need visionary leadership and action to ensure humanity goes in the right direction as we unlock AI's potential. If we navigate this era wisely, AI will be good for society. Max Tegmark, President of Future of Life Institute, says, "Everything we love about civilization is a product of intelligence, so amplifying our human intelligence with artificial intelligence could help civilization flourish like never before – as long as we keep the technology beneficial." AI is a purpose for humanity My recent book Democratizing Artificial Intelligence to Benefit Everyone examines the smart technology era, how AI affects every part of our world and how it could benefit everyone. I also introduce Sapiens – a human-centered AI-driven platform that puts us in control as individuals. It could monetize the data and services of individuals, companies and even countries. Sapiens addresses a big gap: There is no large-scale solution helping us make the most of our lives. The Sapiens AI Assistant helps you optimize your life, get money for data and services and learns from your behavior. It supports lifelong learning, relationships and wellbeing. It gives guidance, makes recommendations and even helps you build character strengths. Why do we need this? Imagine living in a thriving, uplifting and compassionate society that creates beneficial outcomes for everyone. Smart technology helps this society solve problems and create opportunities. Cities are greener, work is low stress and living more meaningful. Jobs are well-paid, your community is rich in activities and you can easily learn throughout your life. You can focus on quality of life and work with others to further improve society, rewarded for your active participation and positive contributions. I'm developing Sapiens with that future in mind. How business leaders should respond to AI AI is progressively disrupting and changing most sectors and business models. It's activating new markets and future industries. Global management consultancy McKinsey estimates AI will add 13 trillion US dollars to the global economy over the next decade. In my experience developing AI software over two decades, business is getting better at gathering and responding to data, transforming customer retention, productivity and quality. Increased computing power, data storage and processing capability have all helped. Markets are evolving. We see faster, scalable marketplaces, more informed consumers and leaner operations. Advances in AI are birthing new industries and customer segments. Senior executives must make fast, strategic shifts to monetize new opportunities and adapt models as AI adoption spawns new industries. Early examples of new AI-driven market segments include recommendation-driven entertainment streaming and GPS-driven ride-sharing. We've seen tremendous increase in start-ups using AI, with investment growing 18-fold in six years. AI applications today mainly optimize business processes in existing industries like customer support, logistics and supply chain management. But the biggest economic benefits of AI will be in solving complex problems that could start new industries. Business leaders must keep track of machine learning developments to spot trends and react. AI in cybersecurity Cyberattacks can target all businesses, with aims ranging from customer data theft to corporate espionage. IT security economics research by Kaspersky saw the average cost in 2020 of resolving a data breach for an enterprise exceeds $1 million, and more than $100k for small- to medium-sized businesses. Large data breaches can leak the data of millions of people, opening the door for further cybercrime and fraud. AI will play an increasingly important role in protecting businesses from cyberthreats, with security tools analyzing data from millions of threats and using it to identify threats like ransomware and phishing as they become more sophisticated. Staying up to date with AI-based cybersecurity tools and using them to assist security teams helps keep businesses safe from increasingly potent cyberattacks. AI-driven cybersecurity learns how humans react, helping a business become better prepared to face future threats. Personalized engagement for consumer-facing businesses Consumer-facing businesses must offer personalized customer experiences at scale. Tech giants like Amazon, Google and Alibaba have led the way. Machine learning can accurately predict customer needs by building rich, real-time profiles as we interact with websites and virtual assistants. Accenture says investment in AI and human-machine collaboration could boost retail revenue by 38 percent. As we flick through Netflix recommendations or search on Google, AI calculations happen in data centers, with our devices communicating their results to us. This will change as machine-learning algorithms become more efficient and capable of running on low-power devices at the 'edge' (known as edge computing.) Future AI applications in money and finance AI has already had an enormous impact on the financial services sector. Mordor Intelligence estimated AI in fintech was worth nearly 8 billion US dollars in 2020, predicting its value will triple by 2026. AI-automated processes are reducing costs, increasing productivity and preventing fraud. AI could offer personalized engagement for the growing number switching to mobile, in-app transactions. It would provide another possible route for cyberattack and financial fraud, but AI can help address these risks too. Intelligent virtual assistants for banking, powered by messaging platforms, mobile devices or voice assistants, could give convenient, easy customer service for everything from account balances to loan inquiries. My company, South African AI business Cortex Logic, envisages major banks using AI-driven models to optimize home loan prices in a dynamic and personalized way. In this industry, slight increases in market share are of high value. US residents take out 4.4 trillion US dollars in home mortgages each year. By mining structured and unstructured data, banks can better segment and personalize home loan price positioning. AI-powered stock and share trading could use new data sources like satellite imagery relevant to commodity prices and social media sentiments around brands. These could complement established market signals like company performance and news sentiments to optimize investment portfolios. AI-enabled education, healthcare and wellness AI ultra-personalized solutions present a way to use smart tech for a fairer world. McKinsey estimates in the US AI-powered solutions could save 300 billion US dollars a year in healthcare costs. While in the UK, AI-driven preventive care could save 3.3 billion pounds yearly in decreased hospital admissions. These preventative care solutions also forecast disease spread and identify high-risk groups. Developing one new drug costs around 2.6 billion US dollars, but almost 90 percent of proposed therapies fail between first-phase trials and regulatory approval. AI-based solutions are helping speed up developing treatments and making them more cost-effective. AI's impact on society, government and the public sector AI is transforming the public sector with improved delivery, efficiency and safety. Many governments see AI as a game-changer and are putting policies in place to smooth its way. Professional services giant Deloitte's Center of Government Insights report examines how AI can redesign public sector work. For the US federal government alone, task automation could mean savings of 3.3 to 41 billion US dollars (depending on the type of task being sped up and to what extent). Debates around AI's future AI's progress and future direction are hotly debated. Everyone wants to ensure its path is ethical, transparent and beneficial. We're getting better at understanding the complexity and inner workings of AI. We must now develop a thorough understanding of where it's going. How will AI affect our ability to exercise free will? How will it impact our evolution and long-term survival? There are concerns about using AI for surveillance, including tech giants, corporates and governments using it to control, manipulate or profit. Other concerns center around how bias in data can make AI unreliable. Solutions to potential negative impacts include developing policies to ensure AI is directed at the common good. Skills for a human-centered AI-driven workplace OECD's Future of Education and Skills 2030 report recommends students develop three competencies they'll need to shape a healthy and sustainable future: Creating new value, reconciling tensions and dilemmas, and taking responsibility. University of Phoenix's Institute of the Future outlines ten work skills crucial for success in the future workplace in their Future Work Skills 2020 report, including sense-making: finding deeper meaning and significance in information and novel and adaptive thinking: coming up with solutions and responses beyond rules. AI is a vital companion to support people to thrive in the future of work. Democratizing AI is a multi-faceted problem. It's not only dependent on the progress of tech and policy making, but excellent collaboration between the public and private sector, academia and global organizations. We need a strategic plan to ensure we use AI for good outcomes. We must democratize AI throughout the lifecycle starting with its development before deployment and use. We must build human-compatible, ethical and trustworthy AI and address bias and discrimination. With the accelerating pace of AI-driven automation and its impact on work, we must become lifelong learners. We need to make proactive choices as opportunities shift and target areas where we can make meaningful contributions. That way, we'll shape a better future together in the smart technology era.
cities of future

How working from home is changing the future of cities

  • min read
    • The switch to working from home that accompanied the pandemic is accelerating underlying trends in urban living and improving quality of life in cities. The pandemic isn't over, and no one knows what's next, but trend-spotters in marketing, research and other disciplines are noting change in how we live. I agree with them: Our environment is changing thanks to the influence of remote work, new technology and interacting physical and virtual worlds. Here are some of the big shifts to watch out for. How homes will change Never before have people around the world found themselves living in such similar ways at the same time. For the second year running, we're seeing remote working en masse. The change has boosted some sectors. E-commerce has thrived as visiting bricks-and-mortar stores became more complicated. We've seen higher shipping parcel volumes and evidence of expansion in delivery services. People are getting used to spending more time at home, so in commerce 'dark stores' (local stores being converted into fulfilment houses for online orders,) food delivery and digitalization will keep growing. Contactless payments will be the norm. COVID-19 has accelerated intelligent buildings and smart home technologies already being implemented. Keyless entry, voice-activated elevators and digital room service have become more valuable as consumers embrace hands-off technology at home. For smart homes, essential security includes correctly configuring Wi-Fi networks and protecting devices and control panels with strong, unique passwords. But consumers have a way to come to adopt good security practices widely. Kaspersky's recent research found only 48 percent protect their Wi-Fi network with a password, and just 58 percent use security software beyond what their devices have as standard with their operating system. There's encouraging news in emerging 'cyber immune' technologies bringing greater security by design to the new fusion of digital and physical worlds. How the office will change Millions of employees working from home have felt the need for a virtual office. The hybrid work model is coming to the fore for many businesses, which means heading to the office just two or three days a week. This 'pop-up' workspace paradigm means virtual work will become more widely available. The need to organize IT support adds a burden for employees. Simple advice: Always use a virtual private network (VPN) at home or on public Wi-Fi – it will protect your data, hide your IP address and ensure no one intercepts your online communications. How urban living will change Demographers and sociologists have trotted out the 'death of the suburbs' narrative many times over the years. COVID-19 caused a return to suburban and country life: Millions changed out downtown apartments for green places with less human contact. "First there were boom towns. Now there are Zoom towns," said Lilly Smith in Fast Company, describing vacation destinations turning into real estate hot spots. My study of economic sociology tells me people will find a middle ground between Zoom towns and big cities. The pandemic has blurred the boundaries between suburban living and metropolitan life. Improved rural infrastructure means country living is an option for people who have never considered it before. More than ever, people can choose their lifestyle, mixing and matching living arrangements according to family and seasons. I think Zoom towns are here to stay, but the way people use them will evolve. But another thing the pandemic has taught us is, we want to meet face to face. It's human nature to communicate and live together. People want to go to bars and restaurants, and they need eye contact in meetings and to feel connected to teammates to be productive. All this is why we'll always want to live in cities. Urban trends triggered in 2020 include 15-minute cities, where citizens can get daily needs within a short walk or fresh air while teleworking. Malls have made way for local grocery stores, and we're favoring getting around on bicycles rather than driving or by public transport. In Fast Forward audio series episode Cities of the Future, filmmaker and vice-chair of Women in Architecture Sarah Akigbogun predicts the flight from downtown to suburbia may be good for tackling inequality. It might empower talented people in marginalized communities recently shut out by inner-city gentrification. These may be long-lasting urban tendencies. Post-pandemic habits will shape the look of future neighborhoods, providing a more family-friendly environment for those who enjoy city living. When planning a living environment, developers must create opportunities for communication and leisure, enhance sense of community and prioritize health. Technologies that sanitize public spaces, allow contactless entry or enable stay-at-home virtual and augmented reality tourism will bring us closer to a future of smart and secure homes and cities. In the past, cities grew through planning decisions and municipal visions of the future, but we're entering a time when technology is giving many the flexibility to choose where and how they live and work. As global challenges like pandemics and climate change demand fast, decisive change, this growing flexibility in our lives could be a valuable asset.
by Innovating leaders.
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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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