Technology

Mandla Mbonambi, CEO of Africonology Solutions. (Image source: Africonology Solutions)

Mandla Mbonambi, CEO of Africonology Solutions, explores the synergy of Generative AI (GenAI) and cybersecurity

As the digital landscape evolves, the intersection of GenAI and cybersecurity emerges as a critical battleground. This dynamic convergence presents both unprecedented threats and unparalleled opportunities, positioning cybersecurity professionals at the forefront of innovation. These experts are now tasked with leveraging GenAI to fortify defences and combat emerging risks.

Focusing strongly on the integration of GenAI within cybersecurity frameworks is essential. With extensive experience in deploying AI algorithms, leading teams excel in analysing patterns across vast datasets, identifying vulnerabilities in code, and counteracting sophisticated malware threats. The developments at the nexus of GenAI and cybersecurity are nothing short of captivating. A continuous evolution of AI-driven attack vectors is being witnessed, including the use of GenAI for multilingual phishing attacks and the creation of intricate deepfakes. There is also a burgeoning trend within the cybersecurity community to harness GenAI for advanced threat detection and response capabilities.

Attracting and retaining top-tier talent in both GenAI and cybersecurity is paramount. Emphasising a dynamic work environment that encourages innovation and continuous learning is critical. Training programmes centred around cutting-edge technologies ensure that teams are equipped to adapt to the rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape.

A secure digital future

The dual nature of GenAI presents unique challenges and opportunities. On one hand, attackers wield powerful tools for deception and infiltration. On the other, cybersecurity teams can leverage GenAI for robust defence mechanisms. The challenge lies in staying ahead of adversarial tactics while exploring innovative ways to enhance security postures.

Maintaining an optimistic outlook is crucial. While acknowledging the risks associated with GenAI, there is a belief in its transformative potential for cybersecurity. Human-machine collaboration enables the harnessing of strengths from both, creating a resilient defence against evolving cyber threats. The key is responsible and ethical use, ensuring GenAI remains a tool under human supervision rather than a potential adversary.

Navigating the GenAI and cybersecurity landscape requires a strategic mindset, embracing both the opportunities and challenges ahead. As technology continues to advance, the fusion of human expertise and AI capabilities becomes the linchpin for a secure digital future.

Vertiv is a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions. (Image source: Vertiv)

Jon Abbott, sales director for strategic telecom clients in EMEA at Vertiv, has made note of the increasing challenges in meeting AI-driven demands in the telecommunications and data centre space

The sales director made the comments as he addressed Kenyan leaders in the telco, tower and colocation arena in Nairobi, acknowledging the rapidly changing technology landscape that is impacting their infrastructure and services.

According to the 2023 Digital Quality of Life Index, a study on digital wellbeing, Kenya ranks 82nd out of 121 countries in terms of AI readiness. “The challenge for Kenya is that AI adoption is already transforming the IT stack and our IT infrastructures. This means that accelerated architectures are needed to meet the requirements of AI workloads,” Abbott remarked.

He continued by pointing out that the tangible network developments required will include adjustments on the operational side that consumers do not see. This is likely to include changes in network ownership and increased costs of service largely driven by ever increasing demands for energy consumption as intelligent connectivity rises. “This will place a greater emphasis on efficiency, while more attention will also have to be paid to sustainability and emission reduction.”

A changing technology landscape

At the same time, significant technology changes are expected to progress in the near-future including a greater move to the edge of the network. According to Vertiv, this will drive tech collaboration and increased standardisation across the physical and logical infrastructure. The organisation also anticipates more open-source groups and commoditised hardware; data processing capability integrated into the network fabric; and new ecosystems with more private networks.

“Then there’s the Internet of Things (IoT), which has the potential to unlock insights and efficiencies across all sectors,” Abbott said. “The way this will evolve will be to propagate the landscape with processing capability, breaking the facility down into smaller and smaller localised facilities.”

AI and data centres

According to Abbott, the data centre as seen today will not disappear. Rather, they will continue to grow, but in parallel, more and smaller “edge” data centres will populate the landscape, each with the same fundamental physical requirements – always on, never getting too hot, which will place cooling systems under strain, and operating as efficiently and securely as possible.

“The challenges all this poses in terms of energy provision, particularly in the face of energy transition and sustainability requirements to meet the 2030 global emissions reduction goals, will be considerable,” he surmised.

Other hurdles to be overcome range from meeting the likely exponential growth in rack density and constraints on skills availability, to trade-offs between new builds and retrofits, power grid constraints, and an increasing need for short turn-around times as well as repeatable, quick-to-deploy designs.

“The bottom line is that AI will be a major challenge for network providers with data consumption and creation accelerating across all sectors, and data processing saturating the facility landscape,” Abbott concluded. “While this could be daunting for providers, having the right partner at your side – one that can assist with power and thermal management, and integrated rack solutions - every step of the way will help to smooth your deployment journey. Vertiv is well placed to be such a partner.”

Vertiv has recently formed a strategic distribution partnership with Redington to empower channel partners across Africa. Click here to learn more.