Contributed by Zachary Hadlee

Since the non-event of Y2K, protecting computer systems and everything contained within them has become an increasingly urgent priority worldwide. These days, there are news reports almost daily on businesses such as Yahoo, Marriott and EBay falling victim to computer hackers and breaches of cybersecurity processes.

The earliest recorded use of the term ‘cybersecurity’ was back in 1989 – before then, the word cyber had a distinctly sci-fi vibe to it and was mainly confined to books and movies. In today’s world, cybersecurity is at the top of the list of priorities for businesses and Governments and one which, worldwide, we spend a staggering $114 billion on. Essentially, cybersecurity is all about protecting our internet-connected data, systems, software and hardware from cyber attacks – the unauthorised access or ‘hacking’ of systems in order to steal data. In 2016, over 200 million records – including those of Homeland Security and the FBI – were exposed through hacking.

Despite the very real dangers presented by cyberattack, many businesses are using little more than firewalls to prevent a breach – basically a simple network security system which acts as a traffic policeman on traffic coming in and out of a network; establishing barriers between the trusted internal network and external threats such as the internet. Although firewalls have evolved a great deal since their inception in the 1990s, many feel that they are no longer enough to ensure the security of our systems. As the need for greater defences against attack increases, many predict that artificial intelligence (AI) will play a huge role in defending our data.

A game changer for the security sector

Like the movie of the same name, Artificial Intelligence, or AI (also known as machine learning) simulates human intelligence in order to learn, reason and self-correct. AI has the ability to, in effect, learn – and learn from its mistakes in order to tackle problems in a methodical and rational manner – and with incredible speed.

In 2019, AI is used widely in a huge range of sectors – from hotel and leisure businesses to medical facilities, so, how does this translate to cybersecurity?

Until recently, it’s been down to us mere mortals to observe and analyze data patterns and behaviors in order to spot any anomalies which may indicate a breach. This has always been a cumbersome and time-consuming job and, often, by the time a breach is identified, it’s far too late to even attempt to track the hacker. Artificial Intelligence can be taught to do the same job and, not only will it do it so much faster than any human being could, it doesn’t need to stop for a cup of tea or a restroom break.

AI can read through structured data at super-fast speed in order to provide fast responses, meaning that we have a much greater chance of apprehending those who are threatening our systems. In addition to analyzing data within a system, AI can look at the way logins and passwords are entered in order to identify anomalies and quickly report them. This is a particularly important aspect as we remember the attack on Capital One which saw the data of 106 million customers being stolen from the financial giant.

As AI firmly claims its place in Cybersecurity, it can be trained to complete a large number of tasks, including:

• Network protection – detecting, reporting and preventing system intrusions
• Fraud – AI can quickly and effectively identify fraudulent use
• User authentication – AI can dramatically improve on login and password breaches
• Credit scoring – AI can transcend the existing, simple checks which are made for credit applications and apply a much deeper analysis of an applicant in order to fully understand the financial risk that they may represent

By applying AI to cybersecurity, businesses will save huge amounts of time, money and effort; much of which is currently wasted due to time consuming and ineffective practices.

Proactive prevention

As well as keeping our data safe and reporting attacks, artificial intelligence can even improve resistance to attacks by identifying patterns of previous attacks and the weaknesses which caused them – and then working toward eliminating those weaknesses. This is possibly the most essential use of AI in cybersecurity – prevention is always better than the cure!

Many organizations are already employing AI within their cybersecurity processes – and we’re sure to see many many more doing the same by the time we hit 2020. Although there are, of course, issues when using AI, both legal and ethical, responsible use of AI in cybersecurity is a vital move forward as hackers become smarter, faster and much more dangerous. It is said that the introduction of AI is simply a way of handing another tool to the hackers and cyber-thieves. Although this is a concern, we can no longer ignore the fact that our firewalls and human-driven cybersecurity is simply not enough to keep us safe.

Over the years delivery services in India have grown tremendously. The revenue from on-demand deliveries is also expected to grow too high in 2019. Still, many drivers or delivery apps are in a market that is not able to perform well in the market. On-demand delivery services face many challenges with the delivery process. The major problems faced are lack of real-time tracking and lack of information about orders.

Many of the carrier or driver apps are lacking some of the features. Today we will talk about some of the features that your driver app for the on-demand delivery platform should have.

Proof of delivery

There are many times disputes arise due to improper communication or lack of information about delivery proofs. Proof of delivery is usually provided using pin codes or photos or bar codes. The major purpose is to inform the customer that the delivery has been made. Also, this feature shows the status of delivery and any other important data during delivery. But still many problems were seen during delivery. So major apps use now digital signature from the client confirming the delivery has been made. So this is one of the major features a carrier app should have.

Offline Availability

Most of the apps fail because of their limited availability or no offline availability. The driver app should be able to download information on customer’s phone so that he can access it even offline. This feature is most in places or countries where internet connection is limited. Whenever an app is offline, it can keep capturing data and can push it to the server as soon as the connection is restored. Uber’s optimistic mode is a great example of such offline facility.

Driver Dashboard

Generally, a driver dashboard provides all necessary information of the driver. Drivers want to keep track of every payment. The driver dashboard shows all the earnings and total traveling of the driver. T helps them keep the correct record of payments made and the status of other deliveries. On the dashboard, the driver should be allowed to update their bank accounts as per their need. They should be provided full information about a number of deliveries, payment, total earnings, fuel expenses, and many other important data. Thus this feature must be added to the driver or carrier app.

Location awareness

Obtaining a location-based data is a must for a driver app. Locations APIs can track a user’s location and their movements up to their final destination. This also helps to find the shortest route for the driver. Companies use these facilities in different forms. For instance, Uber’s Fuel Finder helps to find the nearest fuel station for the driver. Even this app finds the shortest way to these stations. Many times drivers or delivery people are unaware of the places for delivery. So this feature should be included in the carrier app.

ELD capability

ELD capabilities in your app will let your users avoid the cost of proprietary e-logging hardware. The best example of ELD capability embedded app is Samsara Driver app. This app provides easy-to-use hours of service features.

With the popularity in on-demand delivery platforms, carrier apps are also getting huge importance. Everyone wants to buy things using apps and also want them to be delivered home. So carrier app and their popularity are increasing highly. Here we have talked about some of the features that a carrier app should have. We hope this was helpful to you.

Every year, Apple holds WWD to share what they have cooked up for users and developers. This was a 4day event that took place in McEnery Convention Center in California between 3rd and 7th June 2019. The event covered Apple WWD 2019 Event Expectations Blog, the launch of iOS 13, iPadOS, an update on Siri and other software. Today we will talk about the events and software launched in WWD.

IOS 13

IOS 13 is coming with the Dark Mode- something that has been recently added to the Android Q Features. It is also coming with a swipe to type option in default keyword. Its performance has been improved compared to other versions. The most important thing about this version is, its size is decreased to almost half when downloaded from the app store.

TVOS 13

Our Apple TV experience can be revamped by new updates of tvOS. This has now a home screen with full-screen content preview and multi-user support feature. It will also have a personalized recommendation feature that suggests you watch on Apple TV. It also will have lyrics displayed while playing music or song so that you can sing along with a song. Besides, upcoming tvOS 13 will support Bluetooth controllers, Xbox, and many other gaming controllers.

Redesign Health App

Apple’s Health app designed to improve an individual’s health is also going to be redesigned and improved. This app will help you compare your last 90 days data with 365 days data which will help you get personalized advice. This is also taking a closer step towards women’s health. They launched a Cycle app for women that will monitor their menstrual cycle.

Upgrade Siri

The major focus in WWD 2019 was regarding the updates in Siri. This digital assistance if Apple will get more natural sound this year. It will also be able to understand and analyze complex instructions rather than only single piece of commands. This update is made in order to bring it back in the market to have a tough fight with Google Assistance.

RealKit, ARKit 3

This year, Apple is looking to take a step in AR filed to next level. The tech giant launched ARKit 3 with motion capture technology. This will make it easier for you to record and replace yourself in the AR environment. This will surely push developers and investors towards AR technology.

Feedback Assistance

Apple also announced that they are discontinuing Bug Report Feature as soon as possible. From now feedback assistance will be available on iPad, Mac and other Apple products. Also, they will send a feedback ID to the developers when they will file the bug. This will help them to track the status of bugs.

IPADOS

Another significant announcement for Apple users in WWD was the announcement of iPadOS. This platform will serve as the unique operating systems for iPads. This OS is coming with different features like opening multiple apps in different windows, access to web browsing environment and support for USB thumb drives.

Apple Maps

Another announcement made in WWD was the redesign of apple maps. Apple has made major changes in app with the focus to make user’s experience smoother. They have also announced users better control of their data. There will be improvements made in the GPS location also.

Thus these are some of the points about which Apple talked in Worldwide Developers Conference in 2019. We found many interesting changes made and many strong promises made to the user. We wish to see all these changes and reforms done as soon as possible so that we can take advantage of such features. What do you think was the best feature added for Apple among above-mentioned points?