NHS at risk of catastrophic attack by terrorists using ultimate weapon

Putin threatening ‘high-risk cyber attacks’ says expert

Rishi Sunak has been warned the NHS is “at huge risk” of an attack by terrorists plotting to use cutting edge technology as the “ultimate weapon” to inflict damage Britain’s health service.

The Prime Minister has demonstrated his awareness of the seriousness of the issue by announcing plans to host the world’s first summit on artificial intelligence (AI) later this year.

But Steven Mooney, CEO of online investment platform FundMyPitch, believes Britain is already lagging behind when it comes to AI investment – and may reap the whirlwind unless the Government ups its game.

Mr Mooney told Express.co.uk: “Britain is a falling way behind when it comes to investment in AI.

“Our country is home to hundreds of up-and-coming companies, yet the majority of them are being starved of investment and struggling to get the financial support they need to grow.

READ MORE: Cargo ships defy Russian threats to sail across Black Sea

“We need a complete overhaul of the way we approach tech investment, recognising that the skills of these entrepreneurs is key not only to the future of our economy, but protecting critical national infrastructure like the NHS.”

AI startups were vital when it came to revolutionising organisations such the NHS, with the potential for reducing tedious admin for doctors and nurses, freeing them up to focus on their jobs, but such entities needed proper support and funding in the first instance, Mr Mooney stressed.

He continued: “The Prime Minister has said that he wants the UK to be ‘the best place in the world to start, grow and invest in tech businesses’, so he needs to put his money where his mouth is and recognise that other nations like the US give full backing to emerging tech companies.

“The consequences of failing to nurture home-grown AI technology will be catastrophic.

“AI is already being hijacked by cyber criminals to attack schools, universities and hospitals and we urgently need to build up our cyber defences to monitor and neutralise these threats.

“There is a huge risk to our national security if we carry on like this, and action needs to be taken, immediately.”

Singling out the threat to Britain’s health service, Mr Mooney continued: “The NHS is at huge risk due to our failure to invest in AI.

“Cyber criminals and terrorists see AI as the ultimate weapon that can be ruthlessly deployed to paralyse the health service, steal data, and cause mass disruption.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Don’t miss…
Verhofstadt paving way for ‘totalitarian’ superstate, claims Brexiteer
Lucy Letby compensation payouts could top £60 million, says lawyer
Missing Ben Needham’s mother seeks answers after boy’s body found in river

“Our entrepreneurs have the skills and capabilities to protect us from such threats but will be powerless if we fail give them the funding they need to thrive.”

Less talk and more action on AI was required from the Government, Mr Mooney argued.

He explained: “There have been a series of announcements in recent weeks around investment and international collaboration to regulate the technology, but many company owners feel it’s all a lot of hot air.”

Mr Sunak’s much-vaunted summit “means nothing if it involves world leaders but excludes voices from the start up community”, he pointed out.

Speaking in June, Mr Sunak said: “AI has an incredible potential to transform our lives for the better. But we need to make sure it is developed and used in a way that is safe and secure.

“Time and time again throughout history we have invented paradigm-shifting new technologies and we have harnessed them for the good of humanity. That is what we must do again.”

He added: “No one country can do this alone. This is going to take a global effort.

“But with our vast expertise and commitment to an open, democratic international system, the UK will stand together with our allies to lead the way.”

Source: Read Full Article