Cybersecurity and AI: Meetings and Insights from the Nexus 2050 Conference

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and interconnectedness, cybersecurity stands as a paramount concern for every nation and organization worldwide. As digital infrastructures become more integral to everyday life, the need to safeguard them against evolving cyber threats grows more urgent.

However, amidst the promise of technological innovation, the global landscape remains filled with challenges and uncertainties. The Nexus 2050 conference was held in Luxembourg on 26 and 27th June 2024 and served as a crucial forum to explore the intersection of technology and cybersecurity in fostering global resilience and stability.

I also attended the conference and the gathering aimed to leverage technology for the betterment of humanity, focusing on productivity gains and addressing urgent ethical issues. The event covered a range of topics including artificial intelligence (AI), sustainable development, cybersecurity, fintech, and talent development.

My primary interest was in cybersecurity, and I had the opportunity to engage in several significant discussions on this topic.

Key Speakers

Nexus2050 was a big technology event that lasted for four days. The conference took place on Wednesday, June 26, and Thursday, June 27, 2024, with over 300 speakers and more than 150 startups on six stages. There was also a tech fair at Luxexpo, split into districts like Finance, PureTech, and Skills. The event ended with a dinner where 900 guests were seated. Some of the key speakers were:

• Sophia - Humanoid Robot
• Maximilian Tayenthal - Founder, Co-CEO and COO - N26
• Eiso Kant - CTO & co-founder - poolside
• Dominic Williams - Founder & Chief Scientist - DFINITY Foundation
• Maurice Lévy - Honorary Chairman of Publicis Groupe, Co-Founder of VivaTech
• Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg - Futurologist, Keynote Speaker, Thought Leader, Author
• Mark Tluszcz - CEO and Managing Partner - Mangrove Capital Partners

Agenda

The Nexus 2050 conference in Luxembourg brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss a wide range of critical topics related to cybersecurity and global resilience.

Meeting Serhiy Demedyuk

One of the highlights of my visit to Nexus2050 was meeting Serhiy Demedyuk, the Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC), a 3rd rank police general, and the former head of cyber police. Our discussion centered on the strategy for a secure internet for Ukraine and Europe, as well as technologies for protection against cyber attacks and countering disinformation.

Serhiy shared his insights on the current cyber threat landscape and the measures being implemented to safeguard critical infrastructure. We also explored the importance of international cooperation in combating cyber threats and the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks to protect both national and international digital ecosystems.

Cybersecurity in the Spotlight

Cybersecurity was a recurring theme at Nexus 2050, reflecting its critical importance in today's digital age. With the rise of cyber threats, securing the internet and protecting sensitive data has become a top priority for governments, businesses, and individuals alike.

Serhiy Demedyuk told me that effective cyber defense cannot be built without cooperation between the government and the private sector.

According to Mr. Demedyuk, the National Cyber Security Coordination Center (ncscc.gov.ua)(NCSCC) at the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine has been playing a leading role in developing public-private partnerships in cybersecurity.

He emphasized that the NCCC was established after Ukraine suffered powerful cyber attacks in recent years, and it has demonstrated the ability to involve the private sector in defending the state without bureaucratic obstacles.

Demedyuk stressed that effective cyber defense is impossible without the participation of businesses. The NCSCC has served as a platform for collaboration between the government and private entities, enabling them to work together to enhance Ukraine's cybersecurity capabilities and respond to emerging threats.

He also told me that key cybersecurity organizations are doing their jobs, but because of legal restrictions, they mostly serve the public sector. He mentioned that the NCSCC should bring together both the government and private sector on one platform to work together more effectively and overcome these limitations.

He also mentioned that the coronavirus pandemic brought many challenges to cyberspace. According to him, the pandemic forced most entities to quickly move to digital platforms and adopt new innovations. He highlighted the Ministry of Digital Transformation’s efforts, saying they provided a strong boost to cybersecurity projects during this period.

He even told me that spreading digital literacy and cyber hygiene is crucial, something the Ministry of Digital Transformation is actively working on. "If people lack basic digital knowledge, they won't be able to detect threats early.

I believe we have been on the frontlines of the cyber war. Hackers from other countries try to break into our computer systems to steal information or cause damage. We must stay vigilant and keep improving our defenses against these sophisticated cyber threats. Detection and response have been crucial in protecting systems and data from falling into the wrong hands. It's a never-ending battle, but we're committed to staying ahead of the game.

.

I was really impressed by his strategy and commitment to building a secure cyber environment. His emphasis on collaboration and the proactive involvement of the private sector highlighted a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. This approach not only addresses immediate threats but also fosters long-term resilience and innovation.

Demedyuk's vision of businesses shaping cybersecurity rules reflects a forward-thinking perspective, ensuring that policies are both effective and adaptive to evolving threats. By integrating private sector expertise into national strategies, such as through the NCSCC, Ukraine stands to strengthen its cyber defenses significantly.

AI and Its Role in Cybersecurity

Artificial intelligence was another major topic of discussion at Nexus 2050. AI is being integrated into various aspects of cybersecurity, from threat detection and response to data analysis and risk assessment.

What I liked the most was that during the opening ceremony of Luxembourg's new international tech conference, the Crown Prince delivered an insightful message. He emphasized that while artificial intelligence can provide knowledge, true wisdom lies in how we choose to apply this technology.

The Crown Prince's remarks underscored the importance of responsible innovation and the need to carefully consider the implications of advanced technologies like AI. He highlighted that simply possessing knowledge is not enough - the real challenge is exercising good judgment and ethics in the way we utilize these powerful tools.

Demedyuk and I also discussed technologies for protection against cyber attacks and countering disinformation. Demedyuk emphasized the importance of leveraging advanced tools and techniques to bolster Ukraine's cybersecurity capabilities.

He said AI's importance in cybersecurity lies in its ability to provide advanced threat detection, automate responses, adapt to evolving threats, and handle large-scale data analysis. As cyber threats continue to evolve, integrating AI into cybersecurity strategies becomes increasingly essential for maintaining robust and effective defenses.

Here’s what I understood: AI is now being used in many industries, like improving cybersecurity and analyzing data. It's even being used in eco-friendly products such as organic shoes. But I'm not fully convinced by all the excitement about AI. While I think it can help people in important ways, I don't see many chances to make a lot of money in the next 5-10 years, except maybe in businesses that depend on investments from venture capitalists.

The reason for my skepticism is that users aren't yet ready to pay for AI solutions alone - they are more interested in paying for products and services that directly solve their problems.

For instance, at DeHealth, we utilize AI technology, although it's not often discussed. For users, DeHealth functions as a web application (soon to be a mobile app) that centralizes data storage, aids in health management, and helps users stay proactive about their well-being. Many users find this AI-driven service valuable enough to pay for. I also love dreaming, but for now, it’s a toy for big tech companies. Startups should focus on creating products that offer tangible benefits and real value.

I was particularly intrigued by the "Data Governance, Regulation, and Sovereignty" panel, where Jolanda van Eijndhoven from the European Commission's DEFIS unit discussed the evolving regulatory landscape, including the AI Act, Data Governance Act, and Data Act, and their potential impacts.

Final Words

Nexus2050 in Luxembourg was not just a tech event but a fundamental gathering that underscored the criticality of cybersecurity in our increasingly digital world. The conference highlighted how cybersecurity is not only about protecting data but also about ensuring the resilience and innovation of nations and businesses alike.

Meeting Serhiy Demedyuk, the Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, was a highlight for me. His insights into fostering collaboration between government and business in cybersecurity were enlightening. He emphasized the necessity of joint efforts to defend against cyber threats effectively and to develop innovative solutions that can benefit both national security and private sector interests.

Demedyuk's vision of businesses setting cybersecurity rules with government oversight shows a progressive approach to building a secure cyber environment. His call for specialized cybersecurity centers and enhanced digital literacy further underscored the need for proactive measures in cybersecurity.

Overall, Nexus2050 was a platform where the intersection of technology, cybersecurity, and global resilience was explored in depth. It demonstrated how strategic collaboration and innovation can lay the groundwork for a safer and more secure digital future.