Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Space are 3 Tech areas to Watch in 2024

Every new year creates a new opportunity for optimism and predictions. In the past couple of years, emerging technology has permeated almost all areas of our lives. There is much to explore! In this article, I focus on three evolving technology areas that are already impacting our future but are only at the early stages of true potential: artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and space systems.

In addition to my own thoughts and perspectives, I reached out to several well-known subject matter experts on those very topic areas to share their valued insights.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is on the Cusp of Transforming Civilization

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a highly intriguing and hotly contested subset of emerging technology. Science fiction no longer exists in the realm of AI. Businesses are currently working on technologies that will enable artificial intelligence software to be installed on millions of computers worldwide.

Many business challenges can be resolved with the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. Artificial intelligence (AI) doesn't need to be specially programmed to comprehend, diagnose, and resolve client issues.

Prioritizing and acting on data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning can help make decisions more efficiently. This is especially true in larger networks with numerous users and variables. AI-enabled computers are primarily intended for tasks like speech recognition, learning planning, and problem-solving.

In cybersecurity, technology tools such as artificial intelligence and machine learning will be more easily used to increase the efficacy of threat analysis and mitigation across the enterprise Data synthesis is unquestionably advantageous for cybersecurity in terms of threat mitigation.

To increase the security of remote employee offices and address the labor shortage, more automation and visibility solutions will be implemented. Machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence are augmenting the capabilities of automation systems.

Self-encrypting and self-healing drives are examples of automated network security solutions that safeguard data and applications. Horizon scanning and network monitoring that can provide real-time reports on deviations and abnormalities are also made possible by cognitive automation.

Although AI and ML can be useful instruments for cyber-defense, they can potentially have unintended consequences. Threat actors may also take advantage of them, even if their use can improve cyber defense capabilities and quickly detect threat abnormalities. Governments that are hostile and malicious hackers are already using AI and MI as tools to find and exploit threat detection model weaknesses. Malicious malware will be distributed using artificial intelligence and machine intelligence to automate target selection, inspect compromised environments before launching further assault stages, and prevent detection.

There are certainly many technology and security applications for AI. I asked three of the best thinkers I know what we should look at in relation to artificial intelligence in the year to come.

AI Predictions:

Matthew Rosenquist, Chief Information Security Officer at Eclipz.io

“The insane adoption of generative AI tools by consumers, such as ChatGPT and Midjourney, is revolutionizing how people create, learn, and innovate. The interest is fueling an equally impressive investment, with the result being the rapid innovation of very powerful and intelligent automated tools. Large numbers of businesses are integrating these tools at breakneck speed for enhanced capabilities. Cyber threats are also leveraging these tools and targeting these rushed implementations to improve and expand their attacks. In response, cybersecurity firms are also seeking to keep pace with the new vulnerabilities and exploits that Generative AI adoption is creating. 2024 will be when all this initially crashes together and we witness who will get the initial upper hand – attackers or defenders.” (19) Matthew Rosenquist | LinkedIn

Dr. David Bray, Loomis Co-Chair and Distinguished Fellow, Stimson Center

“My AI prediction for 2024 is this will be the year when a sufficiently large enough group of people realize the need to pivot away from depending solely on deep learning as the basis for Generative AI, and newer techniques like scale-free Bayesian inferences combined with active inference and other approaches that simultaneously require less data to train a model and provide humans with greater confidence with regards to the constrained bounds of a model will rise to the forefront of what the future has in store.”

(14) David Bray, PhD | LinkedIn

H.E. The Hon, Sir Dr. Thomas A. Cellucci, PhD, MBA

“AI is a powerful tool that can augment human capabilities and solve complex problems. However, it is essential to distinguish AI from wisdom. Wisdom is a uniquely human quality that encompasses experience and judgment. AI lacks consciousness, moral values, emotional intelligence and the capacity to handle ambiguity. Therefore, it cannot replace the role of a human in decision-making, particularly in situations requiring ethical judgment and compassion. As we continue to integrate AI into our lives, in 2024 and beyond we must maintain a vigilant commitment to ethical oversight, ensuring that AI systems operate within the bounds of human consciousness.” (14) H.E. The Hon., Sir Thomas A. Cellucci, PhD, MBA | LinkedIn

Chuck Brooks, Brooks Consulting International, Georgetown University:

“I think that in 2024 and onward there will be Malthusian scientific and technological advancements made possible via artificial intelligence. These developments will certainly have a significant effect on our way of life, economics, and security. Due to the potential speed of AI's analytical capabilities, operational models in cybersecurity will change. Approaches to risk management will need to preserve business continuity and cyber-resilience. Integrating AI will be a cybersecurity imperative to manage new and increasingly complex threats.” (19) Chuck Brooks | LinkedIn

Quantum Computing

There will be a paradigm shift in quantum research, learning, and prediction in society that expands in 2024.

A new data era known as quantum computing is beginning to emerge as we move past classical computing. Quantum computing is expected to change the field of data analytics and artificial intelligence, propelling humanity forward faster than ever before. The speed and power of quantum computing will enable us to address some of the most difficult problems facing humanity. Every month, quantum computing becomes closer and it is being used in practical ways.

Computers that can process enormous volumes of data and perform calculations at breakneck rates will be possible because of quantum computing. Libraries will be available for download in a matter of seconds. Scientists are working on creating quantum computers, which would allow for completely new forms of cryptography and analytics and calculate at incredibly fast speeds.

Quantum Computing Predictions:

Robert Liscouski, CEO Quantum Computing Inc

“I believe we will see practical applications of quantum computing in 2024. I am confident that the state of the technology is at a point today where end users; business users, medical researchers, cybersecurity professionals, will change the conversation from “what can quantum computing do” to “look what I can achieve with quantum computing”. I believe that Quantum Computing Inc (www.quantumcomputinginc.com) will be at the forefront of leading that discussion.“ (19) Robert Liscouski | LinkedIn

Brian Lenahan, Founder & Chair, Quantum Strategy Institute

“In 2017, McKinsey asked experts how far in the future generative AI would achieve human level performance. Most said 2030 to 2060. In 2023, most of the surveyed capabilities are here today. Quantum experts use 2030 as a magic date for the technology's holy grail, Fault Tolerant Quantum Computing. Quantum breakthroughs are coming fast and furious bringing that date ever closer.” (19) Brian Lenahan | LinkedIn

Dr. Merrick S. Watchorn, DMIST, Program Chair, Quantum Security Alliance

In a world increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, the present approach to supply chain security and management poses significant national security risks, particularly as we strive to secure emerging quantum information ecosystems. This precarious reality necessitates a fundamental shift in our thinking approach, prioritizing cross-industry collaboration, specifically amongst the scientific community, academia, and the cybersecurity arena.” (19) Dr. Merrick S. Watchorn, DMIST Quantum / Cyber Practitioner / Cloud | LinkedIn

Chuck Brooks, Brooks Consulting International, Georgetown University

“Quantum computing is arriving sooner than we planned. In 2024, we must prepare for the exponential advantages and threats of quantum technology due to its potentially disruptive nature. More investment for R&D from the public and private sectors will be required as a result. For our emerging quantum future, quantum education and workforce development should also be planned for and put into action.”

Space

A Developing Frontier of Innovation

Our civilization's ability to communicate is becoming more and more reliant on satellites. Countries depend more on space as a mission-critical and developing frontier for information sharing and surveillance. These days, a lot of networks are switching from terrestrial (land-based) communications to cloud-based communications, utilizing satellites to transfer data across long international distances.

Satellite systems entail cyber risk. By keeping an eye on adversarial threats and geopolitical moves, they also play a crucial role in national security. Cyberattacks could target satellites in an attempt to sabotage communications or information streams that are essential for security and trade. In fact, at the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, an alarming event occurred when an attack occurred that caused disruption to the Ukrainian satellite communications provider ViaSat.

Due to our increasing reliance on space, and particularly satellites, for communications, security, intelligence, and business, satellite and space security is becoming increasingly important in 2024.

Space Systems Predictions:

Samuel S. Visner, Chair, Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center/Tech Fellow, The Aerospace Corporation

“Even as the market for space systems evolve, our dependence on space systems for national and economic security, and for all our critical infrastructures will increase dramatically, a fact not lost on our adversaries, including Russia, which fired its opening "shots" in its invasion of Ukraine by an attack on commercial space systems. We will need to demonstrate and strengthen our leadership in space system technologies, even in new mission areas ranging from space manufacturing to advanced remote sensing, from global 5G networks with direct device-to-satellite connectivity to space mining and renewed exploration. We'll need, too, to demonstrate our commitment and capacity to protect these systems and determination to deter attacks against them.” (19) Samuel Visner | LinkedIn

David Logsdon, Information Technology Industry Council -

Senior Director of Space Policy

“In the coming years, there will be a greater focus on tools that can enhance space innovation and cyber secureness such as zero trust, software bill of materials, and secure by design. Special attention should also be paid to the utilization of AI and emerging technologies that will allow the public and private sectors to scale and address cyber concerns effectively.” (19) David Logsdon | LinkedIn

Rich Cooper, Vice President - Strategic Communications & Outreach Space Foundation

"While the global space ecosystem will continue to grow beyond the more than 90 countries with active space operations today, it is the commercial space industry that will drive the game-changing innovations that expand space access and opportunity and deliver even greater benefits for all of us back on Earth.” (19) Rich Cooper | LinkedIn

Chuck Brooks, Brooks Consulting International, Georgetown University

“In the coming year, the security risk management of satellites and space will emerge as a top priority among both the public and private sectors. The economic sustainability of the free world depends on space-based global communications and sensing. Unfortunately, many of the platforms lack adequate protection, and hence, space cybersecurity will play a significant role in protecting key infrastructure. The emerging frontier of Space will need to be a high security priority for 2024.”

Without a doubt, 2024 will be a very interesting and possibly revolutionary year for science and developing technology. We are only at the beginning of our civilization's journey to discover how new applications of technology can impact our way of life in 2024 and beyond. I hope you'll look into this further.