Pay Attention to Data Security in the Digital World
Vice Rector of Cyprus International University (CIU), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tamer Tulgar, emphasized that, alongside the opportunities offered by digitalization and artificial intelligence, new risks in the field of cybersecurity are also emerging. Stating that cyberattacks are becoming increasingly diverse and affecting a wider range of people, Tulgar highlighted the importance of responsible technology use in protecting personal and institutional data.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tamer Tulgar stated that data security has taken on a new dimension as artificial intelligence applications have become increasingly common in daily life and business processes. He said, “Do not provide information to an artificial intelligence system that has not been approved as secure by your institution if it is information you would not want to be shared on the internet or with the public.”
Tulgar noted that cyberattacks pose a threat not only to technology companies but also to institutions and individuals of different sizes and fields of activity. He stated that software vulnerabilities, fraudulent emails, stolen credentials, and ransomware pose significant risks to data security. He explained that keeping systems up to date, using multi-factor authentication, backing up critical data in secure and independent environments, and raising employees’ awareness of cybersecurity are among the fundamental protection measures.
Pointing out that artificial intelligence can also be used by attackers, Tulgar stated that generative AI tools can make it easier to create more convincing fraudulent messages, identify security vulnerabilities, and accelerate certain stages of cyberattacks. At the same time, he emphasized that the data users provide to AI applications must also be carefully evaluated. Tulgar stressed that identity and passport information, student and employee records, health information, passwords, financial data, internal institutional correspondence, and confidential documents should not be transferred to systems whose security has not been approved.
Stating that cybersecurity is not solely the responsibility of IT departments, Tulgar emphasized that institutions should provide their employees with regular training in addition to implementing technical measures and should establish clear data security policies regarding the use of artificial intelligence. He also noted that individuals should make basic security practices part of their daily lives, such as checking links before clicking on them, avoiding the use of the same password across different platforms, using multi-factor authentication, and keeping their devices up to date.