Loading...

Author: Inesh Perera

The Role of Aquis Corporate Advisers in Due Diligence

Aquis Corporate Advisers play a pivotal role in upholding the reputation and integrity of the Aquis Growth market. Their primary responsibility lies in critically assessing the suitability of issuers, their directors, and founding shareholders for admission to the market. By conducting due diligence, Corporate Advisers ultimately ensure that applicants meet the necessary standards and disclosure requirements.  

Overseeing Due Diligence 

Corporate Advisers shoulder the responsibility of overseeing the due diligence process. This includes ensuring that the appropriate professional firms conduct financial and legal due diligence. If necessary, the due diligence should be tailored to the specific risks posed by the applicant. They review and assess the scope of due diligence and take action to remedy any identified issues. 

Legal Verification of Key Statements 

Corporate Advisers must ensure that suitable professional advisers have legally verified any key statements presented in an applicant’s prospectus or admission document for the purpose of accuracy, completeness, relevance, and fairness. 

Reviewing Financial Systems and Controls 

The Corporate Adviser’s responsible for reviewing and critically assessing the accountants’ reports and adviser comfort letters to ensure that professional advisers have conducted appropriate reviews of the working capital and financial reporting systems and controls. 

Fast Track Applicants 

For fast-track applicants, Corporate Advisers may consider limited due diligence to be sufficient, given that these applicants already trade on a market with standards corresponding to the Aquis Growth Market. However, due diligence should still be tailored to the applicant’s specific situation. 

Due Diligence on Directors 

Corporate Advisers must conduct concise due diligence on directors, substantial shareholders, or individuals with significant influence or control over the applicant’s business. This applies to scenarios such as admission processes, takeovers, and new director appointments. 

Assessing Director Suitability 

When assessing the suitability of a director, Corporate Advisers must exercise reasonable judgement and consider the efficacy of the board as a whole, given the applicant’s specific needs and the fact that it will be admitted to a UK-based, English-language public market. 

Utilizing Diverse Sources 

Corporate Advisers are expected to use a wide range of sources for due diligence and conduct investigations to mitigate concerns. They should also consider commissioning third-party reports, particularly for overseas directors, and extend these investigations as appropriate to key managers and personnel named in the prospectus. 

Disciplinary Actions and Criminal Convictions 

Corporate Advisers must identify whether any Relevant Individuals (directors, proposed directors, substantial shareholders) have faced disciplinary action by government, or regulatory bodies, or have criminal convictions. Serious offences, such as fraud, are particularly relevant, and any such information must be disclosed to the Aquis Regulation Team. 

Handling Speculation and Allegations 

When dealing with speculation, intelligence, or allegations without convictions or sanctions, Corporate Advisers must assess the reliability of the source, the likelihood of public action, and the relevance of the allegation to investors’ interests. 

Multiple Bankruptcies and Insolvencies 

Directors or proposed directors with a history of multiple bankruptcies or involvement in insolvent companies due to recklessness, negligence, incompetence, or misconduct are unlikely to be considered suitable. 

Conclusion 

Aquis Corporate Advisers play an essential role in ensuring the suitability and integrity of applicants for the Aquis Growth market. Their responsibilities encompass a comprehensive due diligence process, a thorough assessment of directors and a diligent evaluation of all relevant information. By adhering to these roles and responsibilities, Corporate Advisers contribute significantly to maintaining the high standards of the Aquis market. 

Ten Intelligence Thoughts  

Ten Intelligence offers valuable support to Aquis Corporate Advisers in the due diligence process, enhancing market confidence and integrity. We provide comprehensive due diligence oversight, ensuring accuracy and legitimacy in critical documentation. Ten Intelligence meticulously assesses directors and key individuals, enabling Corporate Advisers to evaluate director suitability against Aquis standards. We can also leverage third-party insights, including for overseas directors, providing global perspectives to aid informed decision-making. 

Partnering with Ten Intelligence elevates the capabilities of Aquis Corporate Advisers, upholding the market’s reputation for integrity and credibility. This collaboration safeguards the interests of investors and stakeholders while promoting Aquis’s continued success. 

 

Written by

Daniel Wilkes | Associate at TenIntelligence

The Future of Due Diligence and Investigations in China

In light of recent events in Beijing, China, whereby several foreign corporate due diligence firms were raided by Chinese authorities and their assets confiscated by Beijing’s Bureau of Statistics, the future of background checks and due diligence in China has been subject to uncertainty. 

Due diligence is essential, and often mandatory for companies who wish to conduct business in China. However, in China, there is currently a nationwide suppression of international consultancy and due diligence firms. An anti-espionage law was updated in April 2023, which has subsequently broadened the definition of spying and gives more power to punish anything that is deemed to be a threat to China’s national security and interests, whilst being vague about the definitions of national security and interests. This law also banned the transfer of information related to national security.  

This was not always the case, however. Years ago, it was possible to access personal details when conducting an asset search or searching through a Chinese family tree. Confidential company information, such as owner names and percentages, was also readily available. 

So, what do these restrictions mean for the future of due diligence and investigations, both inside and outside of China?  

Due to this new law, setting up an investigation company in mainland China is extremely difficult, especially if the company is foreign. There are also many restrictions and requirements for due diligence companies outside of China. Most typical due diligence searches require various information and documentation – primarily an ID number, a signed consent form, or even a copy of an identification document. For some searches – such as liens and litigations – it is necessary to utilise a local agent or supplier to assist in completing these searches. In the wake of these restrictions, it is essential that due diligence companies both inside and outside of China ensure their compliance with Chinese law as much as possible.  

TenIntelligence Thoughts 

Whilst conducting due diligence in China is still currently possible for foreign companies, it is becoming more difficult. This new level of difficulty could result in more companies choosing to opt out of conducting due diligence in China. This, in turn, could lead to an increased level of risk for companies doing business with Chinese firms. Despite these difficulties, it is necessary to work within the restrictions and ensure that due diligence is conducted legally and ethically, especially with the elevated levels of risk currently associated with China.  

Utilising OSINT methods and liaising with our network of domestic due diligence contacts in China, we can still provide clients with a level of assurance when examining the background of an individual, company or other investment. Contact our team for further information about how we can help. 

Written by

Rachael Legg | Senior Analyst at TenIntelligence

Is this Website Legit?

The number of scam websites has been increasing, leading many people to fall victim to enticing promises of great rewards, high returns on investments, and unbeatable deals. These often leave users uncertain as to whether the website is legit. There are individuals who fall victim to online scams due to their lack of knowledge, their desire for personal gain, or simply their failure to adequately conduct due diligence on the company or individual involved.  In certain instances, even highly educated individuals can be deceived by scammers.

Below are some of the ten ways that help you answer the question, “is this website legit?”

  1. Check the Website Pages.

    Go to the website’s main page and familiarise yourself with the information about the company’s profile and activities. Make sure check whether they provide contact details, not just a “Contact Us” form.  Don’t stop at checking if the website has a registered address, contact number, and email. It is essential to verify the reliability of these contact details, as they may be associated with other entities or individuals who could potentially engage in fraudulent activities, be blacklisted, or have negative a reputation. If the contact email is a generic email, such as Gmail, it is important to remember that generic email accounts cannot be traced easily; only law enforcement or authorised parties can request user information from both Google and internet service providers with a legitimate reason such as a court order.

  2. Check the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

    Numerous countries enforce the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR); therefore, it is important to review the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By doing so, the user can gain insight into how their personal data will be utilised, identify the limitations of liability, and see the applicable governing law clause. If a website does not have a Privacy Policy and/or Terms of Use, it could be a red flag, so beware of providing personal data.  Review the website contents and conduct additional due diligence.

  3.  Check if a website is SECURE.

    Check if the URL is a Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) with the format “https://”.  The Secure (“S”) states the site connection is Secure and the website uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).  Despite the encryption of data transmission and additional security measures provided by HTTPS, it does not guarantee that the website will not attempt to scam or defraud users.

    Another important security measure to  look for is the browser padlock icon. From your web browser, it is usually located in the URL bar.  A padlock icon may vary depending on the browser you use. The padlock icon shows that the site connection is secure and encrypted with valid SSL certificate.

    Secure URL vs not secureIf you are using a Firefox browser, you will see a padlock icon with a warning yellow triangle (), it shows that the connection between the web browser and the website  server is  partially encrypted and there are some issues with the SSL certificate. A padlock icon with a red strike over it (), it shows that the connection between the web browser  and the website sever is not encrypted and insecure.Using website or URL safety checker tools instantly helps us check whether the URL  is a phishing website, scam. You can use Google Safe Browsing, PhishTank, Cisco Talos, VirusTotal and other tools to check if the website is safe.

  4. Check the Spelling of the Domain Name.

    From time to time, internet users find themselves deceived by typosquatting.   According to Kasperksy, “typosquatting, also known as URL hijacking, is a form of cybersquatting (sitting on sites under someone else’s brand or copyright) that targets internet users who incorrectly type a URL into their web browser (e.g., “Gooogle.com” instead of “Google.com”)”.

    There are many forms of typosquatting such as domain parking, domain spoofing, imitators, monetizing traffic,  affiliate links and others.  For example, scammers will register a domain name that is spelled incorrectly but resembles the authentic website. The misspelled domain replicates the legitimate website and its content, or it may redirect the user to a distinct landing page where various tempting offers, explicit advertisements, or videos are displayed, and the user is prompted to input personal information or credit card details.

    To stay safe, refrain from clicking on URL links or attachments unless you are expecting emails or using secure online platforms.  These URL links may be harmful and carry viruses or phishing content. Take appropriate measures before clicking or accessing any URL links.

  5. Check WHOIS Behind a Website.

    Utilizing the WHOIS Lookup service allows user to access domain name registration records at Internet Corporation for Assigned Names Numbers (ICANN).  ICANN is a non-profit organisation responsible for the administration of the internet.  WHOIS records provide information such as Registrant and Registrar contacts, IP address, history of ownerships and more.  However, a majority of registrants have their details “Redacted for Privacy”, making it difficult to identify domain owners.  There are open source WHOIS Lookup providers, however, they don’t all provide full historical records. You can use domain search tools such as shared by IntelTechniques including Internet Archive, where you can view previously captured website screenshots.  Alternatively, contacting the domain registrar and hosting provider is an option if there is a legitimate interest.

  6. Check Company Records and Relevant Authorities.

    Verifying the company’s registration in both the specified jurisdiction any overseas branches is crucial.  This process enables you to confirm its registration details, directors and shareholders, business activities, financial records, charges and filing history.  Additionally, assessing the profile of the directors and shareholders provides valuable information on the current and previous ownership.  Understanding the nature of the company’s business is also important in determining the competent regulatory authority. For instance, UK companies are registered at UK Companies House and those operating in the financial services sector are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

  7. Check Customer Feedback and Online Reviews.

    Reviewing customer feedback and online reviews indicate the  reputation of the business. However, nowadays fake online reviews are increasing, some individuals or companies are paid to write positive or negative reviews. As such, use your own discretion. Reading reviews from multiple sites or platforms gives you additional  material for comparison.

  8. Check if it is “Too Good to be True”.

    If you come across an advertisement on social media platforms, marketplaces, online ads, or from a company website that sounds  “Too Good to be True”, it most likely is! Do not fall victim to promises of guaranteed high returns on investments or unbelievable offers. Take the necessary time to conduct research and exercise good judgement before providing any personal information, engaging with the company, or making any online purchases, as this will protect you from falling victim to a scam or problems.

    If you still feel sceptical, you can seek further advice from a third-party advisor who has knowledge in this area.

  9. Check Appropriate Internet Security Software.

    It is highly advisable to invest in internet security or virus protection software in order to safeguard your devices against viruses, scams, and other cyber threats. Numerous options for internet security software programs are available, allowing you to choose one suitable for your specific needs.  This will provide extra layers of security to shield your devices from malicious threats and safeguard your sensitive data.

  10. Where to Report a Scam?

    There are several organisations to which scams should be reported.  To ensure proper assistance, it is advisable to reach out to the appropriate organisation or authority.  In the United Kingdom, the following organisations and authorities can be contacted in order to report scams:

    To report international scams, the following are some of the relevant organisations and authorities can be contacted:

     

How TenIntelligence can help

If you require Due Diligence, Brand Protection, or General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) assistance, you  can contact our team at info@tenintel.com. For information about us, please visit our website at tenintel.com.

 

Written by

Shela Febrero | Associate at TenIntelligence

The Misuse of APIs – a Gateway into Private User Data

Application programming interfaces (APIs) are a critical part of the modern web. They allow developers to build powerful applications that can interact with websites and other online services. However, APIs can also be misused by attackers to scrape private user information from websites.

How APIs are Being Misused to Scrape Private User Information from Websites

There are a number of ways that attackers can misuse APIs to scrape private user information. One common method is to use a technique called “web scraping.” Web scraping involves using automated tools to extract data from websites. Attackers can use web scraping to scrape large amounts of data from websites, including private user information such as names, email addresses, and passwords. It is important to obtain permission from the website owner before scraping their data, and to only scrape data that is publicly available.

Another way that attackers can misuse APIs to scrape private user information is to exploit vulnerabilities in the APIs themselves. API vulnerabilities can have a serious impact on organizations. They can be used to steal sensitive data, launch denial-of-service attacks, or even take control of systems. It is important for organizations to take steps to secure their APIs and prevent API vulnerabilities from being exploited. For example, in 2021, a vulnerability in the Microsoft Exchange Server API was exploited by attackers to steal the email data of millions of users.

How to Stay Protected

API misuse is a serious threat to user privacy. Organizations that use APIs need to take steps to secure their APIs and prevent them from being misused by attackers. Here are a few best practices for securing APIs:

  • Use strong authentication and authorization mechanisms to control access to APIs.
  • Implement API security testing to identify and fix vulnerabilities.
  • Monitor APIs for suspicious activity.
  • Educate developers about API security best practices.

By following these best practices, organizations can help to protect their users from the threat of API misuse.

Our Team works alongside clients and guides them through the NCSC Cyber Essentials certification process.  This is a self-assessment process in which clients will be given access to an online platform to answer key questions about their infrastructure; and guarantee their certification.

Examples of Recent Data Breaches Related to APIs

  • In early 2023, a hacker scraped over 200 million records from X (formally known as Twitter) and posted them on a popular hacking forum. The data was obtained in 2021 by exploiting an API that allowed email addresses to be resolved to user profiles. The data included email addresses, names, usernames, and follower counts.
  • 2.6 million records of data scraped from Duolingo were leaked on a popular hacking forum in August 2023. The data was obtained by exploiting a vulnerability in Duolingo’s API and had been for sale since January 2023. The data included email addresses, names, the languages being learned, XP (experience points), and other data related to learning progress on Duolingo. While some of the data attributes are intentionally public, the ability to map private email addresses to them presents an ongoing risk to user privacy.
  • In January 2014, just one week after Gibson Security detailed vulnerabilities in Snapchat’s systems, a hacker exploited a vulnerability in Snapchat’s API to gain access to the usernames and phone numbers of 4.6 million users. The hacker used a brute force attack to enumerate a large number of phone numbers against the API. This attack was possible because Snapchat had previously asserted that such an attack was “theoretical.” The breach allowed the hacker to resolve individual usernames (which are often used across other services) to phone numbers, which users typically wish to keep private.

These are just a few examples of the many data breaches that have been caused by API misuse. It is clear that API misuse is a serious threat to user privacy. Organizations that use APIs need to take steps to secure their APIs and prevent them from being misused by attackers.

Balancing Privacy and AI in Zoom 

Making Informed Choices: Balancing Privacy and AI in Zoom 

In today’s digital era, platforms like Zoom have become vital for remote communication and collaboration. However, recent updates to Zoom’s terms of service have sparked discussions about data privacy and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) features. This is especially crucial for those who discuss sensitive information in Zoom meetings. 

At the heart of the matter is section 10.4 of Zoom’s updated terms, which allows them to use “customer content” for purposes like AI improvement, analytics, marketing, and product development. This has raised concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of confidential information. Although Zoom states that customer content won’t be used for AI training without consent, doubts remain due to contradictory statements and legal uncertainties. 

Zoom’s Chief Product Officer, Smita Hashim, tried to address this in a blog post by emphasizing the opt-in process and assuring that content won’t be used for AI training. However, doubts remain about the consistency of these claims and their compliance with GDPR, especially for European users. 

So, where does this leave users, especially those dealing with sensitive data? While the Zoom app allows opting out of AI features, this choice comes with trade-offs. Opting out means missing out on benefits like automated meeting summaries, AI-powered chat composition, and real-time translation. This presents a challenge for organizations striving to balance these benefits with privacy concerns. 

This challenge affects more than just individual users. Businesses must tread carefully between data security and operational efficiency. Here are steps organizations can consider to address these challenges:

  • Education and Training: Train employees about Zoom’s AI features, their implications, and how to make choices aligned with privacy policies. 
  • Prioritization: Decide which AI features are vital for efficiency and enable those, while opting out of features with higher privacy risks. 
  • Clear Policies: Establish internal policies on AI usage, consent, and data handling that align with your company’s values and privacy commitments. 
  •  Feedback Loop: Create a mechanism for employees to express privacy concerns, using their feedback to refine your AI strategy. 
  •  Explore Alternatives: Look into tools offering similar functionalities without heavy AI use. 
  •  Regular Review: Assess the impact of AI features on privacy and operations, adjusting your approach if needed. 

The choice to continue using Zoom or explore alternatives depends on each organization’s situation. Balancing privacy with communication and collaboration needs is complex but crucial. As privacy concerns evolve, businesses must remain vigilant, adapt to changes, and prioritize the security of sensitive information to uphold trust and compliance in the world of digital data protection.  

Lynsey Hanson

Written by

Lynsey Hanson | Data Protection Officer

lynsey.hanson@tenintel.com

UK’s New Data Protection Bill

The UK’s legislative landscape is evolving with the introduction of the Data Protection and Digital Information (No. 2) Bill. This bill, currently progressing through the parliamentary process, aims to modernize data laws for the digital era. Spearheaded by Data Minister Julia Lopez, it’s slated for a parliamentary debate in August 2023 and is expected to have a significant impact. 

The bill carries a two-part objective: enhancing privacy and efficiency for the public. Annoyances like frequent cookie pop-ups during online browsing and nuisance calls are squarely addressed. The proposed legislation aims to reduce the frequency of consent pop-ups and impose more substantial fines on organizations behind unwanted calls, all in a bid to gain public trust in data handling practices. 

The bill’s timing aligns with the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum, a gathering of data experts focusing on global privacy strategies. As this event unfolds over four days, discussions and workshops are set to shape the future of data privacy approaches. 

Key features of the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill: 

  • Reducing Annoyances: Consent pop-ups that repeatedly ask for permission to collect user data online will be curbed. 
  • Increased Fines: Fines for nuisance calls and texts could increase to £17.5 million or four percent of global turnover, discouraging unsolicited communications. 
  • Digital Identity Verification: Secure digital verification services will be established, streamlining online identity verification.
  • Boosting Data Trade: Legal changes will enhance the UK’s capability to create secure global data deals, particularly important for UK businesses post-Brexit. 
  • Aligned with GDPR: The bill seeks to modernize the Information Commissioner’s Office and align with the European Union’s GDPR to ensure robust data protection. 
  • Data Minister Julia Lopez emphasizes that the bill bridges data protection standards with industry advancements, addressing real-world scenarios through collaborative input. 
  • The bill’s introduction coincides with the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum, where the UK aims to lead conversations among officials, regulators, and privacy experts. 

  

In conclusion,

The Data Protection Bill is set to reshape the UK’s data regulation landscape by tackling practical issues, imposing stricter penalties, and fostering strong international relationships.  

Need help navigating the Data Protection Bill? For expert advice and consultation from our Data Protection Officer, contact us on dpo@tenintel.com.

 

Lynsey Hanson

Written by

Lynsey Hanson | Data Protection Officer

lynsey.hanson@tenintel.com

Revised Data Protection Law in Saudi Arabia

In the rapidly changing world of data protection, Saudi Arabia is taking big steps to make its existing Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), introduced in 2021, stronger. These new changes show that the country is committed to dealing with concerns, in addition to ensuring its laws match international data protection rules. However, it’s important to take into consideration that the PDPL is different and understanding that is important. Just copying GDPR rules might not make everything work perfectly. 

 

A Glimpse of Changes 

  • Legitimate Interest as a Legal Basis: Using “legitimate interests” as a valid reason for handling personal data is a key change. Instead of only relying on consent, this gives data controllers more reasons to process data. This change helps businesses while still protecting people’s data rights. 
  • International Data Transfers: At first, the PDPL had strict rules for sending data across borders. But the new changes make it easier to do this. International data transfers are now simpler, especially for companies working with data around the world. 
  • Shift in Sanctions Focus: Instead of making international data transfers a crime, the updated PDPL focuses on stopping sensitive personal data from being shared without permission. This change highlights a way to manage risks while also protecting people and businesses. 
  • Mandatory Data Protection Officers: A big step to make data protection stronger is the rule that says specific situations must have Data Protection Officers (DPOs). This follows a worldwide trend where companies choose certain people to make sure they follow data privacy rules. 
  • Redefined Sensitivity of Location Data: A big change is how location data is seen. It’s not automatically seen as very sensitive anymore. This change lets businesses use this data more freely, but they still have to protect people’s privacy well. 

 

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape in Saudi Arabia

The PDPL covers a wide area, including any group that uses personal data of people in Saudi Arabia, no matter where they are. This shows that Saudi Arabia wants to protect its residents’ privacy, even though it might cause challenges for global organisations.  

 

In Conclusion 

Saudi Arabia aims for its data protection laws to align to international data laws. This requires businesses to be cautious. They should stay informed about updates and changes and have a strong understanding on what they mean. By using a unique way of protecting data, companies can balance keeping data safe whilst remaining innovative and digital. 

 

Lynsey HansonWritten by

Lynsey Hanson | Data Protection Officer at TenIntelligence

NHS Lanarkshire: Data Sharing via WhatsApp

This article covers a recent incident involving NHS Lanarkshire, which highlights the significance of careful data handling. 

 

The Incident in Brief 

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has taken action against NHS Lanarkshire for sharing patients’ personal data on WhatsApp without authorization. Over a two-year period, from April 2020 to April 2022, more than 500 instances of patient data were shared, including names, contact details, images, videos, and clinical information. 

Initially meant for basic communication during the pandemic’s onset, WhatsApp was not officially endorsed by NHS Lanarkshire for patient data processing. Surprisingly, the platform was used unknowingly, and even an outsider gained access, leading to unauthorised exposure of personal data. 

The ICO’s investigation exposed inadequacy in NHS Lanarkshire’s data protection practices. The organization lacked proper policies, guidance, and processes for WhatsApp usage, failing to evaluate the potential risks associated with sharing patient data this way. 

 

Lessons to Learn 

This incident offers essential takeaways when navigating through the at times, complex world of data protection: 

Implement Secure Solutions: Consider introducing a secure image transfer system to ensure safe data handling, including: 

  • Encryption: Images encrypted end-to-end. 
  • Protocols: HTTPS/SFTP for secure transfer. 
  • Integrity: Hashing for data verification. 
  • Authentication: Strong, multi-factor verification. 
  • Access Control: Limited, role-based access. 
  • Temporary Links: Time-limited access links. 
  • Watermarking: Traceable image identification. 
  • Logging: Detailed access records. 
  • Infrastructure: Secure hosting and updates. 
  • Multi-factor Auth: Extra layers of security. 
  • Geolocation Control: Limited access by location. 
  • Compression + Encryption: Secure transfer prep. 
  • Penetration Testing: Regular vulnerability checks. 

Assess App Risks: Evaluate data risks when introducing new applications and include risk assessment in the approval process. 

Clear Communication: Clearly communicate data protection responsibilities to your staff when implementing new apps. 

Policy Review: Regularly review and update your organizational policies and procedures to align with evolving data protection standards. 

Internal Reporting: Ensure all staff members understand their responsibility to report data breaches promptly. 

 

Moving Forward  

The NHS Lanarkshire incident serves as clear reminder that robust data protection practices are essential, particularly when processing sensitive data.

 

Is your organisation currently handling data via WhatsApp? For expert advice and consultation from our Data Protection Officer, contact us on dpo@tenintel.com

 

Lynsey Hanson

Written by

Lynsey Hanson | Data Protection Officer

lynsey.hanson@tenintel.com

ChatGPT, AI, and Cybersecurity

Introduction

In today’s rapidly changing technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has had a significant impact on various industries. One notable AI advancement is ChatGPT, an advanced language model that has transformed customer service, content generation, and data analysis. While AI, including ChatGPT, offers many benefits, it’s important to understand and address the potential cybersecurity risks associated with it. For instance, deliberation on the risks around the use of AI resulted in a decision to ban ChatGPT in Italy.

Addressing Concerns:

The integration of artificial intelligence, including ChatGPT, raises several concerns that need attention: 

  • Advancement of Cyber Threats: AI can be misused by cybercriminals to launch faster and more covert attacks, posing significant challenges for organizations. #
  • Evolving Attack Vectors: The use of AI in cyber-attacks introduces new methods for bypassing security measures and executing targeted campaigns, demanding enhanced vigilance. 
  • Difficulty in Distinguishing AI-generated Content: Improved AI models make it increasingly challenging to differentiate between authentic and AI-generated content, creating risks of spreading deceptive information. 

Key Facts: 

To better understand the relationship between artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, and cybersecurity, consider the following facts: 

  • AI as a Defensive Tool: AI enhances cybersecurity defences by improving detection rates, analysing data for anomalies, and automating responses, resulting in faster response times. 
  • AI Augmenting Human Capabilities: ChatGPT can assist cybersecurity professionals by automating tasks, analysing vulnerabilities, and providing real-time threat intelligence, thereby increasing operational efficiency. 
  • AI for Cybersecurity Research: AI plays a vital role in identifying vulnerabilities, predicting threats, and optimizing security protocols, enabling proactive system assessments and staying ahead of emerging risks. 

Implementation Steps: 

To effectively address the impact of ChatGPT, AI, and mitigate cybersecurity risks, consider the following implementation steps: 

  1. Risk Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive cybersecurity risk assessment tailored to your organization’s specific requirements, identifying vulnerabilities and threats associated with AI integration. 
  2. Security Policy Review: Regularly update your organization’s security policies to include considerations related to AI, ensuring alignment with the dynamic nature of AI and its implications for cybersecurity. 
  3. Employee Education: Provide training programs to educate employees about AI-related risks and best practices in cybersecurity, promoting awareness and responsible usage. 
  4. Incident Response Plan: Develop or update an incident response plan that includes procedures for handling AI-related security incidents, addressing the unique challenges posed by AI-based attacks. 
  5. Collaboration and Information Sharing: Foster collaboration and information sharing within your organization and with external stakeholders to stay informed about emerging threats and industry best practices. 
  6. Implement AI Security Measures: Work closely with your IT and development teams to implement enhanced security measures for AI systems, including regular updates, encryption protocols, and access controls. 
  7. Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed about relevant regulations and compliance requirements related to AI and cybersecurity, ensuring adherence to legal and industry standards. 
  8. Engage with AI Developments: Collaborate with AI developers to understand the security features and measures implemented in their systems, particularly if your organization develops or uses AI technologies. 
  9. Third-Party Risk Management: Evaluate the security practices of third-party vendors providing AI solutions or access to AI technologies, ensuring they meet stringent security standards and align with your organization’s cybersecurity requirements. 
  10. Ongoing Monitoring: Continuously monitor your organization’s security posture, AI systems, and emerging AI-based threats, adapting and updating security measures accordingly to maintain a resilient defence. 

Conclusion: 

By implementing these measures, your organization can benefit from AI technologies while proactively addressing the associated cybersecurity risks. 

As your Data Protection Officer, I am committed to providing guidance and support in safeguarding your business. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can navigate the changing landscape of ChatGPT, AI, and cybersecurity to protect your organization’s interests. 

Lynsey HansonWritten by

Lynsey hanson | Data Protection Officer at TenIntelligence

What can Digital Forensics do for my business?

Digital Forensics is a growing field in both research and industry, as more and more businesses are becoming reliant on digital data: it deals with the search, recovery, preservation, and analysis of material found in digital devices.

For private companies, Digital Forensics can be an important tool to investigate a wide range of issues, including:

  1. Data breaches: When a company’s data is breached, digital forensics can be used to identify the source of the breach, the data that was stolen, and the individuals or organizations responsible. This information can then be used to improve the company’s security posture and prevent future data breaches.
  2. Cybercrime: Gathering evidence of cybercrime, such as hacking, fraud, and intellectual property theft. This evidence can then be used to prosecute the perpetrators in court.
  3. Employee misconduct: Digital forensics can be used to investigate employee misconduct, such as theft, fraud, and harassment. This information can then be used to take disciplinary action against the employee or to terminate their employment.
  4. Intellectual property theft: Investigating cases of intellectual property theft, such as the unauthorized copying or distribution of trade secrets. This information can then be used to take legal action against the perpetrators.
  5. Compliance: Digital forensics can be used to help companies comply with a variety of regulations, such as those governing data privacy and security. This includes conducting audits of company systems and data and providing training to employees on security best practices.

We understand that every business needs are different. That’s why we offer customized digital forensic services that meet your specific needs. We will work with you to understand your business and your challenges, and we’ll develop a plan that will help you.

Our advice for those seeking digital forensics support

  1. Urgency is key! Act quickly by contacting TenIntelligence or your preferred digital forensics investigator as soon as possible.
  2. Do not attempt to recover or search for data yourself as this may tamper with the meta data available. Date and  timestamps embedded in electronic documents form meta data that are essential in retrieving data as evidence.

Lisseth Ortiz Diaz

Written by

Lisseth Ortiz Diaz | Analyst at TenIntelligence