Stricter global security standards needed amid AI hype, UN cybercrime forum told

AI has captured imaginations with its applications but it is masking a dark reality, a UN forum has been told.

While companies rush to embrace Artificial Intelligence and other advances, many are relying on decades-old technology when it comes to online fraud, a UN cybercrime forum has been told.

Online fraud cost nearly $55 billion last year alone, with 300 million consumers globally scammed. In some countries cybercrime now accounts for 50 per cent of all crimes reported.

Stricter data collection policies, global security standards and even cybersecurity training for kids should all be implemented to thwart the rise in online fraud, delegates were told.

Matt Simpson, vice president of Cyber Security Consulting Atkins Global, said AI had captured imaginations and attention with its impressive range of applications, but this was masking the reality that “a lot of companies are struggling with basics, using technological equipment that in some cases are decades old”.

Companies need to address current tech issues before rushing into AI, the UN has heard. Picture: AFP

“Businesses are struggling with money and expertise … before we start looking at the bigger AI picture, the security culture within the workplace must change, and this must start at school,” Mr Simpson said.

“Teaching children how to be cyber security aware will help secure future challenges. Risks change fast and we don’t all have the money, expertise and time to keep up – so teaching children will help change the culture.”

“Kids use TikTok now and we need to teach them to safeguard themselves,” added Matthew Frazer, chief technology officer of New York City’s Office of Technology and Innovation.

“We need to drive behaviour forward to look at the risks of cyber technology and manage these risks.”

The head of the UN’s cybercrime and money laundering division, Glen Prichard, said countries must sing from the same hymn sheet to develop effective deterrents and techniques to reverse the epidemic of online crime while still promoting the benefits of AI.

AI has captured imaginations globally with its range of applications.

Mr Prichard called for stricter government policies on data collection and retention.

“We need to look at data collection and prevention and the way governments and private enterprise collect data and how they protect it, without demonising the use of technology and benefits of AI,” said Mr Prichard, who worked for the Australian Crime Commission and was an investigator at the Queensland Police Service.

“It should only be collected for necessary purposes, and it only should be used for that purpose, and it should only be maintained or retained for a certain amount of time.

“There is a lot of debate starting around ransomware attacks but there needs law enforcement, a policy, as a big preventive measure.”

Mr Prichard said there were massive disparities in how different countries were tackling cyber crime.

“European countries … are doing innovative stuff to invade the criminal groups but low income countries like Latin America don’t have funds to build the capability to thwart ransom attacks,” he said.

“We worked in 65 countries last year. A lot of our work is … bringing countries up to speed by developing international norms we can apply around the world.”

In October the UN is convening its 4th global anti-scam summit on how to develop anti cybercrime techniques that can work globally.

Originally published as Stricter global security standards needed amid AI hype, UN cybercrime forum told