- One of the most definitive advantages of modern-day cutting-edge technology-driven solutions/applications is the ease with which humanity can access information and other related amenities at the mere touch of a smartphone. The advent of the latest technology, generative artificial intelligence (AI), has only made hitherto-unthinkable aspects fructify in a jiffy. The introduction of large language models (LLMs) has completely altered how present-day governments embrace the latest technology to further improve existing amenities to an entirely new level. The power of AI in every field will be a reality sooner rather than later, with every country investing in the same without bothering about the impact of loosening the purse strings.
PC: LinkedIn
- Of course, the military, space, and information warfare are critical verticals in the present times, deserving all the attention necessitated by the emerging trends. Undeniably, possessing the latest military hardware of all hues is a prerequisite, but the adoption of smart devices on the back of fast-evolving technology must be treated with some apprehension, especially concerning national security. As reported extensively, the Iran war has shown how smart devices are a grave national security risk. The US is acting on this, and India must vet imports with absolute diligence forthwith. Mind you, what 10 years of fighting and killing couldn’t do in Troy, a wooden gift horse did overnight. Now, after 2,800 years, ‘Trojans’ are hiding in plain sight everywhere.
PC: Asurion
- Those reading this would probably have one in hand right at this moment. Our Wi-Fi router is another. Step outside, and security cameras in corridors, elevators, shops, offices, and streets are all Trojans too. Iran learnt this the hard way on February 28, when a US-Israeli strike took out the supreme leader Khamenei. Reports say Israel knew his whereabouts because it had hacked Iran’s surveillance camera grid. It watched every face, every vehicle, round the clock, and used AI to zero in on persons of interest. Think about it: what nailed Khamenei wasn’t an expensive US satellite. It was hardware that Iranian citizens and the state had installed themselves. Israel merely penetrated it through a back door. It’s frightening to even think about the fragility of the system.
PC: BBC
- Notably, just as Hamas penetrated Israel’s CCTV infra before the October 23 attack, which ultimately led to this war. Russia does it in Ukraine daily, and Ukraine likewise in Russia. Every Iranian missile that finds its mark in Israel or the Gulf states has CCV assistance, too. It’s bad enough to be watched all day, but not knowing who’s watching us – supervisor, China, or a perverted neighbour – makes it worse. In January, one security expert found 3mn unsecured CCTV cameras worldwide, with just one scan. Cheap cameras, hardware like modems and routers, from China, disregarding security standards, are the reason. The anxiety isn’t new, though. More than 80% of India’s electronics imports originate in China. We must be careful here. Terrorists are on the prowl perennially. Smart devices are needed, but let’s ensure those aren’t Trojan horses.
