16/06/2025

LYFE MONDAY | JUNE 16, 2025

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Top scientist leads effort to keep AI in check CONCERNED about the rapid spread of generative artificial intelligence (AI), a pioneer researcher is developing software to keep tabs on a technology that is increasingly taking over human tasks. Canadian computer science professor Yoshua Bengio is considered one of the godfathers of the AI revolution

Online vulnerabilities o How cybercriminals exploit Gen Z trends from Fomo to fast fashion Use a reliable security solution to detect malicious attachments that could compromise your data.

and recently announced the launch of LawZero, a non-profit organisation intended to mitigate the technology’s inherent risks. The winner of the Turing Award, also known as the Nobel Prize for computer

B ORN and raised in a world of fast-evolving technology, Gen Z is the most internet-savvy generation yet, known for their digital fluency and trendsetting influence. From their earliest years, they have been shaping and redefining the digital landscape, leaving footprints online long before they fully grasp the risks. But as they navigate a world of hyperconnectivity, social media and online shopping, cyberthreats are evolving just as rapidly. Practical tips to turn awareness into digital resilience: 0 Oversharing and digital footprint increase For Gen Z, sharing life moments online is second nature. Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat are filled with geotagged selfies, daily updates and personal stories. However, this constant sharing creates an extensive digital footprint that cybercriminals can exploit for identity theft or social engineering attacks. Oversharing can inadvertently reveal sensitive details, from home addresses in the background of photos to routines that make users predictable. Even seemingly harmless content, such as a photo of their partner or pet, can provide clues for password recovery questions. 0 Fear of missing out (Fomo) Fomo refers to the anxiety or unease that arises from a fear of being left out or not being part of the latest updates or connections if they do not follow what other people are doing on social media. Fomo is a powerful driver for Gen Z, fuelled by social media updates about product launches, concerts and events. Seeing peers attend events, acquire new products or achieve milestones can lead to feelings of inadequacy or exclusion. Whether it is a new iPhone drop, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour or a major sporting event, Fomo can push users to click on unverified links promising early access or exclusive deals. Cybercriminals exploit this urgency by creating clickbait phishing schemes, leading users to malicious sites that steal login credentials or distribute malware. Fake event tickets, pre-order scams and “leaked” insider information are just some of the tactics used to manipulate this fear.

Bengio is considered one of the godfathers of the AI revolution. – AFPPIC

science, has been warning for several years of the risks of AI, whether through its malicious use or the software itself going awry. Those risks are increasing with the development of so-called AI agents, a use of the technology that tasks computers with making decisions that were once made by human workers. The goal of these agents is to build virtual employees that can do practically any job a human can – at a fraction of the cost. “Currently, AI is developed to maximise profit,” Bengio said, adding it was being deployed even as it persists to show flaws. Moreover, for Bengio, giving AI human-like agency will easily be used for malicious purposes such as disinformation, bioweapons and cyberattacks. “If we lose control of rogue super-intelligent AIs, they could greatly harm humanity,” he said. One of the first objectives at LawZero will be to develop Scientist AI, a form of specially trained AI that can be used as a guardrail to ensure other AIs are behaving properly, the company said. The organisation already has over 15 researchers and has received funding from Schmidt Sciences, a charity set up by former Google boss Eric Schmidt and his wife Wendy. The project comes as powerful large language models from OpenAI, Google and Anthropic are deployed across all sectors of the digital economy, while still showing significant problems. These include AI models that show a capability to deceive and fabricate false information even as they increase productivity. In a recent example, AI company Anthropic said that during safety testing, its latest AI model tried to blackmail an engineer to avoid being replaced by another system. – AFP

From their earliest years, Gen Z have been shaping and redefining the digital landscape, leaving footprints online long before they fully grasp the risks. – PICS FROM PEXELS

indicating they have experienced such mental health problems. That is why they are extensively turning to digital tools such as teletherapy platforms and mental health trackers to alleviate stress. However, these platforms store highly sensitive personal information, including emotional states, therapy notes and user routines. If breached, this data could be exploited for blackmailing or phishing. What Gen Z should do to stay safe in the digital world: 0 Check out an interactive online game Case 404 by Kaspersky, designed for Gen Z to learn how to stay safe in an increasingly vulnerable online world. 0 Think before you post. Do not share photos revealing your home, routine or personal details that could be used in password recovery. 0 Do not fall for urgent offers – verify discounts, pre-orders or ticket links through official websites only. 0 Always check website URLs carefully before entering personal info. Scammers often mimic brand names or use fake domains. 0 Use trusted payment methods when shopping online and avoid deals that look “too good to be true”. 0 Mental health apps store sensitive data – choose services with strong privacy policies and do not overshare personal information. 0 Be cautious of file extensions. Videos or games should not come in .exe or .msi formats – that is a red flag. 0 Use a reliable security solution to detect malicious attachments that could compromise your data. 0 Ensure secure browsing and safe messaging with Kaspersky VPN, protecting your IP address and preventing data leaks.

0 Nostalgia of Y2K fashion and early 2000s culture For Gen Z, who were born around or after this era, Y2K fashion represents a blend of nostalgia for a simpler, pre-digital time and a desire to reinvent those styles with a modern twist. Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have amplified Y2K’s resurgence, with influencers recreating vintage looks and sharing thrifted finds. Hashtags such as #Y2Kfashion and #Y2Kaesthetic have garnered billions of views. Gen Z’s fascination with early 2000s culture, from Y2K aesthetics to childhood games, has revived interest in retro titles such as The Sims 2 , Barbie Fashion Designer and Bratz Rock Angelz . While these games evoke nostalgia, searching for unofficial downloads often leads users to malware-infested sites. Cybercriminals target this niche interest by embedding malicious software into counterfeit game files. What seems like a trip down memory lane could result in compromised devices or stolen data. 0 Fast fashion Gen Z loves expressive clothes, wants to stand out rather than fit in and has an ever-changing style – what was in a month ago might already be out. Their trend-chasing habits are supported by fast-fashion retailers supplying accessible ways to switch it up. For instance, Chinese fast fashion giant Shein, loved by Gen Z, adds 6,000 new products to its website per day. For Gen Z, fast fashion is more than just a shopping preference – it is Constant sharing creates an extensive digital footprint that cybercriminals can exploit for identity theft or social engineering attacks.

a lifestyle. Fast-fashion brands such as Shein, Asos and Fashion Nova deliver affordability and instant gratification, making them staples for this generation. However, the allure of these brands comes with a dark side. Fake shopping websites, hoax promocodes and phishing ads capitalise on their popularity, using convincing imitations to lure users into entering their sensitive details. The higher the engagement in online shopping, the higher the risk of encountering fake websites and phishing scams designed to steal personal and financial information. 0 iDisorder Gen Z face a phenomenon called iDisorder, a condition where the brain’s ability to process information changes because of overexposure to technology. This obsession with technology can result in psychological, physical and social disorders, including depression and anxiety. This is proven by public research: one in three 18- to 24-year-olds now report symptoms Only use trusted payment methods when shopping online.