Artificial intelligence (AI) has burst onto the business scene, lauded as a technology advancement that will enable greater efficiencies, personalisation, accuracy and precision.
AI has and continues to change the way consumers interact with online services. Numerous Australian companies have responded to this by integrating AI technologies such as chatbots into their business offerings to better service customers online.
Voice recognition technology has also taken off, now offered in most smartphone devices. This technology is changing the way consumers browse, search and navigate the web.
Powell Tate’s sister agency Weber Shandwick recently released a research paper titled AI-Ready or Not: Artificial Intelligence Here We Come! which details how businesses are responding to AI.
But while there are pros associated with AI, businesses do need to consider the cons.
The Australian Financial Review published a piece on the criminal potential of AI. Quoting a cyber security expert, the article argued that companies offering customer support through the use of chatbots are making themselves vulnerable.
Chabot tools are being used for e-commerce and customer support, and notable advancements are being made in computer-synthesised voice technology. However, while AI is a value-add, the potential for an individual to masquerade their voice is a growing possibility and the ability for a chatbot to be misused is real.
The potential criminal use of AI technologies is alarming. Businesses therefore need to understand the risks associated with AI, and hedge against them. Preparedness is key in this context.
Engaging an advisor to develop a crisis manual makes sense when considering the risks that come with AI. An adviser will help a company map the relevant issues, identify any areas where the company is vulnerable, and subsequently devise a comprehensive cybersecurity response plan.
As AI technologies become more advanced and mainstream, the potential for criminals to misuse such technologies will mount.
For any company with integrated AI technologies, or considering adopting such technologies, preparing for malevolence is essential.
By Taylee Lewis, Senior Consultant.