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Robert Le Busque, Regional Vice President, Asia Pacific for Verizon Business Group, has shared his predictions for trends in technology and defence by 2025.
The first prediction addresses the increasing use of deepfake technology as a tool for cybercriminals. Le Busque highlights that deepfake technology, accessible to anyone with a laptop, is becoming more available due to open-source software. This makes it easier for malicious actors to employ it in social engineering and phishing scams. "Deepfakes will become a major tool for cyberattacks," he stated. The Asia-Pacific region reportedly experienced a 1530% surge in deepfake cases from 2022 to 2023, with cryptocurrency being the main target sector, followed by fintech. While barriers such as access to generative AI platforms and processing power costs have previously restricted wider usage, these obstacles are diminishing.
The second prediction deals with a predicted surge in investment in submarine cable networks due to a capacity shortage. Le Busque points out that the demand for global connectivity and geopolitical factors will drive substantial investment in public IP submarine cable networks. He explained, "A shortage of submarine cable capacity will drive investment. The increasing demand for global connectivity, coupled with geopolitical factors, will lead to significant investment in public IP submarine cable networks." He noted that the new capacity worth USD $11.5 billion being built over the next three years will serve primarily hyperscale use, creating a "walled garden."
In his third prediction, Le Busque forecasts that Generative AI (Gen AI) will challenge existing enterprise network infrastructures, leading to potential underperformance. The increasing adoption and acceleration of AI use cases by enterprises may stress broadband or public IP-enabled networks, impacting the performance of critical applications. Le Busque elaborates, "The data demands of Gen AI will stress many existing enterprise networks, which can cause underperformance and a need for significant network upgrades." He added that large-scale network redesigns and upgrades will be needed, and finding the skills to implement these changes effectively will become increasingly constrained.
The final prediction by Le Busque explores the future of robotics beyond vehicles, suggesting a rise in non-vehicle autonomous robots. He believes that regulatory barriers are lower for these forms of robots, making them more accessible to markets than autonomous cars. Reflecting on the recent launch of an autonomous cab by Tesla, where it was the humanoid robot that garnered attention, Le Busque asserts, "There are arguably many more use cases for non-vehicle autonomous forms. With the strength of global wireless infrastructure and the growing capabilities of these connected machines, non-vehicle robots are poised to enter the mainstream."
Robert Le Busque's predictions highlight significant areas for potential growth and challenges in technology and connectivity, poised to shape the future landscape of tech and defence sectors. His insights reflect on various industries, particularly focusing on the impacts of emerging technologies like AI and robotics, as well as connectivity enhancements through infrastructure investments.
