The Dark Side of AI: Cybersecurity Threats You Need to Know | Silvia Leal

In this thought-provoking episode of Tomorrow Today, host Shekhar Natarajan sits down with Dr. Silvia Leal, a leading futurist, technology communicator, advisor to the European Commission and OECD, and bestselling author, for an insightful conversation about the technologies and societal changes shaping our future. From artificial intelligence and the future of employment to quantum computing, cybersecurity, spatial computing, and lifelong education, Silvia offers a compelling perspective on how technology is transforming the way we work, live, and prepare for tomorrow. With a background in sociology and economics, Silvia explains why understanding human behavior, emotions, and change management is often the missing link in successful technology projects. As AI continues to reshape the job market, the conversation explores the real impact on employment, why millions of workers will need to reskill, and why adaptability and lifelong learning are becoming essential for future careers. The discussion also examines the dark side of AI and cybersecurity, including the growing threat of silent cyberattacks against businesses. Silvia explains why quantum computing could fundamentally transform cybersecurity, healthcare, and data protection, while creating new challenges for governments, organizations, and individuals. Shekhar and Silvia also explore the difficult balance between government regulation and private-sector innovation, and why traditional regulatory frameworks often struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies. The conversation moves beyond the hype surrounding the metaverse to examine why spatial computing and immersive technologies may represent a more meaningful direction for the future. At its core, this episode highlights an increasingly important idea: the future of technology cannot be understood through technology alone. Sociology, ethics, humanities, emotional intelligence, and human-centered thinking will play a critical role in ensuring that technological progress benefits society.