The potential threats of accelerating digitalization, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in data protection, and the prospects for international cooperation in creating global cybersecurity frameworks were key topics at the "Shaping the Future" International Symposium, held November 4–6 at the National Center "Russia."
Cybersecurity Challenges in the Modern World
Egor Bogomolov, founder and CEO of the CyberEd Expert Center, moderated the panel discussion "The Cybersecure World of the Future." In his opening remarks, he stressed the need to think beyond the present:
"Our task today is to discuss not what is real, but what seems unreal. The future is already here. This is why we must try to look beyond the horizon."
Andrey Masalovich, founder of Russia’s modern school of internet intelligence, creator of the Avalanche search engine, and president of the "Inforus" Consortium, outlined the primary risks posed by AI development. These include:
- A significant rise in hacker attacks on critical infrastructure
- The integration of AI into global counterintelligence operations
- The emergence of autonomous AI-based weapons
"When discussing information security, we must always keep a simple concept in mind: it’s always about people, processes, and technologies. People are the cornerstone of this technological future," noted Rustam Guseynov, an expert in information security and chairman of the Cybersecurity Specialists Cooperative (RAD KOP).
Guseynov emphasized the importance of the humanistic aspect, political will, and responsibility in decision-making about the implementation and dissemination of technologies.
The Role of International Cooperation
Despite political differences, international collaboration in cybersecurity is essential for maintaining global stability, according to Predrag Čeranić, Dean of the Faculty of Security at the University of Banja Luka in the Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He proposed a "Cyber Peacekeeping Agreement" inspired by traditional peacekeeping missions.
"Such an agreement could de-escalate cyber conflicts between opposing sides and help manage their consequences,"Čeranić concluded.
About the "Shaping the Future" Symposium
The "Shaping the Future" Symposium, held from November 4 to 6, features over 60 sessions across four themes: the future of humanity, technology, multipolarity, and civilizations. Attendees include scientists, futurists, writers, and officials from 101 countries, including Russia, India, Italy, Iran, China, the UAE, Serbia, the USA, and France. Event details and live streams are available at future.russia.ru.
The symposium marks the inaugural event of the National Center "Russia," established on July 1, 2024, by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The center highlights Russia’s achievements and preserves the legacy of the "Russia" International Exhibition-Forum with contributions from federal authorities, corporations, and regional governments.
