“Weekend Briefing” is a weekly newsletter sent to subscribers of The Readable every Friday. Our journalists select important news items from the previous week on topics ranging from privacy to policy development in cybersecurity, all to help you stay abreast of the latest breaking issues. And not only is this provided free of cost to our subscribers, but the briefing contains new content exclusive to subscribers, such as our insightful industrial reports.
It’s been a week since the Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW) wrapped up, and we’ve since published two follow-up stories on the conference. In an interview with The Readable, the United Kingdom’s cybersecurity chief emphasized that a unified defense of cyberspace is essential for safeguarding society. Meanwhile, Singapore’s cybersecurity collaboration center is evolving into an international hub, integrating innovation with regulatory frameworks. Both articles are included in this briefing.
Minkyung Shin investigated controversies surrounding Worldcoin and analyzed security concerns associated with iris scanning technology. Shin also attended two artificial intelligence events in person, where she gathered key insights from each to share directly with our readers.
This is Dain Oh reporting from South Korea, and here is your weekend briefing.
1. Feature: Iris scanning, security tool or privacy threat?
Iris scanning is becoming increasingly popular as a fast and accurate method of biometric identification, commonly used to unlock smartphones and verify financial transactions. Its contactless ease of use has led to widespread adoption across various industries. However, despite its convenience, iris scanning raises significant concerns regarding data sensitivity and potential breaches. While advancements in security enhance personal identification technology, they also intensify concerns over privacy and identification theft.
Iris scanning is a biometric technology that identifies individuals by analyzing the unique patterns in their irises. It offers high levels of accuracy and security, and it is generally considered more reliable than other biometric identification methods. Iris data contains 266 identifiable features, which is 6.65 times more than a fingerprint, which has 40 identifiable features. The likelihood of two individuals having the same iris pattern is only one in a billion. Furthermore, even the left and right irises of the same person have distinct patterns.
Moreover, the iris pattern a person is born with, like their fingerprints, remains unchanged throughout their lifetime. This consistency allows biometric systems to reliably identify individuals over time. READ MORE
2. UK’s cybersecurity chief highlights collective responsibility to build resilience
The United Kingdom’s national cyber authority is expanding its partnerships with more countries, as collective capabilities have become crucial in defending against security threats, according to the organization’s newly appointed head.
“Cybersecurity is a global challenge as we see it in our supply chains,” said Richard Horne, CEO of GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), in an in-person interview with The Readable during Singapore International Cyber Week, held from October 14 to 17. The interview took place during Horne’s second week as CEO.
“In the U.K., we are very focused on working with partners across the world, not just our closest allies,” said Horne.
For example, the U.K. worked with Singapore to lead members of the International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) in signing a joint statement last November, denouncing ransomware payments to cybercriminals. Earlier this month, 39 countries endorsed new guidance, led by the U.K. and Singapore, aimed at undermining the business model of ransomware actors. READ MORE
3. Singapore’s cybersecurity innovation hub is in full operation, bridging private and public sector
In September 2023, Singapore launched an initiative aimed at fostering talent, innovation, and growth in the cybersecurity industry. Led by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and the National University of Singapore (NUS), the program has evolved into an international cybersecurity innovation hub, attracting startups from around the world.
The CyberSG Talent, Innovation, and Growth (TIG) Collaboration Centre, located within Singapore’s tech startup hub Block71, officially opened last July. The Readable visited the center during Singapore International Cyber Week, held from October 14 to 17, and observed how Singapore is advancing its vision to become a global hub for cybersecurity innovation.
“As a non-commercial entity, the center is designed to enhance collaboration between the private and public sectors. It’s a unique space where innovation and regulation coexist,” said Christopher Chen, Executive Director of the CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre. According to Chen, 14 headcounts aimed at accelerating cybersecurity innovation were fully operational at the time of the interview. READ MORE
4. Soongsil university launches AI safety center to combat growing threats from AI
On October 22, Soongsil University in South Korea inaugurated its Artificial Intelligence Safety Center to conduct research aimed at addressing the risks and threats associated with the evolution of AI. The work of the center will be maintaining relationships and collaborating with various experts and organizations in the field of AI to promote the safer development and use of AI technologies.
“AI is bringing significant changes to our daily lives. However, there are also growing concerns about its potential threats and abuse of the technology, and such cases have occurred in real life. We launched the AI Safety Center to address these issues, where various field experts gather to discuss and tackle these challenges through multiple approaches in AI policy and technology,” said Choi Dae-seon, director of the AI Safety Center and professor at the School of Software in the College of IT at Soongsil University.
During the inauguration of the center, Director Choi announced that its 89 employees will be tasked with focusing on three main sectors of research. The first is AI risk management, which involves identifying and assessing potential risks associated with AI. The center’s staff and resident experts will conduct tests and technical research to address these issues and will also work to create guidelines for reigning in and guiding AI that align with existing legal frameworks. READ MORE
5. Cybersecurity expert warns of risk from convergence of AI and emerging technologies
A leading South Korean cybersecurity expert cautioned that the convergence of artificial intelligence with advanced technologies—such as semiconductors, quantum computing, and biotechnology—could bring about serious risks to global peace and security.
Yoon Jung-hyun, a research fellow at the Center for Science, Technology, and Cybersecurity at the Institute for National Security Strategy (INSS), discussed potential security threats arising from the convergence of AI and emerging technologies on Friday at the Korean Association for World Politics of Information’s (KAWPI) Digital Statecraft Conference.
According to Yoon, AI is driving innovation across various industries, including economics, business, and defense. He emphasized that AI has become a national strategic technology essential for all countries, noting that the U.S. government includes AI in its “Critical and Emerging Technologies List,” updated every two years. South Korea likewise recognizes AI as one of its “12 National Strategic Technologies,” the expert further noted. READ MORE
More stories this week…
6. [The White House] Memorandum on Advancing the United States’ Leadership in Artificial Intelligence; Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Fulfill National Security Objectives; and Fostering the Safety, Security, and Trustworthiness of Artificial Intelligence
7. [Irish Data Protection Commission] Irish Data Protection Commission fines LinkedIn Ireland €310 million
