Chess Legend Kasparov Says Google AI and Microsoft ChatGPT Aren't Top Security Risks: Saying He Fears Bad Actors More

Urian B., Tech Times 20 March 2023, 09:03 pm

AI technology has advanced to a point where it can simulate human interaction and conversations. Although many see the benefits of this technology, there is also the potential for malicious use and cyber-attacks using AI.

(Photo : Johannes Simon/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 18: Russian oppositioon activist Garry Kasparov participates in the panel "Russia Reimagined: Visions for a Democratic Future" on February 18, 2023 in Munich, Germany.

Garry Kasparov Expresses His Worries at SXSW Conference

According to the story by Forbes, this potential has caused many to worry; recent developments have only fueled the fears. Last week at SXSW, former chess Grandmaster and Avast Security Ambassador Garry Kasparov was interviewed by author Halah Touryalai and expressed his worries.

Last week's SXSW conference brought together a variety of tech luminaries, including Garry Kasparov, the legendary chess grandmaster and Chairman of the Human Rights Foundation, as explained further in an article by Venture Beat.

Kasparov Warns of the Prevalence of Phishing and Other Scams

As more and more companies explore the potential of generative AI, Kasparov expressed concern about the activity of bad actors and the implications for users.

Kasparov has warned that people have the "monopoly on evil," one of the greatest cyber threats these days is the prevalence of phishing and other scams in which users willingly offer their information to cybercriminals, as also noted in an article by Fast Company.

Cognitive Threats: A New Challenge for Cybersecurity

Michal Pechoucek, the Chief Technology Officer of the cybersecurity firm Avast/Norton LifeLock, stated that "cognitive threats are a game changer" and that a firewall alone can't protect users from these threats.

It is essential that consumers take responsibility and stay vigilant when it comes to their online activities and data sharing. People should be cautious of clicking on links or downloading files from emails that are from unknown sources.

Simple Security Measures to Prevent Exploitation of Personal Information

Furthermore, reusing passwords and extensive sharing of personal information on their social media accounts should also be avoided. According to Pechoucek, these simple security measures are enough for consumers to prevent bad actors from exploiting them.

Aware of ChatGPT being tricked into creating malware, Gen is investing in their own large language models with generative AI to enhance their defenses. Additionally, Pechoucek proposed an idea of a platform that stores encrypted metadata which people can trust, verify, and use to build digital safety.

Kasparov's Optimism: Free Markets Could Outsmart Malicious Actors

Kasparov concluded the conversation by showing optimism about the future of cyber warfare, noting that free people in free markets have the upper hand. As users strive to protect themselves online, he stressed the importance of responsible decision-making and installing proper safety measures.

Michal Pechoucek, the Chief Technology Officer of Gen, also added that one solution to the current situation might be a platform that allows people to verify media with encrypted metadata. This could build digital safety and trust.

Even though cyber-attacks could threaten human society, Kasparov still remains optimistic. He believes that, in the end, people in a free market will always be able to outsmart malicious actors. Despite the advances of AI and its potential pitfalls, it can still be a tool used to improve people's lives.