UAE Tech Podcast: Mathew Yarger on Cybersecurity, Decentralization and the 'Machine Economy'

Published February 10th, 2021 - 09:27 GMT
Matthew Yarger on the UAE Tech Podcast /Al Bawaba
Matthew Yarger on the UAE Tech Podcast /Al Bawaba

Popularized in sci-fi movies like the Terminator, the Matrix and others is the concept of a “machine-age”, or what Matthew Yarger and others refer to as “the machine economy.” We’ve seen this debate in regard to ethical AI, or "fairness in algorithms,” but a new frontier is appearing in regard to centralization, walled gardens and networks with “a single point of failure.” 

In a centralized system, there are fears automation could allow  “Skynet” scenario - machines making decisions so complex, that meaningful human control is no longer necessary or perhaps even possible.
 


In a DLT, or decentralized ledger system, information is no longer owned by a single platform. A malicious AI, non-state actor or cyber-criminal has no central location to hack - at least in theory, the attack surface is reduced from billions, right down to 1.  

Automation & DLT technologies are changing philosophy and ideation in the cyber-security sector. But are decentralized systems really the future? Will these systems be permissioned or permissionless? And can Decentralized Ledger Technology allow automated systems to scale into our economies and personal work lives, without compromising our safety, privacy and security?

Today we’re talking with Mathew Yarger, Head of Mobility and Automotive at the IOTA Foundation, on the machine economy, and cybersecurity.


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The cybersecurity series on the UAE Tech Podcast is sponsored by Kaspersky. To learn more about Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness Platform (KASAP) - a  holistic solution that helps users build cyber skills and immunity, click here for more information. Al Bawaba readers and UAE Tech Podcast listeners can purchase Kaspersky’s consumer products on kas.pr/albawaba with promo code “ALBAWABA” 
This episode was recorded with the generous support of the podcast studio at the Rove Hotel Downtown