The Dark Side of Digital Technologies

The United Nations chief, Antonio Guterres, has sounded the alarm on the growing perils of weaponizing digital technologies. In a stark warning, he highlighted the increasing malicious activity in cyberspace by governments, non-government actors, and criminals. The misuse of digital technology is becoming more sophisticated and stealthy, with malware, wipers, and trojans proliferating at an alarming rate.

Cyber threats are on the rise

Guterres pointed out that cyber operations enabled by artificial intelligence are multiplying the threat, and quantum computing could break down entire systems with its ability to breach encryption. The secretary-general’s warning comes at a time when digital advances are revolutionizing economies and societies, bringing people together, and delivering news, information, and education.

However, instant connectivity that powers enormous benefits is also leaving people, institutions, and governments vulnerable. Cybersecurity incidents have become disturbingly common, disrupting health, banking, and telecommunications services, and enabling relentless illicit activity by criminal organizations and cyber-mercenaries.

The dark side of digital technologies

Guterres also drew attention to the growing integration of digital tools with weapon systems, including autonomous systems, which presents new vulnerabilities. Software vulnerabilities are being exploited, and ways to achieve this are even being sold on the Internet. Ransomware is a huge threat to public and private institutions and critical infrastructure, with total ransomware payments reaching $1.1 billion in 2023.

Beyond the financial costs, malicious activity that undermines public institutions, electoral processes, and online integrity erodes trust, fuels tensions, and even sows the seeds of violence and conflict.

The consequences of cyber threats

The UN chief’s warning is a timely reminder of the need for collective action to address the growing perils of digital technologies. As we harness the power of digital technologies to drive progress, we must also acknowledge the dark side of these advancements and work together to mitigate their risks.