The Role Of Security In Artificial Intelligence

As the world changes, technology changes even faster. Every now and then, we are struck by a buzzword that changes everything (only until something new comes up). The cloud vendors know that innovation and up-gradation today are the key aspects of a promising future.

One such buzzword in the tech world today is Artificial Intelligence (AI). While a vast population is still unknown to the reality of AI and several others may refuse to identify it, terms like Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are deeper than we realize.

So, what exactly is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence involves the development of computers to simulate intelligent behavior. This is done with a vision to enable computers to carry out routine human tasks such as speech recognition, identification of patterned behavior, decision making, and translation between languages.

What is the future of technology with Artificial Intelligence?

By leveraging the ability to understand, decide and reason, the machines can streamline a number of repetitive tasks in less time. However, AI does not just end here. Technology enthusiasts have identified several concerns regarding the future of Artificial intelligence and machine learning. There is a line of tasks that machines amplified with AI are capable of achieving, which may become a concern after a while.

When asked about the future of AI and the benefits associated with it, there were two separate sets of people accounting for two different opinions. While on the one hand, the first set of the population claimed that AI is the future, the other group of people highly disagrees. It says artificial intelligence is not required, unless if we wish to disrupt the environment.

Although the substance of AI is still ambiguous, it is undoubtedly a vast concept and the decision whether it is safe or not is yet to go a long way.

Why is security important in AI?

The importance of security can be realized simply by the fact that AI works on volumes of data. Machines learn from the patterns, which can be observed only when there is a variety of data to go through. This data, whether big or small, is important. Doubtlessly, every ounce of information becomes significant when handled by a third party. This is when security becomes a major concern.

Data breaches are very common and happen every day across the globe. Taking them lightly is one mistake that no vendor would knowingly want to commit.

What Is Artificial Intelligence Capable of?

Artificial Intelligence is a concept applicable to machines. This implies that machines will do whatever told, limited by human instructions. AI in the current time is used narrowly, to fulfill a limited number of needs. A common example of AI is SIRI, a feature developed by Apple Inc. The application acts as a personal assistant that operates on voice recognition to perform tasks like playing music, making Google searches and setting reminders. Amazon has recently launched ‘Alexa’, a device that works purely on voice recognition to serve its users.

But will AI stay inside the narrow boundaries it is in today? Or there will be a bigger picture in the future? Innovators desire Artificial Intelligence to push the boundaries and put it to greater use. It is expected that AI can be of great help in making the medical diagnosis, in managing traffic on roads, in weather predictions, in cooking, cleaning, and more.

Risks Associated:

The risks associated with artificial intelligence can be simply understood as the fact that it can be used by anyone and everyone. Given below are two examples that attempt to explain the risks of AI:

1. Incomplete Instructions, Misaligned Goals

This can be understood by a simple example. Suppose you instruct your car to take you to the airport in the least possible time. Artificial Intelligence coupled with Machine Learning only understands the end result, which is to take you to the airport quickly. In order to achieve this, the traffic rules may be ignored, accidents may occur, you may end up hurting yourself and several others on the road.

This simply implies that AI is smart, but not smart enough to understand the abstract concepts of rules and safety unless specified.

2. A Destructive Machinery May Be Constructed For Personal Gains

Technology can be accessed by everyone. And not every individual comes with a positive motive. Anyone can program artificial intelligence to achieve destructive motives. If handled with care, AI can greatly benefit humanity. On the other hand, if reached by the wrong group of people, AI can be easily used against humanity.

Thus, care must be taken when leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence in the hands of people.

Benefits of AI:

Listed below are the benefits that AI renders:

1. Enhanced Efficiency and Performance

Artificial intelligence is so purposed to leave humans free from tedious tasks. This helps them to focus on things that are more important and need immediate attention. Thus, improving efficiency to a great extent.

2. Saves Time

With machines carrying out routine tasks, humans will have more time to dispose of research and development. For example, AI can filter out the spam emails from the inbox, thus saving the user from the trouble of going through unimportant emails that account for nothing. The GPS system installed in the Smartphone saves time by helping with directions, suggesting the shortest routes and giving updates about the traffic congestion on different routes.

3. Elevates the Standard of Living

AI has significantly contributed to improving the standard of living. With smartphones, smart TVs and other luxury appliances at home, the power of AI has only multiplied.

4. Multi-Industry Benefits

AI is not limited to one particular industry. It benefits a number of industries at the same time. Whether it is the medical diagnosis, education and research, business and commerce or technology, AI can and will benefit every industry from many possible angles

5. Improves Creativity

It was in the olden times when ideas remained ideas forever. With artificial intelligence and machine learning, innovators have the edge of materializing their ideas. 

Then how will Artificial Intelligence securely use data?

There are certain loopholes that need to be controlled when working with Artificial Intelligence. Every aspect used by AI needs to be analyzed thoroughly before putting it into practice.

1. Address Data Privacy Guidelines More Extensively

2. Take Data Encryption More Seriously

A Final Word…There is no going back… 

Although artificial intelligence is the next big thing in the tech world, the importance of human involvement cannot be taken for granted. Any compromise with security can be financially damaging for a firm and its people, thus a strong human control is necessary.

AI is a core part of our lives and it can be made more beneficial. Being more accountable, reliable, responsible and transparent towards technology can go a long way.