Global Challenges Abound in Data Privacy and Analytics
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology and cybersecurity are crucial elements which support economic development across the world.
The emergence of advanced machine learning tools has made government agencies and services more efficient. However, they must be mindful of cybersecurity.
New Zealand and the United States offer perfect examples of how balancing innovation with data security presents some intriguing challenges.
The Data Challenge for New Zealand
New Zealand employs AI to improve its services to citizens. They leverage large language models (LLMs) and agentic AI to make operations effective and give people a better experience.
However, the government’s use of AI for its operations has caused data privacy concerns. The government has access to the sensitive details of every citizen and must protect them.
The NZ government faces a dilemma as they must balance efficiency and privacy. Their agencies now employ a privacy-by-design tactic, using data protection measures at every stage of AI development.
They must also ensure that privacy practices are the same across all government agencies while embedding privacy measures into information technology infrastructures and implementing a clear framework for collecting, storing and deleting data.
New Zealand government agencies must also deploy data platforms to identify and secure personally identifiable information (PII), using AI-powered privacy automation to stay compliant and reduce potential risks.
Cybersecurity and Online Gambling
New Zealand has a booming casino industry that drives innovation in numerous sectors including financial technology, website development and more.
However, the industry is a target for cybercriminals. Online casinos process thousands of transactions worth millions of dollars. They are constantly fighting cyber threats.
Cybersecurity is a priority for casino operators. They must handle customer data with the utmost care and ensure they are not vulnerable from any angle.
With more casino players choosing to use digital payment methods, there needs to be advanced fraud protection and encryption systems in place to prevent scams.
The reputable gambling platforms featured on comparison website Bettingtop10.co.nz already have strict measures in place to ensure data is kept safe and secure.
Many of them are embracing blockchain technology for cryptocurrency payments, but this is introducing a whole new world of vulnerabilities.
The cryptocurrency industry has already recorded an alarming number of successful cyberattacks, leading to losses totalling millions of dollars.
Online casinos and fintech companies in New Zealand have developed solutions such as AI-powered protection systems to flag suspicious transactions.
Other tools for safeguarding player dealings include multi-factor authentication and biometric security. Transactions are also encrypted to mitigate cyber threats.
Gaming as a Training Ground for Cybersecurity Professionals in the US and Beyond
Intriguingly, gaming has become a tool for training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals in New Zealand and the United States.
The gaming industry must repel attackers looking for weaknesses to exploit. This makes cybersecurity essential and provides an opportunity for young professionals to master the art of cyber defence.
Youngsters can become security engineers who protect the gaming infrastructure and counter hackers, or penetration testers for identifying and fixing vulnerabilities in gaming systems.
Cybersecurity analysts who monitor online threats and design security measures to protect gaming platforms are also highly sought after.
The gaming sector has shelled out massive sums to support cybersecurity. According to a report by Akamai, the gaming industry suffers 37 percent of all Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks worldwide.
Gaming companies have started using AI-powered security systems while designing training programmes to prepare future experts with the necessary skills to combat cyber threats.
Albuquerque-based EC-Council University and several other niche institutions offer exciting courses that prepare cybersecurity professionals for a career in gaming security.
They have special degree programs and certifications such as Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Network Defender (CND) for aspiring professionals to pursue. With this specialised training, young talents will learn to address future cyber threats as they emerge.
New Zealand is taking a page from their book to bolster its cybersecurity workforce by increasingly using the gaming environment as a practical training ground.
