The general lack of understanding and acceptance of AI presents a major challenge in adopting the tool. The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer found that globally, only 30% embrace AI, while 35% reject its growing use. Resistance to AI is stronger in developed economies, where 45% reject the growing use, and only 21% accept it. This highlights the need for trustworthy AI, which Jakobsen argues should include six key principles: human centricity, inclusivity, accountability, transparency, robustness, and privacy & security. Furthermore, ethical considerations must be made by companies creating and taking advantage of AI, considering the purpose, end goal, and potential negative impact of its use.

Simen Bakke, Senior Advisor at Police ICT-Services, discussed two significant cyberattacks affecting both US and Norwegian entities. The 2020-21 SolarWinds attack involved hackers, likely linked to Russia’s SVR, inserting a backdoor (Sunburst) into Orion network management software, which was distributed to 18,000 customers globally, including US government agencies and Norges Bank. While Norway reported no active exploitation, the breach revealed gaps in detection systems like the U.S. EINSTEIN program and underscored the need for stronger software supply chain defenses and faster response measures.

The Microsoft Exchange hack, attributed to China’s Hafnium group, exploited four zero-day vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to email servers globally. Beginning in January 2021, attackers installed “web shells” on thousands of systems, targeting both US and Norwegian organizations, including Stortinget, which experienced breaches and email theft. The incident highlighted the risks of exposing email servers to the internet, emphasizing the importance of strong access controls, rapid patching, and continuous monitoring to prevent future exploitation.