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The Ever-Growing Security Concerns with AI and Other Emerging Technologies – and Low-Tech Ways to Protect Yourself

Writer's picture: Scott McNealScott McNeal

Updated: Feb 2

The digital age has ushered in an era of remarkable innovation and convenience, a time when ideas that once existed only in science fiction are rapidly becoming reality. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can diagnose diseases, self-driving cars can navigate city streets, and billions of connected “smart” devices can be found in households across the globe. Emerging technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, quantum computing, 5G connectivity, and biometric security are making headlines almost daily—promising to reimagine our lives and solve problems at scale. But with this progress comes an ever-growing cascade of security and privacy concerns.

In the midst of sophisticated cybersecurity strategies—encryption algorithms, advanced threat detection systems, and state-of-the-art firewalls—there is an interesting resurgence of older, “low-tech” solutions as an added layer of defense against digital threats. Sometimes, these low-tech safeguards prove surprisingly effective at protecting our most sensitive data from both digital infiltration and the vulnerabilities of advanced, interconnected systems.

In this blog post, we will examine how AI and other emerging technologies can leave us exposed, explore the unique threats each of these technologies pose, and present some creative low-tech ways to protect yourself in a digital age. In doing so, we will also draw on insights and quotes from credible sources that shed light on the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

 

1. The Ascendance of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries—from healthcare to finance to autonomous vehicles—at breathtaking speed. AI systems are excellent at sifting through vast amounts of data, identifying patterns, and making predictions that can help organizations act more efficiently and accurately. However, AI’s capabilities and complexity create security blind spots that malicious actors can exploit.

AI-Powered Cyber Attacks

Modern AI can be used for malicious purposes, such as developing sophisticated malware, orchestrating large-scale phishing campaigns, and automating deepfake content. According to the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), “Threat actors are leveraging AI to target victims with an unprecedented level of customization and authenticity, particularly in the realm of social engineering” (ENISA, 2021).

Data Poisoning and Model Inversion

Since AI depends heavily on large datasets, hackers can poison or manipulate the data that trains these algorithms. This so-called “data poisoning” can result in AI systems making incorrect classifications or decisions. Model inversion attacks, on the other hand, exploit the details that an AI model inevitably leaks about its underlying data. Attackers can “invert” a model to glean sensitive personal information about its training data subjects.

Low-Tech Workarounds for AI Vulnerabilities

  • Paper-based backups: While cloud storage is convenient, maintaining physical, paper-based backups of critical data can be a lifesaver if your AI-driven data analytics platform becomes compromised or corrupted.

  • Human-in-the-loop verification: Rely on human inspection for high-stakes decisions. Even the best AI systems can be tricked by poisoned data or unexpected edge cases, so having a real person perform final reviews can catch anomalies.

2. Internet of Things (IoT): More Devices, More Risks

Smart thermostats, security cameras, refrigerators, wearables, and even light bulbs can now be connected to the internet, creating an expansive network of smart devices. This seamless connectivity offers convenience but also enlarges the attack surface for cybercriminals.

DDoS Attacks and Unsecured Endpoints

In 2016, the Mirai botnet harnessed thousands of insecure IoT devices (such as IP cameras and routers) to launch one of the largest Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks ever recorded. This incident revealed how poorly secured devices—often shipped with weak default passwords—can easily be hijacked. As noted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), “IoT devices can leave customers vulnerable if security is not addressed during every phase of product development” (FTC, 2018).

Privacy Concerns and Data Harvesting

IoT devices constantly collect and relay data, creating streams of personal information that can be intercepted or sold. Smart assistants record voice commands and location trackers gather sensitive movement data, all of which could be misused if it falls into the wrong hands.

Low-Tech Workarounds for IoT Vulnerabilities

  • Physical On/Off Switches: Consider devices with hardware-based kill switches or power buttons. While many IoT devices are “always on,” physically cutting power ensures that a device cannot be hacked (or inadvertently record data) if it is turned off and disconnected from Wi-Fi. Try These

  • Use of Faraday Bags or Cages: These enclosures block wireless signals, which can be useful if you want to ensure devices aren’t transmitting data. A simple metal container with no cracks can act as a rudimentary Faraday cage, preventing remote access.

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  • “Dumb” Versions of Smart Devices: Instead of jumping straight to a fully smart household, consider if there’s a truly compelling reason to connect every appliance to the internet. A non-connected device simply cannot be hacked remotely.

 

3. Cloud Computing: Advantages and Pitfalls

Cloud computing brings scalability and convenience but also centralizes data, creating appealing targets for hackers. The risk intensifies because a single misconfiguration or a bug in a cloud server can expose enormous amounts of data.

Data Breaches and Shared Vulnerabilities

High-profile data breaches involving large cloud service providers have affected millions of users at a time. According to a 2021 report by IBM Security titled “Cost of a Data Breach Report 2021,” “The global average cost of a data breach is $4.24 million, with compromised credentials being the most common attack vector” (IBM, 2021). When credentials become compromised, an attacker can move through cloud environments rapidly, often unseen.

Compliance and Regional Regulations

Organizations must also grapple with compliance frameworks like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States. These regulations demand strict data handling policies, and any lapse can lead to severe fines and loss of consumer trust.

Low-Tech Workarounds for Cloud Vulnerabilities

  • Offline Storage: Critical documents and credentials can be encrypted digitally and then stored offline (e.g., on a USB drive kept in a safe). Using external hard drives or paper copies for ultra-critical records limits your risk if the cloud is compromised.

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  • Physical Document Storage: Locking up sensitive information in a physical filing cabinet or safe that only select personnel can open reduces reliance on digital platforms.

  • Manual Key Rotation: Instead of automatically relying on software to handle cryptographic keys, you can store them manually (e.g., in a locked container) and rotate them physically on a regular schedule.

 

4. Quantum Computing: Future Threats

Quantum computing holds the promise of solving problems that are currently intractable with classical computers. In the near future, quantum computers might revolutionize pharmaceuticals, materials science, and more. But they also pose a risk to the cryptographic systems that secure our digital world.

Breaking Modern Encryption

Encryption methods like RSA and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) rely on the difficulty of factoring large numbers or solving discrete logarithms. Quantum algorithms such as Shor’s algorithm threaten to crack these schemes in a fraction of the time it would take a classical computer. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), “We must migrate to post-quantum cryptographic algorithms before quantum computers can break the public-key cryptography we rely on today” (NIST, 2020).

Quantum-Safe Cryptography Race

Researchers and standards organizations are racing to develop and standardize “quantum-safe” encryption. Meanwhile, adversaries may be collecting encrypted data now in hopes of decrypting it later, once quantum computing becomes powerful and accessible enough.

Low-Tech Workarounds for Quantum Threats

  • Air-Gapped Systems: An air-gapped computer is physically isolated from any network. It might sound archaic, but this approach remains one of the most secure ways to protect information from remote attacks.

  • Manual Encryption Methods (One-Time Pads): One-time pad encryption—a method that uses a random secret key that is as long as the message itself—is theoretically unbreakable if used correctly and key material is kept secure. Of course, this approach is highly impractical for daily use, but for highly sensitive communications, it remains a low-tech fallback. Here Is A Fun One

 

5. 5G Connectivity: Speed vs. Security

5G (fifth-generation) wireless networks promise faster data rates, lower latency, and massive device connectivity. This next-generation network will accelerate automation, remote healthcare, and AI-driven technologies. However, with increased speed and capacity come new security concerns.

Larger Attack Surface

5G relies on virtualization and software-defined networking, introducing complex configurations and more points of potential failure. As quoted by McKinsey & Company, “With 5G enabling real-time connectivity across billions of devices, securing these networks requires cross-layer approaches that anticipate novel vulnerabilities” (McKinsey, 2021).

Threats to Critical Infrastructure

5G will underpin much of our critical infrastructure, from utilities to transport. A breach of these systems could cause widespread disruption. Governments worldwide are deliberating over security protocols and supply chain oversight to mitigate the risk of espionage and sabotage.

Low-Tech Workarounds for 5G Vulnerabilities

  • Physical Network Separation: For sensitive networks—like those that handle critical infrastructure—maintain physically separate networks that do not rely on 5G for their operations.

  • Device Isolation: Keep smartphones and other connected devices in a separate, isolated environment from crucial tasks. For example, use a simple feature phone, or maintain a “digital-free” area when handling sensitive information.

 

6. Biometric Security: The Risks of Using Your Body as a Password

From fingerprint scanners to facial recognition and iris scans, biometric security systems are becoming mainstream. While these can be more convenient than passwords, they also come with unique risks. You can’t simply “change” your fingerprint or face if compromised.

Spoofing and Deepfakes

Facial recognition systems can be tricked by high-quality photographs or advanced deepfakes. Fingerprint readers can sometimes be bypassed with molded prints. According to a study published in the IEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security, “Deepfake generation methods can create convincing biometric data that may fool lower-quality recognition systems” (IEEE, 2020).

Biometric Data Theft

Hackers who manage to steal biometric data—like fingerprint scans—obtain information about individuals that can’t be replaced. Once biometric data is compromised, it remains compromised for life.

Low-Tech Workarounds for Biometric Vulnerabilities

  • Two-Factor Authentication with Physical Tokens: Instead of relying solely on biometrics, add a physical security token (like a USB dongle) or a hardware-based one-time-password (OTP) generator. These Are Robust

  • Use “Something You Have” and “Something You Know”: Passwords or PINs (something you know) combined with a hardware token or offline method (something you have) can reduce the reliance on biometric data.

  • Biometric “Cloaking” Devices: Some people use a stylus or minimal touch approach so that they do not leave easily retrievable fingerprints on surfaces—an extremely low-tech approach, but it can minimize the risk of stolen prints. I Keep Mine On My Keychain

 

7. Embracing Low-Tech Security Measures in a High-Tech World

The drumbeat of emerging digital threats compels us to diversify our defensive strategies. The advanced nature of these threats doesn’t mean we should abandon technology. Rather, we should embrace the idea that sometimes, simpler, lower-tech measures can effectively complement sophisticated cybersecurity solutions.

Below are more examples of everyday low-tech strategies that can help anyone—professional or individual—protect data and maintain some degree of digital privacy:

  1. Physical Locks and Safes:

    • Storing backups, important papers, and physical drives in locked containers can prevent unauthorized access. This approach is especially useful if you have backups that you only need to access occasionally.

    • Consider hardware security modules (HSMs) kept in a safe for storing cryptographic keys.

  2. “Security by Obscurity” in the Physical Sense:

    • Avoid labeling USB drives or external hard drives with sensitive information. If stolen, ambiguous labels (“Photos 2019” instead of “Financial Records”) can reduce the likelihood that a casual thief recognizes its value.

  3. Shredding Physical Documents:

    • Many data breaches occur due to improper disposal of sensitive documents. Paper shredders are a cheap, low-tech method to ensure personal or business information doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.

  4. Pen-and-Paper Note Taking:

    • When brainstorming highly sensitive ideas, consider jotting them down in a paper notebook instead of typing them into a connected device. Hackers can’t steal what is not stored digitally.

  5. Post-It Notes (Used Sparingly and Wisely):

    • It’s often advised never to write passwords on sticky notes. However, if those sticky notes are locked away and accessible only to you, it may be safer than storing them in a compromised password manager or a text file on your computer. Use caution and common sense here.

  6. Face-to-Face Communication:

    • For extremely sensitive conversations, there is still no substitute for in-person, one-on-one meetings without electronic devices. While less convenient, it virtually eliminates the risk of digital interception.

  7. Radio Silence / Device-Free Zones:

    • Certain organizations and individuals implement “no-device zones” or “phone bans” in high-confidentiality meetings to prevent accidental or intentional data leaks. Sometimes going completely offline is the best line of defense.

  8. Periodic ‘Digital Detox’:

    • Individuals and companies can occasionally disconnect their networks to perform system maintenance and identify anomalies. During these offline periods, critical security audits can be performed without constant exposure to external threats.

 

8. Looking Ahead: Blending Innovation and Caution

Emerging technologies like AI, IoT, cloud computing, quantum computing, 5G, and biometric security have opened doors to incredible possibilities. However, each comes with its own set of threats, ranging from malicious AI applications to quantum decryption, IoT hijacks, and biometric spoofing. The complexity of these systems means that no single security measure is foolproof.

A layered approach—adopting both cutting-edge cybersecurity tools and low-tech physical protections—can bridge gaps and mitigate these vulnerabilities. As Bruce Schneier, a renowned security technologist, famously said, “Security is a process, not a product.” (Schneier, 2000). This perspective underscores that maintaining security in a rapidly evolving technological landscape requires continual adaptation, a willingness to blend new and old methods, and an ongoing commitment to vigilance.

 

9. Conclusion

The modern cybersecurity battlefield spans across digital domains, but it also includes our physical surroundings and old-school tools. Attackers may deploy AI-driven malware or quantum techniques, but sometimes a simple padlock or an offline backup can outsmart the most advanced cyber threat. Staying secure in this digital age doesn’t require giving up on innovation—it merely demands that we adopt a holistic strategy, acknowledging that each new technology has vulnerabilities that might be best mitigated by mixing the new with the old.

For individuals and organizations alike, the first step is awareness—understanding the unique challenges posed by AI, IoT, cloud services, quantum computing, 5G, and biometric security. From there, implementing a layered defense, wherein a safe or a piece of paper can complement sophisticated encryption, is critical. In an era where data breaches, deepfake threats, and IoT hijacks make headlines, sometimes the best defense is to combine modern digital controls with time-tested, low-tech safety nets.

As we forge ahead—embracing the myriad benefits of cutting-edge technologies—remember that the simplest measure can sometimes be the most effective. Balancing the wonders of AI and hyper-connectivity with a grounded approach to security can ensure that we continue to innovate without compromising our safety, privacy, or peace of mind.

 

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