Computer Security Is About to Get a Lot Worse, Here’s What You Can Do
Computer security is deteriorating rapidly with frontier AI models making it easier to find software vulnerabilities, as 3% of all software vulnerabilities in history were discovered just last month.
The fundamental assumption among computer experts—that no software is completely secure—has been dramatically amplified by recent developments. In just the last two weeks of October alone, multiple potentially internet-breaking vulnerabilities were reported and patched, many in open-source software that forms the backbone of most internet services.
This alarming trend is directly attributed to frontier AI models developed by companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, which have drastically reduced the cost and difficulty of discovering previously unknown vulnerabilities (zero-days).
Digital Hygiene Essentials
As computer security is expected to worsen before it improves, individuals must prioritize basic digital security hygiene. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) recommends keeping browsers and applications updated with the latest patches, installing tracker-blocking tools like Privacy Badger, and using unique passwords for each website through a password manager.
It's going to get worse before it gets better. But you can protect yourself with basic digital security hygiene that is now more important than ever.
Users should also remain vigilant against phishing attempts and understand that data breaches and service disruptions may become more common. For website owners, ensuring that hosting providers have patched specific vulnerabilities is critical.
Systemic Solutions Needed
Beyond individual precautions, experts emphasize the need for systemic solutions. This includes corporations that depend on open-source code contributing to their maintenance and appropriate regulation of big tech companies. The EFF has compiled comprehensive security advice in their Surveillance Self-Defense guides and encourages support for their open-source projects through donations.
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