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Carlo Tortora Brayda

San Francisco, United States

Co-Founder of National Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security ISAO, Co-founder and Chairman The Tortora Brayda Institute for AI & Cybersecurity, a global Think Tank to improve the effectiveness of partnerships in the private and public sectors. The Institute has generated the National AI & Cybersecurity ISAO, of which he is a Founder and Task Force Member. The ISAO aligns with Government Cyber policy and supports Cyber diplomacy and private sector growth within the NATO community.
Judge on United Nations' AI for Good Innovation Factory for North America and also Global Contest, 2020-2023. Selected as Judge for the new AI for Good Contest for Climate Change in partnership with ITU, UNESCO, FAO, IAEA, and World Bank at COP 28.
Former CEO of Gorilla Corporation, the leading global partner marketing and sales agency for the technology sector. Gorilla drives hundreds of millions of dollars annually for its vendor clients.
Special Constituent Member of the World Economic Forum and an expert contributor to the G20 for Global Risk Assessment.
Fellow of the British Computer Society, Freeman of the City of London, and a Hidalgo d'España.
Global Leader for the Forbes Technology Council Cybersecurity Group and contributes thought leadership articles on channel strategy, cybersecurity, and AI. Won two Forbes recognition awards in 2023, and one in 2024. https://councils.forbes.com/u/15e589e1-5251-4b45-a03c-1c662051d440
https://twitter.com/tortorabrayda
https://www.youtube.com/@tortorabraydainstitute/videos

Available For: Advising, Authoring, Consulting, Influencing, Speaking
Travels From: Barcelona, London, Paris
Speaking Topics: AI, Technology Scale Up, Partner Strategy, Cybersecurity, Metaverse

Speaking Fee $25,000 (In-Person)

Carlo Tortora Brayda Points
Academic 0
Author 246
Influencer 213
Speaker 66
Entrepreneur 0
Total 525

Points based upon Thinkers360 patent-pending algorithm.

Thought Leader Profile

Portfolio Mix

Featured Videos

How AI will Effect Cyber Security. Insights from Security Think Tank.
January 26, 2024
Crowdsourcing AI Solutions for Climate Change
January 26, 2024
Cyber Diplomacy and Private-Public Partnerships in a World in Turmoil
January 26, 2024

Featured Topics

Company Information

Company Type:
Minimum Project Size: Undisclosed
Average Hourly Rate: Undisclosed
Number of Employees: Undisclosed
Company Founded Date: Undisclosed
Last Media Interview: 07/08/2024

Areas of Expertise

AI 31.74
Business Strategy 30.94
Change Management 30.14
Climate Change 33.77
CSR
Cybersecurity 34.94
Digital Disruption
Digital Transformation 30.19
Diversity and Inclusion 30.10
Ecosystems 30.41
Emerging Technology 30.10
Entrepreneurship
Generative AI 30.05
GovTech 30.09
IoT 30.06
Leadership 30.23
Management 30.05
Marketing 30.17
Metaverse 30.27
National Security 44.77
Quantum Computing 33.10
Risk Management 30.08
Sales 31.05
Security 30.44
Sustainability 40.80

Industry Experience

Federal & Public Sector
Financial Services & Banking
High Tech & Electronics
Media
Professional Services
Telecommunications

Publications

1 Analyst Report
Global Risks 2012
World Economic Forum
September 29, 2012
Across every sector of society, decisionmakers are struggling with the complexity and velocity of change in an increasingly interdependent world. The context for decision-making has evolved, and in many cases has been altered in revolutionary ways. In the decade ahead, our lives will be more intensely shaped by transformative forces, including economic, environmental, geopolitical, societal and technological seismic shifts. The signals are already apparent with the rebalancing of the global economy, the presence of over seven billion people and the societal and environmental challenges linked to both. The resulting complexity threatens to overwhelm countries, companies, cultures and communities. We need to explore and develop new conceptual models which address global challenges. It is in this spirit that I present the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks 2012 report. Now in its seventh edition, the report features more refined risk descriptions and rigorous data analysis covering 50 global risks. It aims to improve public and private sector efforts to map, monitor, manage and mitigate global risks. It is also a “call to action” for the international community to improve current efforts at coordination and collaboration, as none of the global risks highlighted respects national boundaries.

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Tags: Climate Change, Cybersecurity, National Security

14 Article/Blogs
Improving Cyber Readiness In The Age Of AI And Quantum Computing
Forbes.com
August 26, 2024
Amid growing threats of cyber warfare, the United States’s critical infrastructure and cyber posture, unfortunately, has not kept pace with what’s needed to ensure a robust level of security.

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Tags: AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing

Reimagining Democracy Through Artificial Intelligence
Tortora Brayda Institute for AI and Cybersecurity
May 03, 2024
Some thought leaders have been discussing ideas around digital democracy as a form of direct democracy. For example, the idea of having a digital avatar for each one of us, detecting our political preferences in real time, and acting for us. Interacting with the government, informing the government in real time of the wants and preferences of all citizens.
What if the government was able to read, understand and react in real time to the wants of the people? What if it could sway its policies towards a unique blend of liberal or conservative policies as dictated by the citizens’ needs in real time? Imagine setting our fiscal, education, and military policies and even recommending budgets that are in tune with the requirements and preferences of the general population. People might no longer need to be represented by intermediaries or representatives.
Governments could certainly become partially automated in this way; they could even become fully automated one day. But what about their ethical framework? Who should decide what ought to be the moral and ethical standards of Government as automation increases to unprecedented levels?

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Tags: AI, GovTech, National Security

Harnessing AI For Your Company’s ESG Strategy
forbes.com
February 16, 2024
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) has evolved into a crucial new corporate strategy and management discipline. It combines corporate social responsibility, supply chain strategy, production, vendor and supplier management, logistics, and employee behavior. ESG sets out to monitor and minimize the environmental impact of business holistically.

The pace of innovation we all witness through the generative AI revolution is dizzying. I see this as the moment for AI to work its magic at the crossroads of climate change and corporate strategy.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Sustainability

12 Cybersecurity Measures To Defend Against The Rise Of AI And Quantum Computing
forbes.com
February 07, 2024
As a United Nations Judge on artificial intelligence innovation, I often emphasize the need for organizations to fortify their data security strategies to withstand the challenges from the accelerating pace of AI and quantum computing. Issues like phishing, insecure credentials, and lax security continue to fuel large-scale data breaches.

To help leaders combine various protocols and data protection measures, I asked members of the Cybersecurity Group, a community I lead through Forbes Technology Council, to share crucial steps to defend against the inevitable disruptions brought about by advancements in the quantum era.

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Tags: AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing

20 Trends In Leveraging Technology For Cyber And Physical Security
forbes.com
December 07, 2023
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things also play a growing role in the physical security of people, property, and premises. Indeed, in some cases, technology’s ability to provide bodily protection can, in turn, lead to enhanced cybersecurity.

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Tags: AI, Cybersecurity, Emerging Technology

The Huge Task Of Building Safety Into The Metaverse
forbes.com
October 23, 2023
The metaverse, as it is currently envisaged, is a nowhere land in which it is unclear if any laws would or could exist. How do you legislate a virtual world? Should you apply the rules of where the data centers reside? The laws of where the users actually exist? How do you police cybercriminals, perverts, hate speech or bullies in the metaverse?

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Tags: AR/VR, Cybersecurity, Metaverse

Mitigating AI-Based Cyberattacks
forbes.com
July 13, 2023
Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at an exponentially accelerated pace, and there is growing evidence and concern about its use in offensive cyberattacks. The prospect of cybercriminals or even nation-states wielding lightning-fast AI-powered penetration sequences to breach networks, steal data and cause damage is a sobering one. However, it is possible to mitigate the dangers of AI in offensive cyberattacks through proactive measures, continuous monitoring and ongoing development.

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Tags: AI, Cybersecurity, Generative AI

12 Critical Steps To Safeguard Your Company From Cyberattacks
forbes.com
April 24, 2023
As the founder of a nonprofit that focuses on cyber resilience, I often stress how important the dialogue is around assessing and analyzing a company's digital footprint, dark web exposure, leaked data, and compromised credentials in real-time. Leaders have a responsibility to protect not only the company itself against cyberattacks but third-party organizations and the customers they serve.

To help cybersecurity leaders who are evaluating the efficacy of their cybersecurity measures, I turned to members of Forbes Technology Council Cybersecurity, an online community I lead, to share their best tips to prevent and defend against cyberattacks.

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Tags: AI, Business Strategy, Cybersecurity

The Vulnerability Of Mid-Market Critical Infrastructure Against Cyberattacks And Why It Matters
forbes.com
September 29, 2022
One of the top priorities for the United States is to make its critical infrastructure less vulnerable to cyber threats from foreign adversaries and insider threats. While the Biden administration is making remarkable progress in this field through, for example, Executive Order 14028 on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity, the task at hand is vast and complex, even for an advanced superpower. This is why we must all come together and do our share of the work.

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Tags: Cybersecurity, Leadership, National Security

How To Move Your Technology Channel Partner To The Subscription Model
forbes.com
April 22, 2021
There is little
There is little doubt that the subscription business model is the way forward for the technology industry.

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Tags: Business Strategy, Digital Transformation, Management

The Importance Of Broadening Your Channel Partner Ecosystems
forbes.com
September 22, 2020
When looking at your partner strategy, thinking beyond linear sales distribution is essential. The setup was very straightforward in the early days of commercial sales channels. You would appoint a distributor and run most or all of your reseller business through them. That was perfect for the earlier age of demand-driven commoditized product movement.

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Tags: Business Strategy, Digital Transformation, Ecosystems

2017 Sales Plan
LinkedIn
November 18, 2016
Finding the right channel partner is critical to your success. Learn how Gorilla’s proven track record channel empowerment solution can help you achieve your 2017 targets

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Tags: AI, Cybersecurity, Emerging Technology

5 Things vendors and partners should know about Pure Storage
LinkedIn
February 11, 2016
Few companies have taken the storage market by storm like Pure Storage

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Tags: AI, Cybersecurity

5 Things Vendors and Channel need to know about DELL
LinkedIn
February 10, 2016
For years DELL's stance on direct sales was unshakeable. So much so that many partners and customers fail to appreciate the extent to which

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Tags: AI, Cybersecurity, Sustainability

1 Book Chapter
Seamless: Successful B2B Marketing, Selling, and Account Management
Business Expert Press
October 12, 2023
A unique guidebook to B2B marketing and sales for practicing and aspiring managers.

In Seamless: Successful B2B Marketing, Selling, and Account Management, the authors and 20 successful businesspeople share their practical experience and the valuable lessons they learned at the sharp end of branding, selling, and marketing.

Expert opinion, academic theory, research, and practical advice are summarized with explanatory graphics and dos and don’ts lists for each topic.

Essential for students of business and the managers of any size or type of firm, Seamless will educate and guide you through the marketing, sales, and account management process to business success.

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Tags: Leadership, Marketing, Sales

3 Keynotes
Cybersecurity Measures to Defend Against the Rise of AI and Quantum Computing
IQT EVENTS Quantum AI Conference
October 30, 2024
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing presents both immense opportunities and significant security challenges. As these technologies continue to evolve, so too do the threats they pose to critical infrastructure. This presentation will delve into the growing risks associated with AI and quantum computing, exploring how they can be exploited to launch sophisticated cyberattacks. We will examine a range of proactive cybersecurity measures to mitigate these threats, including AI-powered defense mechanisms, quantum-resistant encryption, and international collaboration. By understanding the evolving threat landscape and implementing robust security strategies, organizations can safeguard their digital assets and ensure the resilience of critical infrastructure in the digital age.








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Tags: AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing

Building bridges: Public-private partnerships for an equitable AI future
World Summit AI
October 09, 2024
An exploration of practical strategies to harness the power of AI for positive societal change, from high-level concepts to on-the-ground implementation.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Sustainability

Cyber Eagle. Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure with AI and Private Public Partnerships.
Forbes.com
September 18, 2024
The recent Cyber Eagle Project event addressed the increasingly complex cybersecurity challenges facing critical infrastructure. The gathering highlighted immediate threats from ransomware and IT/OT attacks, which have the potential to disrupt essential services, supply chains, and public safety.

Key Takeaways:

Critical Infrastructure is Under Attack: Understand the severity and immediacy of the cyber threats facing essential services and their potential impact on daily life.
Convergence are Major Risks: Recognize the growing threat of ransomware and the vulnerabilities exposed by the convergence of IT and OT systems.
Cyber Eagle is a Proactive Solution: Learn how the Cyber Eagle Project is addressing these challenges through public-private partnerships, talent development, and innovative technology solutions.
The Need for Collective Action: Appreciate the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and individuals to protect critical infrastructure.
Empowerment and Action: Be inspired to take proactive steps to enhance your own cybersecurity awareness and contribute to a more secure digital future.

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Tags: AI, Cybersecurity, National Security

1 Media Interview
17 Trending Business Topics That Need A CTO’s Perspective
Forbes
September 30, 2024
The proximity of Q Day and the general lack of quantum readiness raises concerns. There are also concerns about data center energy utilization and potential regional caps (in Europe) on energy consumption

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Tags: AI, Cybersecurity, Sustainability

3 Panels
A fireside chat with Carlo Tortora Brayda and Joe Sykora on Partner Ecosystems in Cybersecurity
Tortora Brayda Institute for AI and Cybersecurity
April 16, 2024
Joe Sykora, SVP of Partnerships and Alliances at Proofpoint, and Carlo Tortora Brayda, Think Tank leader, meet to discuss partnerships and commercial technology alliances in cybersecurity, focusing on change management in the ecosystem.

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Tags: Business Strategy, Change Management, Cybersecurity

Ransomware: To Pay or not to Pay. A tale of moral dilemma.
forbes.com
April 05, 2024
Member Leader Carlo Brayda, alongside distinguished guest speakers Guillermo Christensen, Partner at K&L Gates, Former US Diplomat and CIA, and Matthew Leidlein, President at Digital Asset Redemption, dove into the intricate ethical, legal, and economic considerations that organizations face when confronted with the daunting decision of whether to pay a ransom. Members gained a deeper understanding of how to prepare for what often seems like an inevitable scenario. Our discussion encompassed a wide range of topics, including cryptocurrencies, the impact of sanctions, negotiation strategies, and efficient recovery methods.

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Tags: Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation, National Security

AI for Good 2024 Innovation Factory Geneva Live
United Nations - Ai for Good
March 20, 2024
This is a global start-up pitching session to find the most promising solutions using AI to solve sustainable development challenges. The competition is open to any innovative start-ups using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced algorithms to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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Tags: AI, Climate Change, Sustainability

2 Speaking Engagements
Building bridges: Public-private partnerships for an equitable AI future
World Summit AI
July 16, 2024
The promise of AI for Good hinges on collaboration. This talk argues that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are the missing link, unlocking AI's potential to drive inclusive economic growth and bridge the equity gap. We'll explore how to forge effective PPPs that align government priorities with private sector expertise and resources.
These are the speaker's high level thoughts on AI

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Tags: AI, Change Management, Cybersecurity

A Chat with Carlo Tortora Brayda: Founder and Executive Chairman of Tortora Brayda Institute for AI & Cybersecurity; former Chair of Gorilla Corporation
IEEE
July 08, 2024
This week, Stephen Ibaraki has an exclusive interview with Carlo Tortora Brayda. the founder and Executive Chairman of Tortora Brayda Institute for AI & Cybersecurity, a global Think Tank that promotes partnerships.

His earliest work with the United Nations was as a Volunteer in the Office of the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid in Geneva, Switzerland. Shortly after that, he met with former United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros Ghali and Kofi Annan several times. These were profoundly formative meetings focusing on the role of public-private partnerships, Entrepreneurship, and their role in international development. After his move to Silicon Valley, California to spearhead Technology Partner Development, he was invited by the World Economic Forum to be an expert contributor to a panel in support of the G20, to explore Global Risks in 2012. Since then his only focus has been on supporting Partnership Excellence in all its forms within all areas of technology growth, including the Think Tank's core tracks: Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence. Mr Tortora Brayda is an Equity Partner of Cyberstratos, part of CEA Worldwide Investment Bank and M&A Advisory focused on Cybersecurity and a Judge on the United Nations AI program AI for Good Innovation Factory, including its climate change program to be presented at COP28.

In 2003, he created Alchemy World Projects, an Ethiopian-based Non-Governmental Organization aimed at poverty alleviation through entrepreneurship and coordination with the government on private sector development. The successful program lifted thousands of people from poverty into employability and small-medium enterprise development. During this time he was appointed Advisor on Trade and Industry to the former Federal President, Girma Wolde-Ghiorgis. He also fulfilled an advisory role in Entrepreneurship development and Foreign Direct Investment to several Regional Presidents, in particular the President of Amhara State, the historical heartland of Ethiopia, covering more than 20 million inhabitants.

Due to this track record in development, he was selected by the World Economic Forum to be a Special Constituent Member and to take an active role in the Forum for Africa held usually in Cape Town, South Africa. During this time, he engaged numerous leaders of other African nations looking to develop their private sector and drive forward entrepreneurship, as well as private sector actors like Microsoft and UN Agencies, namely UNICEF, ILO (International Labor Organization), ITU (International Telecommunications Union) and UNDP (United Nations Development Program).

Mr. Tortora Brayda was also asked to speak at several United Nations Summits, including the World Summit for Information Society and the United Nations International Telecommunication Union.

An AI information systems engineer with his subsequent companies, Mr Tortora Brayda won numerous business awards, including the Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year, South East of England, Shell Livewire Greatest Employment Potential, Oxfordshire Business of the Year Award presented by Boris Johnson, Guildford Mayor's Cup, Forbes Technology Council awards for best Group (Cybersecurity), and best events (Cybersecurity) and was honored to join Queen Elizabeth II Golden Coronation private event at St James' Palace in London. He became a Freeman of the City of London in 2023. He is ranked among the Top 100 Global Thought Leaders in Cybersecurity, National Security, and ESG.

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Tags: Cybersecurity, Leadership, National Security

69 Videos
The Cyber Eagle Project: National Security, AI, and the 4th Industrial Revolution
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November 15, 2024

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National Security, AI, and the 4th Industrial Revolution
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November 14, 2024

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Re-imagining the future through Sustainable AI, launching AI for Good Junior
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November 10, 2024

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Tags: AI

AI and Cybersecurity for a Safer Digital World
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October 30, 2024

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Fireside Chat: Recap of the SCSP AI + Energy Summit
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October 23, 2024

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Fireside Chat: Recap of the SCSP AI + Energy Summit
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October 16, 2024

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Tags: AI

National Security, AI, and the 4th Industrial Revolution
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October 14, 2024

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AI and Cybersecurity for a Safer Digital World
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October 10, 2024

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October Cyber Workforce Series
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October 03, 2024

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Partner Ecosystems and Marketplaces: Completing the Transformation
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September 27, 2024

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Partner Ecosystems and Marketplaces: Completing the Transformation
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September 26, 2024

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Climate Tech and AI: Innovations for a Sustainable Future
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September 20, 2024

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Tags: AI

Climate Tech and AI: Innovations for a Sustainable Future
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September 19, 2024

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August Cyber Workforce Series
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August 29, 2024

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August Cyber Workforce Series
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August 28, 2024

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Partner Ecosystems and Marketplaces: Completing the Transformation
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August 22, 2024

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Tags: AI, Cybersecurity

August Cyber Workforce Series
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August 19, 2024

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Tags: Cybersecurity

Securing Critical Infrastructure: Embracing The Future To Protect Us Now
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August 14, 2024

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July Cyber Workforce Series
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August 01, 2024

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Tags: Cybersecurity

July Cyber Workforce Series
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July 31, 2024

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Climate Tech and AI: Innovations for a Sustainable Future
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July 18, 2024

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Tags: AI, Sustainability

July Cyber Workforce Series
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July 17, 2024

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Decoding the Future: Securing the Quantum Leap in Cybersecurity
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July 11, 2024

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Decoding the Future: Securing the Quantum Leap in Cybersecurity
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July 10, 2024

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TBI Fireside Chat: The Power to Say "NO" in Partnerships
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June 28, 2024

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5 Videos
How AI will Effect Cyber Security. Insights from Security Think Tank.
Cybercrime Junkies
March 22, 2023

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Tags: AI, Business Strategy, Cybersecurity

A strong partnership yields results
Business Class News
March 02, 2022

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Tags: Business Strategy, Cybersecurity, Ecosystems

AI for Good Grand Finale 2022
AI for Good - United Nations ITU
March 02, 2022

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Tags: AI, Climate Change, Sustainability

Impact Of New US Security Strategy on AI. Silicon Valley Think Tank.
Cybercrime Junkies
March 02, 2022
Impact Of New Us Security Strategy on AI with Silicon Valley Think Tank, Task Force and ISAO leaders Carlo Brayda and Michael Thiessmeier. Topics: Artificial Intelligence And Cybersecurity Information Sharing And Analysis, Ai And Cybersecurity Information Sharing And Analysis, New Policies For Security In Light Of Artificial Intelligence, How To Protect Security Of Organizations With Artificial Intelligence, Ways To Protect Security Of Organizations With Artificial Intelligence, New Artificial Intelligence Us Regulations, How Will The Us Regulate Artificial Intelligence, New Isao Info Gathering On Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence Isao Info Gathering, and Top security Tips we all want to know.

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Tags: AI, Business Strategy, Cybersecurity

The top US/Silicon Valley entrepreneur finalists | AI FOR GOOD INNOVATION FACTORY
AI for Good - ITU United Nations
December 31, 1969
Watch the top US/Silicon Valley entrepreneur finalists present their innovative AI-powered and SDG-driven solutions to the honorary US judges.

In partnership with Tortora Brayda Institute, the selected finalists represent the US/Silicon Valley region and compete against each other to win a spot at the Global Grand Finale on December 9th.

Tortora Brayda Institute for Partnership Excellence is an International Organization for Partnership Development.The organization engages business, cultural, government and thought leaders worldwide to reshape and develop collaboration and partnering practices with a view to improving and securing business and economies. It is established as a not-for-profit entity and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. As a Think Tank, Tortora Brayda Institute for Partnership Excellence is independent, non partisan, apolitical and embodies the highest moral and ethical standards.

AI start-ups:
Sama
Vibeonix
CalculAI
Orcinus International
WizardAI

Judges:
Cydni Tetro, CEO & Board Member, Brandless Inc.
Sarah Storelli, Global Program Marketing Leader, @amazonwebservices
Aaron Burciaga, Lead Data Technologist, Headquarters Marine Corps-Pentagon
Joseph K. Hopkins, Senior Managing Partner at The IPRESTIGE Emerge Fund LLC and CEO, Fallingst Technologies LLC, The IPRESTIGE Emerge Fund LLC

WHAT IS THE INNOVATION FACTORY?
AI for Good Innovation Factory 2021 is an UN-led pitching platform to help start-ups grow and scale their innovative AI-powered and SDG-driven solutions, by connecting them to potential business partners, investors, governments, big IT companies and more.
For those who are seeking ground-breaking solutions from start-ups, it is an excellent platform to explore opportunities to meet promising ventures and collaborators.

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Tags: AI, Climate Change, Sustainability

4 Webinars
Partner Ecosystem Transformation
forbes.com
February 01, 2024
Cybersecurity Member Leader, Carlo Brayda kicked off 2024 with guest speaker, Joe Sykora, Channel Chief at Proofpoint. Joe discussed the changing nature of the cybersecurity partner ecosystem and how that can be your key to scaling your business.

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Tags: Business Strategy, Cybersecurity, Ecosystems

Unlocking the Shadows: A Dive into Criminal Enterprises and the Dark Web
forbes.com
November 02, 2023
Fellow Member Leader,
Fellow Member Leader, and Chairman at the Tortora Brayda Institute, Carlo Brayda, led an eye-opening event with guest speaker and CEO of Cyber Intelligence House, Mikko Nimela, during which they delved deep into the hidden world of criminal enterprises, the enigmatic realm of the dark and deep web, and the true cost of exposed data. Some key takeaways are below.

Crime as a Service: Uncover the shocking reality of 'crime as a service' and understand the commercialization of illicit activities in the digital realm.

Exposing the Exposed Data: Discover the true cost of exposed data as we unravel the alarming prevalence of companies' active credentials available for sale on the dark web.

Securing the Unseen: Learn about the mechanisms employed by cybercriminals to steal these credentials and how you can protect yourself and your organization from falling victim.

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Tags: AI, Business Strategy, Cybersecurity

IT/OT Cybersecurity Convergence, the Risks and Why it Matters
forbes.com
June 01, 2023
Member leader Carlo
Member leader Carlo Brayda along with guest speaker, The Honorable Lucian Niemeyer led a roundtable discussion focused on the cybersecurity threats to operational technology. Some key takeaways are below.

As we adopt more connected technologies in our built environment to improve our quality of life, we are adding more cyber risk.
Unlike IT risk, cyber risk to connected operational technologies in all aspects of our lives must be treated as a direct threat to human safety and property.
A successful cyber attack on critical infrastructure can devastate our way of life in a matter of hours.
Any smart device or system with a human interface must be engineered and operated consistently with industry standards for safety and security.

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Tags: Business Strategy, Cybersecurity, IoT

Cybersecurity and a World in Turmoil
forbes.com
April 06, 2023

Guest speaker, Michael Thiessmeier, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the US National AI and Cybersecurity ISAO (NAIC-ISAO), former CISO of Enjoy Technology, and a member of the Overseas Security Advisory Council's planning committee for the country of Latvia discussed the importance of private and public partnership and the work that the NAIC ISAO is doing. Some key takeaways from the event are below.

Great Power Competition, the Commoditization of AI, and NextGen Warfare affect all levels of our societies
The Cyber domain permeates across borders and through our societies and is a rich medium for NextGen Warfare
Cross-border talks about cybersecurity often were focused on the needs of military and intelligence services. Cyber Diplomacy turns this into a civilian lead conversation and shifts the focus toward societal cyber resiliency.

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Tags: AI, Business Strategy, Cybersecurity

Thinkers360 Credentials

10 Badges

Radar

1 Technology
Channel Partner Ecosystems

Date : January 27, 2024

Channel Partner Ecosystems form the heart of any go-to-market strategy to scale and grow your business. The Partner Ecosystem is unprecedently vast and complex. Both best practices and platforms (PRM - Partner Relationship Management, TCMA - through-channel marketing automation and incentives) are needed as techniques and tools, respectively, to have a chance at succeeding.

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Blog

5 Article/Blogs
The Challenges of Making AI Equitable and How Partnerships Can Deliver
Thinkers360
November 18, 2024

As humans, we’ve always straddled a delicate balance between going it alone and coming together as a collective. While individual ambition often pushes us forward, our real strength lies in teamwork—building, creating, and solving problems together. This capacity for collaboration has helped us thrive as a species, and now, it’s essential as we face one of the greatest challenges of our time: ensuring artificial intelligence (AI) serves everyone equally.

Making AI truly equitable isn’t just about better technology or clever algorithms. It’s about creating a system where everyone—no matter where they are or what resources they have—can access and benefit from this transformative technology. That’s where partnerships, particularly public-private partnerships (PPPs), come into play. But making these collaborations work requires more than just signing agreements. It takes commitment, alignment of goals, and a focus on long-term outcomes.

What Does Equity in AI Really Mean?

Equity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s about making sure everyone has what they need to succeed. In the context of AI, that means addressing the digital divide—a gap that’s especially glaring in developing nations. Millions of people around the world lack even the basics needed to participate in the digital age. These essentials include:
1. A device, such as a smartphone or computer.
2. The knowledge to use that device effectively.
3. Access to a reliable internet connection.
4. A stable source of electricity to power it all.

Even in places where smartphones are becoming more common, their use is often limited to making calls or sending messages. Many people don’t have the opportunity—or the means—to use these devices for more advanced tasks like browsing the web or engaging with AI tools. Without targeted efforts to close these gaps, the promise of AI will remain out of reach for billions.

Education is a crucial piece of the puzzle, especially for adults and older populations who’ve had little exposure to digital tools. At the same time, infrastructure outside urban areas remains a significant hurdle. Poor connectivity, unreliable electricity, and, in some cases, restrictive government policies prevent people from fully engaging with the digital world.

Why Bridging the Digital Divide Matters

Globally, a third of people are still offline. Among those who are connected, more than half experience slow or unreliable internet. This digital divide doesn’t just hold individuals back; it limits progress for entire societies. AI, as powerful as it is, can’t deliver its full benefits in a world where so many are left behind.

The consequences of ignoring these disparities go beyond technology. A growing gap in digital access threatens to widen the wealth divide, stoke social unrest, and deepen existing inequalities. Ensuring equitable access to AI isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s an economic and social imperative. By providing tools and opportunities for all, we can spark innovation, create new markets, and build a more stable, prosperous world.

The Language Barrier: An Overlooked Challenge

Even as AI systems become more sophisticated, language remains a significant barrier. Most large language models (LLMs) support major languages like English, Chinese, and Spanish, but they leave out more than half the world’s population. For those who speak languages not supported by these systems, interacting with AI can feel like an insurmountable challenge.

Developing LLMs for underrepresented languages is no easy task. Take Amharic, the national language of Ethiopia, as an example. The datasets available for training Amharic LLMs are thousands of times smaller than those for dominant languages, making the process costly and complex. On top of that, Amharic’s intricate grammar and unique alphabet add to the technical hurdles. Limited resources and tight national budgets in countries like Ethiopia further complicate these efforts.

How Public-Private Partnerships Can Help

Addressing these challenges requires collaboration on a massive scale. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) bring together governments, businesses, and NGOs to pool resources, expertise, and influence. While this model holds great promise, it’s not without its challenges.

Lessons from Ethiopia

A few years ago, I was involved in a PPP in Ethiopia that brought together the federal government, Microsoft, the regional government of Amhara, and the NGO Alchemy World. The project aimed to digitize education in remote areas and promote entrepreneurship.

The obstacles we faced were enormous. Many communities lacked basic infrastructure, and accessing email required a half-day journey by donkey to the nearest cyber café. In areas where unemployment was rampant and clean water was scarce, the idea of AI equity seemed almost laughable. Yet, the partnership delivered life-changing results. Thousands people were lifted out of poverty, gaining dignified work in the digital economy, while millions of children now have access to improved education through digitization.

This success didn’t come easily. It took years of persistent effort and coordination among all parties. The project worked because each partner remained committed to the long-term goal, even when progress was slow.

Why Many Partnerships Fail

Despite their potential, many PPPs fail. Why? Often, it comes down to misaligned goals and a lack of trust:
1. Governments may lack the political will to sustain initiatives beyond the short term, and corruption can derail even the best-laid plans.
2. Corporations, driven by profit, may pull out if results aren’t immediate.
3. NGOs and local organizations, focused on community impact, sometimes find their values clash with those of their corporate or governmental partners.

The key to overcoming these challenges lies in relationships. Successful partnerships are built on trust, mutual respect, and a recognition that everyone’s success is interconnected. It’s about more than signing contracts; it’s about building human connections—shaking hands, sharing meals, and staying in constant communication.

The Bigger Picture: AI for Good

One example of a successful global initiative is AI for Good, a program launched by the United Nations' International Telecommunications Union. This initiative encourages partnerships to use AI in addressing global challenges, from climate change to education. Entrepreneurs working on AI solutions for agriculture, disaster management, and healthcare are supported and celebrated.

Similarly, the Cyber Eagle Project is leveraging generative AI to tackle cybersecurity challenges within NATO’s member countries critical infrastructure sectors. By automating processes and creating partnerships between governments and private companies, the project is reshaping how cybersecurity is approached on a massive scale. These examples show what’s possible when resources and vision align.

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

The road to AI equity is long and full of obstacles, but the rewards are worth the effort. Public-private partnerships hold the key to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that AI benefits everyone. For these partnerships to succeed:
- All stakeholders must be willing to share accountability and align their goals.
- Corporations and governments need to commit to long-term investment, even when immediate returns aren’t guaranteed.
- NGOs and civil society groups must play a central role in driving these initiatives forward.

Our ability to collaborate has always been our greatest strength. Now, as we face the challenges and opportunities of the AI age, it’s more important than ever. By coming together with shared purpose and determination, we can create a future where technology serves all of humanity—not just a privileged few. The choice is ours.

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Tags: AI, Cybersecurity, Diversity and Inclusion

Fireside Chat: Ransomware: Effective counter strategies vs spitting into the wind
Thinkers360
June 07, 2024

This infographic-rich presentation outlines thought leadership ideas and best practices for handling Ransomware situations. It is the outcome of a deep conversation with experts James Taliento, AFTDRK, Matthew Leidlein, DAR, and Guillermo Christensen, K&L Gates (ex-CIA, ex-Diplomat)

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Tags: Cybersecurity, Leadership, Risk Management

Bridging the Divide: Securing the Promise of AI in a Less Developed World
Thinkers360
May 28, 2024

The transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undeniable. From revolutionizing healthcare to optimizing logistics and personalizing education, AI holds the key to unlocking a brighter future for all. However the reality in many less developed countries (LDCs) is very different. The transformational benefits that AI could bring to enable poorer countries to leapfrog to a massively greater position of economic strength in relatively few decades could remain elusive unless there is an orchestrated effort.  We are all stakeholders in this. 

Creating a more efficient global economy benefits everyone and we all need to grow together.  

This article is based on my personal experience in reducing the digital divide in Ethiopia and delves into the unique security concerns surrounding AI in LDCs. It highlights how existing inequalities can be exacerbated by biased data, limited resources, and a lack of awareness. These considerations are particularly nerve wracking when considering nations where civil dissent may be brewing often on ethnic grounds. The article further explores mitigation strategies, emphasizing the need for international collaboration, capacity building, and responsible AI development practices that bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive benefits.

The Digital Divide: A Breeding Ground for AI Security Risks

The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) and those who don't.  The United Nations, ITU in particular has been driving this point for a long time, justifiably as it is central to development, wealth, health and trade. Having said that, now that the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as Klaus Schwab, leader of the World Economic Forum, coined it, is well underway and it does bring about some real dangers that we must all be aware of so that we can help each other understand and mitigate them. 

  • Poisoned Data and Perpetuating Bias: LDCs often have limited data sets available for training AI models. Malicious actors exploit this scarcity to inject bias into these models, perpetuating existing inequalities in areas like loan approvals or social service allocations. Imagine an AI system trained on incomplete or skewed data, unintentionally disenfranchising specific demographics or exacerbating social tensions. We have already witnessed AI models and massive social media manipulation being used to skew elections.  These techniques have great persuasive power and can lead to a snowball effect of mass movements and even mass hysteria. LLMs are intended to be neutral but if poisoned could generate ethnic bias and even hate leading to potential conflict.  These conflict situations can be used by superpowers to manipulate politics and sovereignty.

  • Adversarial Attacks and Resource Constraints: Developing countries often have fewer resources to invest in robust cybersecurity infrastructure. This limited capacity makes them more vulnerable to AI-powered cyberattacks that exploit weaknesses in their systems. Imagine critical infrastructure like power grids targeted by sophisticated AI-powered attacks, causing widespread disruption and hindering development efforts. Not all countries have equally effective CERTs. Cybersecurity needs to be supported as a global effort.

  • Privacy Violations, Limited Enforcement, and Awareness: Limited enforcement of AI and data privacy regulations in LDCs could lead to unintentional breaches and a lack of awareness of citizen rights regarding personal data. Enforcement of regulations is a task of herculean proportions in countries where corruption is rife. This could create situations where sensitive data is easily accessed or misused, eroding trust in institutions and hindering the adoption of AI solutions.

  • Weaponized AI and Devastating Impact: The potential for weaponized AI targeting critical infrastructure in LDCs is particularly concerning. Imagine an AI-powered attack disrupting a nation's power grid or transportation network. The consequences can be devastating, jeopardizing essential services. State-sponsored actors could conduct these activities to achieve political objectives.

  • Deepfakes and Social Engineering: Deepfakes, realistic synthetic media created using AI, could be used to manipulate public opinion and sow discord in LDCs where reliable information sources might be scarce. This potential for misinformation campaigns underscores the need for robust fact-checking mechanisms and media literacy initiatives. Again, Ethiopia, one of my two countries of origin, is a great example, as digital literacy is extremely low, and general knowledge of the world is outside their direct sphere of activity. Conflict has been occurring between two historic ethnic groups with distinct languages and subtly different cultures and traditions.  People can be manipulated fairly easily, and Deep Fakes could cause genocide, revolutions, and the installation of a different government with different allegiances.

Building Bridges: Strategies for Inclusive AI Security in LDCs

Bridging the digital divide remains a crucial priority for the international community.  The international organization community has been hard at work for many years but the problem is so massive that it is hard to tame. 

  • Training and Education for All: Targeted training programs for citizens and government officials in LDCs are essential. Basic digital education must be implemented first. This required capacity building in terms of training centers and in making devices affordable and pervasive in rural areas. Of course, this requires an ongoing improvement in countries’ national telecom infrastructure. Then, after achieving these first huge obstacles, you can build programs that could raise awareness of AI security threats, promote data literacy, and equip individuals to evaluate AI-driven decisions critically. I once had the privilege of leading a digital education program in partnership with the Ethiopian government and Microsoft. This was a tripartite agreement and a true public-private partnership that delivered extraordinary results and massive improvements in the quality of education in the nation.  

Only through education can we foster trust in AI and mitigate the effects of bias, misinformation, and manipulation.

  • Investing in Explainable AI: It is so important that AI doesn’t become a magic black box that has the power to make life-changing decisions about one’s life with out transparency. "Explainable AI" techniques allow us to understand how AI models reach their decisions and identify potential biases. By investing in explainable AI, LDCs can build trust by enabling citizens to understand the reasoning behind AI decisions, particularly in sensitive areas like loan applications, housing allowances, or social services allocation.

  • International Collaboration and Capacity Building: Developed nations and international organizations must collaborate with LDCs to build robust cybersecurity infrastructure. National Computer Emergency Response Team needs to be nurtured and constantly upskilled, and I believe a system similar to the one in the United States with the existence of ISACs and ISAOs would further strengthen these ecosystems. This collaboration can include knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and joint cyber defense initiatives. Investing in capacity building within LDCs empowers them to develop their expertise in AI security and create a more secure environment for AI adoption.

  • Open Source AI Development: The international collaboration opportunity that comes from open source development is huge. This is an opportunity to build bridges, have cultural exchanges and enrichment, and eventually fosters transparency and encourages the creation of secure and ethical AI solutions that address the specific needs of developing countries.

Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility for a Secure and Inclusive AI Future

The potential of AI to revolutionize the world is undeniable. But ensuring everyone gets a slice of the pie, not just the privileged few, requires a concerted effort. Developed nations and international organizations can't afford to be bystanders. We all have a stake in creating a secure and inclusive AI future. Let's roll up our sleeves, share knowledge, and build robust safeguards. Only through collaborative sweat can we ensure AI becomes a force for positive change, not just in a few select pockets but across the globe. After all, a rising tide lifts all boats, doesn't it?

 

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Tags: AI, Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation

RESOLVING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE CYBER DEFENSE THROUGH PRIVATE PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS
Thinkers360
March 08, 2024

In recent months, our Nation’s national security agencies have issued urgent advisories and testified before Congress on State-sponsored cyber-attacks, sabotage, and vulnerabilities embedded in the connected technologies managing life-essential infrastructure (power, gas, water, communications, transportation) in our country. While Executive Orders and guidance to critical infrastructure owners are a tangible first step to galvanize public awareness and action, more must be done to unify efforts to mitigate cyber risk across all sectors of our economy and way of life. Cyber attacks on infrastructure directly threaten human safety and property.  Cyber protections for operational technologies (OT) can no longer be considered an optional investment for C-suites and boardrooms weighing various business risks.  

A Task Force of the Tortora Brayda Institute, in partnership with the Association of U.S. Cyber Forces and the National A.I. & Cybersecurity ISAO, convened a council of 30 subject matter experts and thought leaders in February 2024 to focus nonprofit efforts on developing private-public partnerships to rapidly and sustainably improve the cyber resilience of the U.S. critical infrastructure with particular emphasis on mid-size company contributions. 

A national response to these compelling threats must include more than the top 20 organizations with existing resources in each critical infrastructure segment to invest in protections immediately. The thousands of small system service providers in each sector, in most cases operating with limited margins, must have access to funds from public resources or public-private partnerships to implement capabilities to mitigate cyber risk.

For example, a medium-sized ethanol manufacturer with 120 employees based out of Sacramento, California, is just as crucial for providing services to hospitals throughout the State as a Fortune 100 manufacturer based on the eventuality of resource scarcity. Our initial research indicates that up to 300,000 companies in the 100 to 5,000-employee segment may exist within the 16 critical infrastructure verticals in the United States. If we included NATO allies, the number would rise to more than 800,000.

Alycia Farrell, Executive Member of the Association of U.S. Cyber Forces (AUSCF) and Board Member for the Tortora Brayda Institute, works directly with small and medium-sized businesses within the Defense Industrial Base, where she is tracking cyber threats to critical infrastructure and various sectors of the U.S. supply chain. "The world of CMMC and the DIB is a microcosm of the larger issue impacting the overall US commercial industrial base. While DoD is implementing the CMMC certification process to try and get a handle on increasing cybersecurity practices and compliance, the efforts and costs associated with mandating these practices will increase the financial burden on these companies to the point where it will negatively impact our national security supply chain. These companies will seek support and assistance in completing the compliance, assessment, and audit processes.” According to data from the DoD, up to 350,000 companies in the Defense Industrial base supply chain and certainly 80,000 need to step up their audit process.

 "We need to explore all options for leveraging technology, and especially A.I., to support these companies in achieving better overall cyber protection and the associated compliance scoring that reflects their improved cybersecurity posture,” the former Senate Appropriations Professional staffer added. “In addition, we ought to ensure that consultants, MSPs, and MSSPs are supported, enabled, and adequately certified, likely bringing the overall target of Project Cyber Eagle beneficiaries to well over 300,000.”

 The current geopolitical situation presents an exceptional threat to the critical infrastructure of the United States and its allies. From State-sponsored malware placed in operational technology (OT) to sabotage essential utilities to actual attacks on small water systems across the country, the U.S. is no longer a sanctuary from foreign attacks. U.S. citizens are squarely in the crosshairs of adversaries wanting to coerce national policymakers. In particular, the midmarket is known to be especially vulnerable. The Biden Administration's Federal Cyber Security Strategy and related implementation plan emphasize the importance of securing critical infrastructure in its totality, not just the market leaders.

The National A.I. & Cybersecurity ISAO, part of the Tortora Brayda Institute, has studied this issue for 18 months. During this time, Institute leaders have been formulating solutions with members of the U.S. Government, academia, the private sector, and the NATO community to rapidly improve the cybersecurity posture of critical infrastructure.

Lucian Niemeyer, CEO of the national non-profit Building Cyber Security, with decades of experience as a former Assistant Secretary of Defense, former Senate Armed Services Committee staff Member and top defense official in the White House Office of Management and Budget, and Board Member of the Tortora Brayda Institute commented: "When do cyber sabotage and attacks by State sponsors cross the threshold of an act of war?”  As an example, in partnership with the UK, Canada, and Australia, The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a Joint Advisory on February 7th, 2024 announcing that People's Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored cyber actors are seeking to pre-position themselves on I.T. networks for disruptive or destructive cyberattacks against U.S. critical infrastructure in the event of a significant crisis or conflict with the United States. 

"This is a direct act of cyber sabotage. We can't continue relying on the infrastructure operators to identify and fight back State-Sponsored attacks. We must unite all federal agencies under one lead entity with the responsibility and accountability to work with all private sector owners to close the gaps in the cyber protections of our national infrastructure at the federal, regional, State, and local levels. Continuing to rely on private companies for our Nation’s cyber defense will ultimately lead to a national catastrophe”.

The Cyber Eagle Project will commit resources and expertise in solutions to rapidly and effectively improve the cybersecurity posture of our critical industries.

Martin Hawley, Director at Angoka, a U.K. Operational Technology Cybersecurity vendor, remarked: "I think this idea has potential in the U.K., and insurers and accountancy firms could be good channels to market Cyber Eagle to get people involved.

The objectives are these:

  1. To create an industrialized proactive outreach and engagement process to carry out high-level, non-intrusive cyber risk assessments, recommendations, transactions, implementations, and ongoing monitoring with private and public entities in the midmarket critical infrastructure sectors.
  2. Achieve at least a 25% net improvement in the cybersecurity posture of the target sectors within 18 months of launch.
  3. After that, engage with critical infrastructure customers through an online proactive cyber resilience CoE (Center of Excellence).

The Cyber Eagle Project is formed around two core pillars: developing a technological framework and identifying funding opportunities. The workflow for the technological part involves generative AI-specialized chatbot outreach that will target the most appropriate people in each target company to serve them with a high-level cyber risk assessment similar to what will be provided by a Cyber Risk Assessment vendor, as well as a cyber exposure assessment of their risk on the dark web and restricted channels used by cybercriminals on platforms (e.g. Telegram.) To this effect, Mikko Niemela, CEO of Cyber Intelligence House, commented: ""I am pleased that our Cyber Exposure platform can contribute to the overall effort by providing companies in critical infrastructure with the benefit of ten years of research data collection in collaboration with INTERPOL, UNODC, and other reputable law enforcement agencies, on the explicit risk and specific vulnerabilities that companies face from cyber criminals. With generative AI, we can deliver a user-friendly summary and comparison of the current level of cybersecurity."

The next phase for the proactive generative A.I. chatbot would be to engage and recommend appropriate solutions based on the detected gap when measured against one or more standardization and compliance frameworks like NIST CSF or many others. Our A.I. engine will determine and validate the solutions by a cybersecurity professional.

Keeping data secure within the framework of the Cyber Eagle Project will be foundational, and security will be built into the AI across layers from DevSecOps upwards. Post-quantum encryption will be carefully considered, as will the newest and most effective homomorphic encryption algorithms. 

The power and speed of enabling Generative AI to engage about 1 million technology professionals virtually simultaneously in critical infrastructure make Project Cyber Eagle a remarkable proposition.

 The solution will be drawn from an ecosystem of 12 vendors and 500 partners focusing on the upper mid-market and another 18 vendors and 1000 partners aiming at the lower midmarket. These vendors would be selected on quality and complementarity criteria. We will construct a marketplace based on secure, reliable, and reputable marketplace technology vendors. The transactions would occur on this marketplace. The marketplace and the generative A.I. would ensure annual renewals and upgrades.

The second pillar is the funding element. One explored idea is providing forgivable loans for cybersecurity improvements through the Small Business Administration (SBA.) This could also be done through NIST. There are precedents for this type of funding. A company would need to be eligible for it. The funding agency would develop eligibility criteria. Companies could obtain the loan, implement the technology, upload the invoice, and have the loan forgiven.

FEMA and CISA, for instance, provide grants for tribal, State, and local governments. These programs need to be expanded and socialized more.

This end-to-end process would ensure the United States achieves unparalleled critical infrastructure security improvements in record time and could lead its allies to do the same.

Credits.

The following are all subject matter experts and Critical Infrastructure Task Force provisional members.

Co-Chairs

Steve DeSantis, Partner Ecosystems Sales Leader, Palo Alto Networks

Peter Hammermeister, Principal,  Aligned Advisory Group

Michael Thiessmeier, Executive Director, National AI & Cybersecurity ISAO

Executive Members

Alycia Farrell, Executive Member, Association of US Cyber Forces

Joe Sykora, SVP Global Channels and Alliances, Proofpoint

Lucian Niemeyer, CEO of BuildingCyberSecurity.org

Miguel Garibay, VP of Operations and Administration

Dave Treadway, Founder EduGPT

David Mauro, Konica Minolta & Cybercrime Junkies

Jason Keller, Digital Strategy Director, Vistant

Gilles Esposito, Vice-Chair, Tortora Brayda Institute

Jill Wideman, Tortora Brayda Institute

Lucian Niemeyer, CEO Building Cyber Security

Mike Crandall, CEO Digital Beachhead

Laurin Groover, CEO The Groover Group, National Security, Cyber, Attorney

Mikko Niemela, CEO Cyber Intelligence House

Carlo Brayda, Executive Chairman Tortora Brayda Institute

Shaun Boggs, Director IT & Cybersecurity, Key Capture Energy

Tim Kapp, CEO CInco AI

Tony Zirnoon, CEO Human Capital Ventures

Krishna Priya, AI/ML Architect

Adnan Khaleel, Corporate Strategy Director,  Intel

Lee Hibbert, Bamboo UK

Martin Hawley, Angoka UK

Marcus Fowler, CEO of Darktrace Federal

Guillermo Christensen, Partner  KL Gates, National Security Lawyer

Chris Hadnagy, CEO Social Engineer LLC

Mary d’Angelo, Dark Web Threat Advisor, Search Light Cyber

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Tags: AI, Cybersecurity, National Security

Harnessing the Power of Green AI for Sustainability and Climate Change
Thinkers360
January 26, 2024

COP 28 was the 28th Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai.

Most world leaders were present, as well as leaders of major corporations and NGOs around the world. 

In an opening address to the COP28 U.N. climate summit, King Charles told world leaders the dangers of climate change were no longer a distant risk and urged them to take more action.

There was a clear sense of momentum in the air, and AI innovation was understood to help channel this energy into tangible solutions.

The time for action is ripe, and Green AI is the catalyst.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are 17 strategic goals set to be achieved by 2030. Of these, the climate-specific ones that have been the focus of one of the side-events at COP 28 were the A.I. Crowdsourcing A.I. and Machine Learning, A.I. for Good Innovation Factory. The partners in this initiative were the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Tortora Brayda Institute, and the U.S. National A.I. & Cybersecurity ISAO. The organizations converged to support ITU's A.I. for Good initiative geared toward AI/ML Innovation to combat climate change.  

A.I. for Good Innovation Factory is a UN-led pitching platform to help startups thrive by connecting them into a multi-stakeholder support ecosystem and providing further support and guidance from within the U.N. This Climate Change edition of the contest is open to any innovative startups using A.I., and advanced algorithms and gives startups a global stage to promote their innovative solutions.

Five problems were identified for contestants to resolve through Green A.I. sustainability ideas:

  1. Estimating soil properties across large areas (based on data from infrared spectroscopy, gamma spectrometry techniques, and satellite imagery).
  2. Mapping and monitoring soil moisture levels (using data from cosmic ray neutron sensors and gamma spectrometry).
  3. Complementing Google Earth Map to identify soil conditions and analyses of water resources.
  4. Helping identify water resources vulnerable to climate change and supporting flood and drought forecasting.
  5. Integrating isotope hydrology studies supports water management and mitigates the world's water problems.

The following companies made the final cut and were awarded an Award by United Nations Leaders during the COP 28 event. 

Poseidon-AITM, headquartered in Singapore and led by Dr. Amaj Rahimi-Midani, addresses challenges in the rapidly expanding seafood farming industry, which constitutes nearly 50% of global seafood production. This initiative is critical for sustainable growth and efficient water resource use, especially given the implications of climate change on aquatic ecosystems. The industry faces three primary challenges: environmental changes due to climate change, expertise and knowledge deficits, and limited financial support. Poseidon-AITM harnesses IoT, A.I., and ML.

technologies to support farmers, indigenous groups, and vulnerable communities adapt to these challenges and advance sustainable development.

Using cost-effective IoT devices, Poseidon-AITM gathers real-time data from aquatic environments and soil. This data trains AI/ML algorithms to optimize feeding, growth rates, and maturity timing and monitor nitrate levels from fish waste. Additionally, image processing refines these algorithms to reflect real-world conditions.

This approach reduces production costs by 20%, and increases yield by 35%. The algorithms are integrated into Intelligent Aquaculture Systems modules, providing expert guidance for communities. Each module generates revenue and saves 2 tons of rainwater, contributing to nine Sustainable Development Goals. 

Bloom Africa is a Ghanaian startup that utilizes cutting-edge A.I. technology, including Natural Language Processing and custom models, to deliver advanced analytics in agricultural systems, providing insights through natural language and employing AI-IoT for enhanced forecasting in the face of climate change challenges. Collaborating with FAO, Bloom Africa enhances Earth Map by introducing Clarice—an A.I. chat assistant capable of interacting with Earth Map using natural language. CEO Hamza Mohammed stated: "Our A.I. assistant, Sana, revolutionizes smart farming insights, seamlessly integrating with farm data and farm management systems and providing real-time expert guidance to propel the adoption of state-of-the-art farming practices."

S.I. Analytics aims to improve global climate interpretation and establish an early warning system with two innovative services: Georain and Geocloud. Yeji Choi, CEO, explains: "Georain offers effective precipitation monitoring using high-resolution geostationary satellite imagery analyzed by AI-based radar maps. By applying a generative deep learning model with physical constraints, SIA enhances accuracy in rain rate retrieval algorithms for geostationary satellites, overcoming limitations of continuous monitoring with limited LEO satellites".

Geocloud predicts future states of geostationary satellite imagery up to 20 hours. Applying deep learning to past observation data provides reliable predictions of future atmospheric states, excelling in short-term forecasts. Geocloud utilizes the Deterministic Guidance Diffusion Model, balancing deterministic and probabilistic forecasting methods.

Based on meteorological satellite and global model data, these services are accessible globally, benefiting underdeveloped countries with limited meteorological equipment. 

Finapp is an A.I. technology based on Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensing.

Finapp supports precision agriculture by providing unique knowledge of soil moisture for better irrigation, efficient water use, and hunger eradication.

Cosmic rays from space and in contact with the Earth's atmosphere generate a cascade of particles, including fast neutrons, which interact mainly with water molecules. When they come into contact with water in the ground or snow, part of the fast neutrons is absorbed, and part is reflected into the air, losing part of the initial energy; thus, slow neutrons are born.

A significant difference between the number of fast and slow neutrons implies a large amount of water and vice versa. Since fast neutrons have enough energy to penetrate inside the ground for many cm (meters in snow), the given figure is representative in depth. Conversely, slow neutrons are distributed over large distances; it is possible to monitor the water content over vast areas, about 5 hectares at sea level up to 30 hectares at altitude.

The business community has already embraced A.I. for innovation and efficiency. Now, businesses need to recognize the immense potential of A.I. in advancing sustainability. By harnessing A.I.'s capabilities, companies can foster environmentally responsible practices, optimize resource consumption, and contribute to a more sustainable world.

 

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Tags: AI, Climate Change, Sustainability

Opportunities

1 Business Consulting
Scaling a technology business through partnership channels and alliances, internationally.

Location: Virtual    Fees: 3000

Service Type: Service Offered

Undoubtedly, most technology companies need to leverage channels and alliances to propel growth fully. There is an ever-morphing ecosystem of hundreds of thousands of partners worldwide, and finding the right blueprint for success can be daunting. As is implementing a partner portal, PRM, and through-channel marketing automation systems.

I have consulted in this field for decades and have created billions of dollars of revenue growth for tech giants and start ups alike.Driving channels is a passion of mine and I would love to help your company too.

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