September 2024 Newsletter
Posted By: Mark Thursday 17th October 2024 Tags: AI, Artificial Intelligence, cyber crime, Cyber Fraud, Cyber Security, Data Protection, job vacancy, Microsoft 365, Newsletter, phishing, phishing email, ransomware, Scam, tech predictions, technology, vacancyThis month: AI in the workplace report, cyber attack on Network Rail wi-fi, FBI releases internet crime report, UK government announces changes to tech & AI investments, data centres reclassified as critical infrastructure, plus LaneSystems vacancies, team anniversaries and new additions.
Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace
The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace is a topic of intense debate and speculation. A recent survey conducted by Adobe in the United States has shed light on workers’ attitudes towards this transformative technology, revealing a complex web of optimism, concern, and outright fear.
Fears Over AI Workplace Automation
The survey indicates that a significant portion of the workforce is apprehensive about the implications of AI on their careers. More than a third of US workers express worry over AI’s potential to automate jobs, with 20% of those using AI tools at work being concerned about the changes to their career trajectories. This fear is not necessarily unfounded, as history has shown that technological advancements can lead to shifts in the job market, often rendering certain skills obsolete.
Moreover, the Pew Research Center’s survey echoes these sentiments, with 62% of Americans believing AI will majorly impact workers generally, though fewer think it will affect them personally. This discrepancy highlights a common psychological distance people create between societal changes and their own lives, which may lead to a lack of preparedness when changes do occur.
The concerns are not limited to job security. The 2023 Work in America survey points out that worries related to AI and monitoring technology correlate with signs of diminished psychological and emotional well-being. The stress of being constantly monitored and evaluated by an unerring and impersonal system can take a toll on workers’ mental health, a factor that employers must consider when integrating AI into their operations.
Benefits Of AI In The Workplace
Despite these fears, it’s important to note that AI also brings numerous benefits to the workplace, including increased efficiency, the ability to handle large data sets, and the potential for new job creation in emerging sectors. Surveys find that many US workers in industries more exposed to AI do not feel their jobs are at risk and are more likely to say AI will help rather than harm them personally.
The dichotomy of AI as both a harbinger of efficiency and a potential threat to job security presents a challenge for policymakers, business leaders, and workers alike. There’s a balance to find in fostering the innovation while remaining aware of AI dangers and safeguarding the workforce. The Pandora’s Box is open, so it’s crucial to openly engage in the debate, invest in education and re-skilling programmes, and develop ethical guidelines that ensure AI serves as a tool for empowerment rather than a source of anxiety and displacement.
LaneSystems Jobs & Anniversary News
We’re Recruiting – IT Technician (3rd Line)
Join our dynamic and expanding support team as a 3rd Line IT Technician, and be part of an exciting journey to deliver exceptional IT support to a diverse client portfolio.Check out the details at: https://lanesystems.co.uk/were-recruiting-it-technician-3rd-line/.
Team Anniversaries
Happy 3rd Anniversary, Claire! A big thank you to our office manager, and her excellent customer service skills, for working so tirelessly to keep our clients happy.
Happy 6th Anniversary, Kevin! As Technical Team Manager, Kevin is famed for keeping clients happy with anything from Excel Spreadsheets through to PC installations. Thanks for all your great work!
Happy 8th Anniversary, Callum! Since joining us as an Apprentice Technician back in 2016, Callum is now a valued member of our backup & security department, keeping our client data secure.
Thank you for all your continued hard work!
Welcome To The Team
We wish a warm welcome to Evan Drake as the latest addition to our IT Support team.
Evan joins LaneSystems as an IT Service Desk Apprentice, where he specialises in communicating with clients and resolving their IT issues. Evan is dedicated to providing exceptional technical support and ensuring customer satisfaction through effective problem-solving and timely assistance. With a passion for technology and a commitment to continuous learning, Evan is a valuable asset to the LaneSystems team.
Outside of work, Evan enjoys staying active by going to the gym and has a keen interest in cars. His hobbies reflect his drive for excellence and his enthusiasm for both physical fitness and automotive engineering.
Network Rail Station Cyber Attack
In a concerning development for cybersecurity and public safety, several of the UK’s major railway stations experienced a significant cyber attack targeting their public Wi-Fi networks. The ‘cyber incident’ has raised numerous questions about the security of public internet facilities and the potential risks to personal data.
The attack was characterised by unauthorised messages being disseminated through the Wi-Fi systems at nineteen stations, including London Euston, Manchester Piccadilly, and Birmingham New Street. Passengers connecting to the network were subjected to Islamophobic messages amongst content designed to spread hate and fear.
Inside Job
Investigations have linked the source of the attack to an insider account at the Wi-Fi service provider, suggesting a breach of internal security protocols rather than an external hack. This revelation points to the critical need for stringent access controls and monitoring within organisations that manage critical infrastructure services.
Wi-Fi Services Offline
The fallout from the attack has been significant, with Wi-Fi services being taken offline at all Network Rail controlled stations to prevent further unauthorised access. The disruption has affected countless numbers of passengers, highlighting the reliance on digital connectivity in public spaces and the effects that can result from such compromise.
This cyber incident serves as a stark reminder for the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, not only to protect against external threats but also to safeguard against internal risks. As we move forward, it is imperative that public service providers and users alike remain vigilant and informed about the best practices for digital security and data protection.
LaneSystems provides business throughout the North East of England with cyber security services and audits of current systems. Get in touch today to keep your company safe.
FBI Internet Crime Report
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a comprehensive 2023 report[PDF] detailing the various fraud trends that have dominated the landscape. The report is a sobering reminder of the evolving challenges in the realm of cybercrime and financial fraud. Here’s an overview of the key points highlighted in the FBI’s findings:
Deposit and Checking Account Fraud
Interestingly, while online channels are often the focus of fraud discussions, the FBI noted a significant amount of fraudulent activity occurring at brick-and-mortar locations. This trend underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance across all banking operations, not just the digital domain.
Synthetic Identity Fraud
The creation of fake identities using a combination of real and fabricated information has been on the rise. These fake identities are then used to commit various financial crimes, posing a complex challenge for detection and prevention.
Employment Scams and Mule Schemes
Fake job postings and mule schemes have been particularly prevalent, with scammers exploiting individuals’ need for employment and manipulating them into laundering money, often unknowingly.
Peer-to-Peer Payment Fraud
As peer-to-peer payment platforms gain popularity, they have also become a hotbed for fraudulent transactions. Users are advised to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of transactions on these platforms.
Social Media Shopping Fraud
The FBI’s report also highlighted an increase in fraudulent activities related to social media shopping, where scammers set up fake profiles or stores to deceive consumers.
Cryptocurrency Losses
The report sheds light on the staggering losses incurred due to cryptocurrency-related fraud. In 2023 alone, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received over 69,000 complaints involving cyber-enabled crime and financial fraud with cryptocurrency, leading to over $5.6 billion in reported losses. This represents a 45% increase from the previous year, driven primarily by investment frauds, fake apps, and schemes like “pig butchering”.
The FBI’s findings are a stark reminder of the need for increased awareness and improved security measures to combat these fraud trends. As technology continues to advance, so do the methods employed by fraudsters. It is imperative for individuals and businesses alike to stay informed and proactive in protecting themselves against these evolving threats.
UK Gov Cancels Planned Tech & AI Investment
The recent decision by the Labour government to cancel £1.3 billion in funding for technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects has sparked conversations about the future of tech innovation in the UK. The move, which reverses the previous Conservative government’s commitment, has been attributed to the funds being “unfunded” in the prior administration’s spending plans.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) stated that without the allocated funding in the budget, these ambitious projects could not be taken forward. This includes substantial investments that were earmarked for a range of tech initiatives, potentially impacting the development of ultra-fast supercomputers and advanced AI research.
Supercomputer & AI Research Projects Shelved
Among the most significant cancellations is the £800 million allocated for the creation of an exascale supercomputer at Edinburgh University. This project was poised to be a game-changer in the field of computational science, providing unprecedented processing power to tackle complex simulations and data analysis.
Another major project affected is the £500 million AI Research Resource, which was designed to fund computing power for AI research. This initiative was expected to support a wide range of AI applications, from healthcare to autonomous vehicles, and its cancellation represents a setback for the UK’s AI development landscape.
UK Innovation Concerns
The implications of this decision are far-reaching. On one hand, it raises concerns about the UK’s competitive edge in the global tech arena and its ability to foster innovation. On the other hand, it also brings to light the importance of sustainable funding and fiscal responsibility in government spending.
The Future Of UK Tech Investment
While the disappointment is palpable, especially among those directly affected by the funding cuts, there is also a recognition of the need for transparency and accountability in government pledges. The tech community is now looking for ways to mitigate the impact of these funding losses and exploring alternative avenues for support and investment.
Looking ahead, the conversation now turns to how the UK can continue to support its tech sector in a financially sustainable way. The government’s approach to balancing economic constraints with the need to invest in future technologies will be closely watched, as it will set the tone for the country’s technological ambitions in the years to come.
Read some industry expert opinion of the move at Tech Round
UK Classifies Data Centres As Critical Infrastructure
In a significant move, the UK government has recently classified data centres as critical national infrastructure (CNI). This decision places data centres on the same level of importance as other vital services such as energy supply, water supply, and health facilities.
This new classification is a recognition of the essential role that data centres play in the modern digital economy. Data centres are the backbone of the internet, cloud computing, and a vast array of services that businesses and consumers rely on every day. By designating them as CNI, the government acknowledges their importance in ensuring the country’s economic stability and security.
Additional Support
The decision means that data centres will now receive additional government support during major incidents, such as cyber-attacks, IT outages, or extreme weather conditions. This support aims to minimise disruption and maintain the continuity of services that are crucial for the functioning of the country.
The move is expected to bolster the security and resilience of the UK’s data infrastructure. With cyber threats on the rise, protecting data centres has become paramount. The CNI status will likely lead to enhanced security measures and stricter compliance standards to safeguard against potential threats.
The decision also coincides with a significant investment deal with Blackstone, an American investment company, which will create a new AI data centre in Blyth, North East England, generating more than 4,000 jobs. This investment highlights the growing importance of data infrastructure and the confidence in the UK’s data centre market.
Overall, the UK government’s decision to classify data centres as critical national infrastructure is a proactive step towards protecting the nation’s digital future. It reflects the changing landscape where data is not just an asset but a crucial element of national infrastructure, as vital as the NHS and the power grid.