Connected and scared

In this issue, we look at the major innovations made by the software big three. I’m talking about the Apple World Wide Developer Conference, Google I/O and Microsoft Build. These three events are more important than the hardware rah-rah that is CES or MWC or IFA because they give us a glimpse into the future each company is building towards. And when the world’s consumer hardware run on either one of their platforms, be it iOS, Android or Windows, you want to take note on what’s happening.

The message is simple, AI and automation is taking over. Your smart devices now have the ability to recognize and react to what they see and hear. And as connected devices saturate the market, the battle now is about who can provide the better smart hub. And to this extent, Apple, Google and Microsoft are all investing heavily in their respective digital assistants. Even third party players like Amazon and Samsung are going all out with Alexa and Bixby respectively.

Where’s the downside to this? Well, more connected devices means more devices that can be attacked, and today, we stand to lose a lot more than just a hard disk of downloaded movies. Ransomware is the hot topic of the month. Unlike traditional viruses, its main purposes isn’t destroying your data, but locking you out of your own systems till you pay up. And thus, malware has turned into a lucrative criminal enterprise targeting everyone from the man on the street to large businesses.

Should you be scared? Yes. Is there something you can do about it? Yes. Read on.

Zachary Chan Editor