Artificial intelligence (AI) has continued to push technological boundaries, with industries integrating its capabilities to enhance efficiency and automate complex processes. In 2024, AI advancements accelerated at an unprecedented pace, surpassing previous high-tech innovations. However, this rapid progress also brings significant risks, as AI’s potential missteps could be just as impactful as its achievements.

The Evolution of Generative and Agentic AI

Generative and agentic AI have already revolutionized content creation across various media and reshaped health care diagnostics, in some cases outperforming human physicians. These advancements hint at a major transformation in healthcare delivery and business operations, positioning AI as a pivotal player in the future of industrial efficiency.

According to Anders Indset, a deep-tech investor specializing in AI, quantum technology, health tech, and cybersecurity, AI’s evolution is steering towards humanoid agents. “This year started with excitement over large language models (LLMs), but it’s set to conclude with groundbreaking advancements in autonomous humanoid robots,” Indset noted.

The momentum behind robotics development surged in 2024, bringing innovations that were once distant possibilities into reality. Fully autonomous humanoid robots, previously limited to industrial applications, are nearing broader deployment. The upcoming year promises greater adoption of AI-driven robotics, enhanced human-robot interactions, and the expansion of Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) models, making advanced robotic solutions more accessible across industries.

“Humanoid agents will redefine our interactions with technology, expanding AI applications across multiple domains,” Indset predicted.

AI’s Role in Cybersecurity and Biosecurity

AI’s increasing role in cyberwarfare presents both opportunities and dangers. Alejandro Rivas-Vasquez, global head of digital forensics at NCC Group, warns that AI-driven cyberwarfare could escalate the scale and impact of attacks. Due to hyper-connectivity, cyber conflicts may extend beyond targeted zones, affecting broader infrastructures and individuals.

As AI-powered cybersecurity expands, the integration of neural interfaces, bio-augmentation, and authentication chips introduces new challenges. Bobbie Walker, managing consultant at NCC Group, highlights the risks associated with these advancements: “Hackers could exploit neural interfaces to manipulate actions or perceptions, raising concerns about cognitive security and personal autonomy.”

The emergence of cyber-biosecurity will require new regulatory frameworks to ensure that technology integrated into the human body remains secure and ethical. Early studies on brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) suggest vulnerabilities to adversarial inputs, emphasizing the need for stringent cybersecurity measures and ethical oversight.

AI and Automated Data Backup: Security Implications

AI is revolutionizing disaster recovery processes by enabling automated data backup solutions. According to Sebastian Straub, principal solution architect at N2WS, AI-driven automation will enhance operational resilience against disruptions caused by natural disasters, power failures, or cyberattacks.

However, reliance on AI for disaster recovery comes with risks. “As enterprises increasingly depend on AI-driven automation, errors are inevitable. Organizations will realize that human oversight remains essential in decision-making for disaster recovery,” Straub cautioned.

AI’s Influence on Creativity and Education

AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping communication and writing, shifting from simple automation to enhancement tools. Eric Wang, VP of AI at Turnitin, suggests that rather than replacing human writing, AI will augment creative processes by helping users refine and expand their ideas.

“Writing will be recognized as a core skill, not only in academic fields but across professional and everyday settings,” Wang predicted. AI’s role in education will extend beyond content generation, identifying knowledge gaps and fostering engagement through adaptive learning technologies.

The Hidden Threats of AI-Powered Models

AI’s widespread adoption presents growing concerns about security vulnerabilities. Michael Lieberman, CTO and co-founder of Kusari, warns that open-source AI models may serve as vectors for malware. “Malicious actors can introduce harmful AI models, embedding backdoors or training models to behave unpredictably under certain conditions,” he explained.

Data poisoning attacks—where AI models are deliberately manipulated—pose a significant threat. Since many organizations rely on pre-trained models rather than developing their own, they often lack visibility into these models’ origins. This opens the door for adversarial entities to embed malicious alterations in foundational AI models.

Lieberman anticipates that attacks on AI supply chains will escalate, potentially targeting major players like OpenAI, Meta, and Google. “In 2025, attackers may outpace defenders. Many security initiatives suffer from inadequate funding since they aren’t directly tied to revenue generation. A major AI-related cybersecurity incident—similar to the SolarWinds breach—may be required to trigger widespread defensive measures.”

Looking Ahead: AI’s Future Challenges and Opportunities

AI is set to revolutionize multiple sectors, from robotics and cybersecurity to education and disaster recovery. However, as AI integrates deeper into daily life, the risks become more complex. Ensuring ethical AI development, safeguarding cybersecurity, and maintaining human oversight will be crucial to navigating the AI-driven future safely.

As we enter 2025, the intersection of AI, robotics, and cybersecurity will define the next era of technological progress. While AI holds incredible promise, its responsible implementation will determine whether it leads to transformative benefits or unforeseen consequences.

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