A global IT outage took hold at the end of July, bringing businesses, services, and devices to a grinding halt. While it was somewhat amusing to see specific user segments struggle, it highlighted the profound interdependency of our systems. One system is built atop another, going all the way back to the basic assembler code that moves zeros and ones into certain positions in the hardware, enabling it to perform mechanical tasks—just as The Keymaker describes in The Matrix Reloaded. This intricate web of dependencies is precisely what led to the widespread failures caused by an update from CrowdStrike.
For more details about this and other critical updates, keep on reading, Sir or Madam, as there are several important developments you’ll want to know about this month.
Newsletter Special
Intelligent Automation Month 2024 begins this September! This industry-wide initiative aims to educate forward-thinking business leaders about the transformative benefits of AI-powered automation. Join us for a series of digital events throughout September that will provide you with insights from leading innovators on the latest developments in AI ranging from regulations and compliance, e-invoicing, tips from those who've done it right, and how to get started.
A recent publication sheds light on the impact of Generative Pretrained Transformers (LLMs) as it becomes clear they are general-purpose technologies (GPTs). These technologies, like steam engines and electricity, are to revolutionize multiple sectors by enabling complementary innovations that extend far beyond their initial capabilities.
The study reveals that while LLMs alone have a limited impact on jobs—affecting only about 1.8%—their influence grows exponentially when paired with additional software. With these complementary technologies, LLMs could significantly impact over half the tasks in 46% of jobs.
As we move forward, it’s crucial to recognize that the real value of GPTs lies in what we build on top of them. ABBYY’s Purpose-Built AI exemplifies this by transforming general-purpose tools into powerful platforms that solve real-world problems, demonstrating the immense potential of integrating GPTs into practical applications.
The AI readiness index highlights a growing divide between regions in their preparedness to adopt and leverage AI technologies. Advanced economies, particularly in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, are leading the charge with high levels of AI integration and infrastructure. However, the recent global IT outage caused by CrowdStrike underscores a critical lesson: even the most prepared nations are not immune to the vulnerabilities inherent in our interconnected systems.
The incident with CrowdStrike, a Texas-based cybersecurity firm, occurred due to a faulty software update that caused widespread disruptions across various industries, including banking, healthcare, and air travel. This event serves as a stark reminder that our reliance on complex, interwoven technologies can lead to cascading failures when one element falters. Despite high AI readiness, countries heavily dependent on such integrated systems experienced significant impacts, revealing the fragility of our digital infrastructure.
NATO has updated its AI strategy to tackle the evolving threats posed by generative AI and AI-enabled disinformation. This revised strategy reflects the alliance's commitment to safeguarding transatlantic defense and security amidst rapid technological advancements. Initially published in 2021, NATO’s AI strategy now includes new provisions aimed at countering AI-generated disinformation and protecting against the adversarial use of AI.
The revised strategy also emphasizes the need for increased strategic foresight, proactive measures, and responsible innovation. It includes plans for an alliance-wide AI testing and evaluation program, along with enhanced standards and tools to review AI systems. This approach aims to ensure that AI technologies are adopted responsibly, with considerations for security risks and ethical implications.
This proactive stance by NATO is crucial, especially in light of the global IT outage caused by CrowdStrike. Such events highlight the interdependency of our systems and the potential vulnerabilities that can arise from interconnected technologies. As NATO works to protect against these threats, it sets a precedent for other organizations to follow in developing robust and secure AI strategies.
Hear from top voices in the AI ethics and privacy universe as they unveil the profound implications of the EU AI Act on your business landscape. This session will leave you equipped with actionable strategies essential for thriving in the forthcoming AI era.
Rolls Royce & Partner Finance – Adopting Technology to Modernize Engine Technical Records Management
RRPF delves into the digitalisation of technical record management of aircraft engines – why good quality data is crucial to maintaining the asset value and ensuring the engines are safe to fly. Learn about how ABBYY’s FlexiCapture service contributed to a more automated, efficient and higher quality technical records management system.
IDP – Unlocking the Power of AI-Enabled Automation
Hear from Everest Group as they delve into emerging trends, market dynamics, and strategies driving digital transformation. Get ahead with invaluable predictions and forecasts for tomorrow's business environment.
In the 1950s, Claude Shannon, often called the father of information theory, created a robotic mouse named Theseus. This early AI experiment was designed to navigate a maze and find its way to a goal using memory of past experiences. Theseus could learn the layout of the maze and remember the correct path to take, demonstrating early concepts of machine learning and AI. This project was one of the first practical applications of AI, showcasing the potential of machines to learn and adapt long before AI became mainstream.
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