Chapter 1: The Technological Landscape

Imagine a world filled with a variety of devices, each designed to assist you in different aspects of your life. You would have gadgets at home to help with household tasks, while others would enhance your productivity at work or create a peaceful atmosphere during your breaks. This vision of a technological paradise excites some, yet terrifies others. History has shown us that every new technology comes with both benefits and risks.

What if these devices, intended to enhance your life, became tools of distress? Perhaps a malicious actor from your past wishes to disrupt your life, or someone simply finds joy in playing tricks on you. How would you defend yourself against such threats? If you can’t safeguard against those who might exploit these technologies, is it worth having them?

With every advancement in technology comes new challenges that demand innovative solutions. This is particularly true in the realm of cybersecurity. The Internet of Things (IoT) is already ubiquitous, with smartphones, laptops, smart lighting, security cameras, robotic vacuum cleaners, and electronic locks. As the number of these devices increases, so does the importance of maintaining our privacy and security in a tech-centric world.

To achieve this, we require new cybersecurity solutions that we, as users, can manage effectively. Feeling secure means having the ability to control your devices intuitively, as easily as tapping a button on your smartphone. You should never have to worry about unauthorized access from unknown entities; your primary concerns should be ensuring your devices are shielded from external threats and that you can manage their connectivity as desired.

The only way to achieve this level of security is through specialized hardware designed to protect your devices while providing user control. This means having tangible devices that are aware of their environment and functions—ones that you can easily power on or off and customize to your needs.

Chapter 2: The Cloud Dilemma

But what about cloud services? Your AI-enabled devices rely on cloud computing to process the information they collect. Why would anyone choose to send sensitive data from their home to an external server? This data could be intercepted by those with nefarious intentions, utilized for corporate gain, or even sold on the dark web.

Two potential solutions emerge:

• Construct your own servers to control your devices securely.
• Enable each device to handle processing locally.

The first option necessitates significant upfront investment and ongoing maintenance, which is impractical for most individuals. The second option allows for widespread use of smart devices, provided they possess the capability to process information locally.

While this sounds straightforward, the challenge lies in equipping each device with sufficient processing power. Will we be tethered to wall outlets forever, given the energy demands of these devices?

To address this, we require a new computing model—not to replace our current binary systems, but to complement them. We should focus on specialized hardware for AI and edge computing, mimicking the most efficient processing unit known: the human brain.

Chapter 3: Neuromorphic Innovations

The concept of brain-like processing units may seem far-fetched, but it is closer to reality than one might think. In 2009, researchers at Hewlett-Packard (HP) developed a groundbreaking component known as the memristor. This device possesses remarkable properties that could revolutionize both cybersecurity and processing capabilities.

In the cybersecurity realm, memristors can generate true random numbers, vital for secure systems. Each memristor is distinct, making it ideal for applications like device fingerprinting, encryption, and electronic seals—all crucial for safeguarding any system.

Even more compelling is the memristor's potential to replicate the functions of neurons in the human brain. The human brain is highly adaptable, capable of learning and forgetting efficiently while conserving energy. Memristors share these qualities, altering their states based on electrical input, which opens avenues for us to understand and replicate brain function.

While we may never perfectly replicate the human brain, we can learn from its operations to create more powerful and energy-efficient processing units. Just as we’ve learned to fly by observing birds, we can innovate computing by studying the brain.

Numerous companies are pioneering this brain-inspired computing era, including industry giants like Intel, HP, and IBM, as well as startups like Knowm, Innatera, and Koniku. CyberSwarm is focused on leveraging memristor technology primarily for cybersecurity, aiming to protect IoT devices from threats while developing ultra-low power edge processing units for advanced AI applications. The vision is of a world filled with helpful, secure devices that enhance our lives while safeguarding our privacy.

Conclusion: A Call for Innovative Security

To forge a brighter future, we must not only consider the benefits technology brings but also the potential risks it poses. What motivates anyone to embrace new technology if it can be weaponized against them?

Cybersecurity appears to lag in the technological race, especially in the context of AI, despite being a critical component of any connected device. The future demands innovative security solutions to keep pace with the growing number of smart devices, enabling technology to enhance our lives while ensuring our safety.

This video discusses the current and future challenges in cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for robust security measures as technology evolves.

This presentation features the Hon Clare O'Neil MP and Stephanie Foster PSM discussing strategies for securing our future in a tech-driven world.