November 2023 saw the 23andMe data breach, Australia's Cyber Strategy launch, OpenAI's Sam Altman saga, and cyber warfare in the Israel-Gaza conflict. These events underscore the increasing importance of cybersecurity, AI regulation, and hybrid warfare on a global scale.
November 2023 has been an incredible month in cyberspace, with OpenAI's Sam Altman drama, global sentiment regarding AI and cyber security materialising in the form of several new regulatory frameworks, and The Israel-Gaza Conflict highlighting the clear and present danger of modern cyber warfare. Follow us as we explore November's top stories.
The recent 23andMe data breach, impacting over 14,000 accounts, has raised eyebrows, particularly regarding Australia's national security. The breach revealed more than just ancestry details; it also exposed sensitive health-related information. What's more, a report suggests an even larger issue: a whopping 300 terabytes of data potentially up for grabs on the darker corners of the internet.
A key feature of 23andMe, known as DNA Relatives, unintentionally expanded the breach's impact, exposing data of users' connected family members. This incident goes beyond privacy concerns, highlighting the global risks associated with genetic data breaches, including possible threats to biosecurity and national security.
Australia's ambitious 2023-2030 Cyber Security Strategy, backed by a hefty $586.9 million investment, marks a significant leap towards becoming a top cyber-secure nation.
This bold move, guided by the innovative 'six-shields' framework, comes in the wake of eye-opening cyber incidents that have put the nation's digital infrastructure and cyber security preparedness under the microscope, such as the DP World cyber attack and Optus outage.
The timing of these events couldn’t be worse, and to add insult to injury now ex-Cybersecurity Coordinator Air Marshal Darren Goldie, a key figure in the creation of the new Cyber Security Strategy no doubt, was recalled shortly after its announcement.
Despite this rocky start, the Strategy is shaping up to be comprehensive, and neither Home Affairs Minister Claire O’neil or Defence Minister Richard Marles have lost their footing.
O’Neil has rallied a formidable team of over 80 experts from the National Cyber Security Coordinator's office, reflecting the strategy's comprehensive nature. This team forms the core of a seven-year plan that focuses on enhancing Australia's cyber resilience, particularly against emerging threats like ransomware.
The latest reports from the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in 2023 further illustrate the intensifying cyber threat landscape. Documenting over 1,100 incidents in Australia, these reports highlight frequent attacks on key sectors and the growing sophistication of state-sponsored cyber espionage, exacerbated by global tensions like the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Parallel to cybersecurity advancements, Australia is also fortifying its military technology security. A new legislative bill, in line with the AUKUS agreement, aims to regulate the sharing of defence technology, potentially spurring economic growth in defence collaborations. However, this move has ignited discussions about its implications on international research and trade, particularly with non-AUKUS countries.
The new cybersecurity strategy, with its significant investment and strategic framework, is a pivotal step for Australia's digital security. It not only aims to bolster national defences but also highlights the need for a delicate balance between enhancing security measures and maintaining vital international alliances in trade and cooperation.
OpenAI has had an absolutely chaotic month this November. To kick things off at the beginning of the month, ChatGPT experienced a significant disruption - later attributed to a DDoS attack. The outage, claimed by Anonymous Sudan, was linked to various geopolitical and ethical concerns, creating a tumultuous backdrop for the AI giant.
But the chaos didn’t stop there. On November 17, just 8 days after the incident, Sam Altman, CEO and co-founder of OpenAI, was suddenly ousted. The board cited issues with transparency in his leadership as justification for the dismissal.
This sparked a rollercoaster of events as key investors, including Microsoft, and co-founder Greg Brockman, advocated for Altman's return. Simultaneously, over 700 OpenAI employees demanded Altman's reinstatement, constantly chanting “Open AI is nothing without its people” on X (formerly Twitter) and threatened a mass exodus to Microsoft.
Then, on November 22 (only five days after being dismissed) it was announced that Sam Altman would be returning as CEO of OpenAI. This extraordinary turn of events was followed by a significant overhaul of OpenAI's board.
The tumultuous sequence has coincided with the announcement of OpenAI’s AGI intentions, a frightening prospect considering the recent lack of transparency and commercial shift from the company, leading many to believe it’s open as its name and founding principles would suggest.
As a result, the already growing concerns regarding artificial intelligence and cyber security have spiked globally. The EU was already finalising the AI Act and Cyber Resilience Act, highlighting the need for responsible AI integration in society. Spain, under Carme Artigas, was at the forefront of these regulatory efforts, emphasising the necessity of actionable policies for AI governance.
Other Western nations aren’t far behind with The Biden administration's Executive Order on AI, the UK's AI Safety Summit, the G7 Leaders' Statement on the Hiroshima AI Process, Estonia’s increased focus on cyber resilience, and the unfolding cybersecurity incidents in Australia sparking calls for greater cyber security nationally.
The first NATO Annual Cyber Defence Conference was also held recently, and highlighted the sentiment for proactive measures against the emergent threats posed by AI. Of particular concern is the potential for military technology to intertwine with artificial intelligence, making cyberspace a pivotal arena for technological advancement and warfare simulation.
In recent months The Israel-Gaza Conflict has given rise to cyberattacks targeting critical national infrastructures like power grids, transportation networks, and water supply systems is a growing global concern.
This trend was notably evident during the Israel-Gaza conflict, marking a significant point in cyber warfare against essential services. For example, the pro-Iranian hacktivist group, Cyber Av3ngers, executed a DDoS attack on Israel's Independent System Operator in the electricity sector early in the conflict, symbolising a new era where cyber warfare precedes traditional military actions.
Cybersecurity consultant Julian Botham noted that hacktivist attacks on Israel began within an hour of the first rockets being fired by Hamas, as per Anonymous Sudan's involvement. As we edge closer to 2024, the nature of global conflict and security is increasingly defined by hybrid warfare. This new form of warfare combines conventional military tactics with irregular methods, including cyber activities.
The rapidly evolving nature of hybrid warfare poses significant challenges worldwide, especially considering the tensions highlighted by the Israel-Gaza conflict.
It necessitates a vigilant and adaptive international community, emphasising the need for legislative and strategic responses that are proactive, not just reactive. This approach is crucial to protect both national and international security in a world that is becoming more interconnected and reliant on digital infrastructure.
With OpenAI’s shift to a $157 billion for-profit model, CEO Sam Altman maintains its mission to "benefit humanity." However, as investors seek high returns and Altman stands to gain equity, doubts arise over who truly benefits from OpenAI’s growth—society or its shareholders?
Google is investing $1 billion in Thailand to expand AI and cloud infrastructure, while Meta is setting up manufacturing for its Quest 3S in Vietnam. Both moves position Southeast Asia as a key player in the global AI arms race, with tech giants racing to dominate the region’s digital economy.
Sam Altman’s essay The Intelligence Age predicts superintelligence emerging within years, sparking debates on AI’s potential. While Altman envisions AI driving global prosperity, critics argue that it could worsen inequality. The race for AI dominance raises questions of access and ethics.
Europe's fragmented AI regulations risk undermining the potential of OpenSource AI, which seeks to democratize technology and drive innovation.
