Human-centric cyber threats have long posed a serious issue for organizations. After all, humans are often the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain. Unfortunately, when artificial intelligence came into the mix, it only made these threats even more dangerous.
So, what can be done about these cyber threats now?
That’s precisely what we asked Tom Vazdar, the chair of the Enterprise Cybersecurity Master’s program at the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT), and Venicia Solomons, aka the “Cyber Queen.”
They dedicated a significant portion of their “Cyber Threat Landscape 2024: Navigating New Risks” master class to AI-powered human-centric cyber threats. So, let’s see what these two experts have to say on the topic.
Human-Centric Cyber Threats 101
Before exploring how AI impacted human-centric cyber threats, let’s go back to the basics. What are human-centric cyber threats?
As you might conclude from the name, human-centric cyber threats are cybersecurity risks that exploit human behavior or vulnerabilities (e.g., fear). Even if you haven’t heard of the term “human-centric cyber threats,” you’ve probably heard of (or even experienced) the threats themselves.
The most common of these threats are phishing attacks, which rely on deceptive emails to trick users into revealing confidential information (or clicking on malicious links). The result? Stolen credentials, ransomware infections, and general IT chaos.
How Has AI Impacted Human-Centric Cyber Threats?
AI has infiltrated virtually every cybersecurity sector. Social engineering is no different.
As mentioned, AI has made human-centric cyber threats substantially more dangerous. How? By making them difficult to spot.
In Venicia’s words, AI has allowed “a more personalized and convincing social engineering attack.”
In terms of email phishing, malicious actors use AI to write “beautifully crafted emails,” as Tom puts it. These emails contain no grammatical errors and can mimic the sender’s writing style, making them appear more legitimate and harder to identify as fraudulent.
These highly targeted AI-powered phishing emails are no longer considered “regular” phishing attacks but spear phishing emails, which are significantly more likely to fool their targets.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there.
As AI technology advances, its capabilities go far beyond crafting a simple email. Venicia warns that AI-powered voice technology can even create convincing voice messages or phone calls that sound exactly like a trusted individual, such as a colleague, supervisor, or even the CEO of the company. Obey the instructions from these phone calls, and you’ll likely put your organization in harm’s way.
How to Counter AI-Powered Human-Centric Cyber Threats
Given how advanced human-centric cyber threats have gotten, one logical question arises – how can organizations counter them? Luckily, there are several ways to do this. Some rely on technology to detect and mitigate threats. However, most of them strive to correct what caused the issue in the first place – human behavior.
Enhancing Email Security Measures
The first step in countering the most common human-centric cyber threats is a given for everyone, from individuals to organizations. You must enhance your email security measures.
Tom provides a brief overview of how you can do this.
No. 1 – you need a reliable filtering solution. For Gmail users, there’s already one such solution in place.
No. 2 – organizations should take full advantage of phishing filters. Before, only spam filters existed, so this is a major upgrade in email security.
And No. 3 – you should consider implementing DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) to prevent email spoofing and phishing attacks.
Keeping Up With System Updates
Another “technical” move you can make to counter AI-powered human-centric cyber threats is to ensure all your systems are regularly updated. Fail to keep up with software updates and patches, and you’re looking at a strong possibility of facing zero-day attacks. Zero-day attacks are particularly dangerous because they exploit vulnerabilities that are unknown to the software vendor, making them difficult to defend against.
Top of Form
Nurturing a Culture of Skepticism
The key component of the human-centric cyber threats is, in fact, humans. That’s why they should also be the key component in countering these threats.
At an organizational level, numerous steps are needed to minimize the risks of employees falling for these threats. But it all starts with what Tom refers to as a “culture of skepticism.”
Employees should constantly be suspicious of any unsolicited emails, messages, or requests for sensitive information.
They should always ask themselves – who is sending this, and why are they doing so?
This is especially important if the correspondence comes from a seemingly trusted source. As Tom puts it, “Don’t click immediately on a link that somebody sent you because you are familiar with the name.” He labels this as the “Rule No. 1” of cybersecurity awareness.
Growing the Cybersecurity Culture
The ultra-specific culture of skepticism will help create a more security-conscious workforce. But it’s far from enough to make a fundamental change in how employees perceive (and respond to) threats. For that, you need a strong cybersecurity culture.
Tom links this culture to the corporate culture. The organization’s mission, vision, statement of purpose, and values that shape the corporate culture should also be applicable to cybersecurity. Of course, this isn’t something companies can do overnight. They must grow and nurture this culture if they are to see any meaningful results.
According to Tom, it will probably take at least 18 months before these results start to show.
During this time, organizations must work on strengthening the relationships between every department, focusing on the human resources and security sectors. These two sectors should be the ones to primarily grow the cybersecurity culture within the company, as they’re well versed in the two pillars of this culture – human behavior and cybersecurity.
However, this strong interdepartmental relationship is important for another reason.
As Tom puts it, “[As humans], we cannot do anything by ourselves. But as a collective, with the help within the organization, we can.”
Staying Educated
The world of AI and cybersecurity have one thing in common – they never sleep. The only way to keep up with these ever-evolving worlds is to stay educated.
The best practice would be to gain a solid base by completing a comprehensive program, such as OPIT’s Enterprise Cybersecurity Master’s program. Then, it’s all about continuously learning about new developments, trends, and threats in AI and cybersecurity.
Conducting Regular Training
For most people, it’s not enough to just explain how human-centric cyber threats work. They must see them in action. Especially since many people believe that phishing attacks won’t happen to them or, if they do, they simply won’t fall for them. Unfortunately, neither of these are true.
Approximately 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent each day, and millions of them successfully bypass all email authentication methods. With such high figures, developing critical thinking among the employees is the No. 1 priority. After all, humans are the first line of defense against cyber threats.
But humans must be properly trained to counter these cyber threats. This training includes the organization’s security department sending fake phishing emails to employees to test their vigilance. Venicia calls employees who fall for these emails “clickers” and adds that no one wants to be a clicker. So, they do everything in their power to avoid falling for similar attacks in the future.
However, the key to successful employee training in this area also involves avoiding sending similar fake emails. If the company keeps trying to trick the employees in the same way, they’ll likely become desensitized and less likely to take real threats seriously.
So, Tom proposes including gamification in the training. This way, the training can be more engaging and interactive, encouraging employees to actively participate and learn. Interestingly, AI can be a powerful ally here, helping create realistic scenarios and personalized learning experiences based on employee responses.
Following in the Competitors’ Footsteps
When it comes to cybersecurity, it’s crucial to be proactive rather than reactive. Even if an organization hasn’t had issues with cyberattacks, it doesn’t mean it will stay this way. So, the best course of action is to monitor what competitors are doing in this field.
However, organizations shouldn’t stop with their competitors. They should also study other real-world social engineering incidents that might give them valuable insights into the tactics used by the malicious actors.
Tom advises visiting the many open-source databases reporting on these incidents and using the data to build an internal educational program. This gives organizations a chance to learn from other people’s mistakes and potentially prevent those mistakes from happening within their ecosystem.
Stay Vigilant
It’s perfectly natural for humans to feel curiosity when it comes to new information, anxiety regarding urgent-looking emails, and trust when seeing a familiar name pop up on the screen. But in the world of cybersecurity, these basic human emotions can cause a lot of trouble. That is, at least, when humans act on them.
So, organizations must work on correcting human behaviors, not suppressing basic human emotions. By doing so, they can help employees develop a more critical mindset when interacting with digital communications. The result? A cyber-aware workforce that’s well-equipped to recognize and respond to phishing attacks and other cyber threats appropriately.
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From the same author
Read the articleMore and more students are turning to careers in computer science, and it’s easy to see why. The world is becoming increasingly reliant on and powered by modern technology with every passing day.
Emerging innovations like artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing are set to change the face of countless industries. This means qualifications in computer science unlock the doors to countless job opportunities.
However, this is also a dynamic and rapidly changing field – a field that demands a distinct set of core skills to not only achieve success, but also future-proof your career for years to come.
The Importance and Value of Computer Science and Cloud Computing Qualifications
Official statistics show that the European cloud computing market is set to experience an astonishing compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 23% in the coming years, moving from a value of €110 billion in 2024 to a lower-end estimate €250 billion by 2028, and it won’t stop there.
The same sort of growth is being seen across the full spectrum of computer science fields and industries, with emerging technologies like AI, automation, and edge computing all spearheading the surging value and importance of these sectors.
The increasing shift away from conventional computing towards cloud computing shows just how quickly the technological world changes and evolves. It also demonstrates the need for professionals with a wide and varied range of skills, plus the ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations.
Those who can bring these skills to the table, supported by a comprehensive education and effective computer science qualifications, can enjoy:
- Entry into job markets that have exceptionally high levels of demand.
- Diverse career opportunities in fields that range from AI and machine learning to computer engineering and software development.
- Competitive salaries, with consistently high rates offered all around the world.
- Job security and stability, given the ever-increasing significance of technology in the modern world.
Core Skills to Master for Long Careers in Computer Science
Next, let’s look into the actual specific skills that computer science students and aspiring leaders will need to master to secure their futures.
Programming Languages
Being able to work with code is the bedrock of almost any career in computer science. Aspiring scientists will need to master one or several programming languages, including Java for building business and web apps, Python for web development, and C++ for system programming.
Networks and Architectures
Computer scientists also need a strong core knowledge of the fundamentals of the computing world, like how networks function, the various protocols and architectures that control the flow of data from device to device, etc.
Algorithms and Data
Algorithms play a fundamental role in fields like AI and machine learning, so computer scientists must understand how different algorithms and data structures drive computing processes, problem-solving, and development.
Software Development
Computer scientists may spend much of their time working on development projects post-graduation, which may include apps for the web, business, mobile, and more. A strong understanding of the stages of the software development lifecycle and processes involved is, therefore, essential.
Cloud Computing
With cloud computing growing in importance, unlocking whole new fields, like software as a service (SaaS) and desktop as a service (DaaS), the computer scientists of tomorrow will also need to have intricate knowledge of how cloud computing works and the potential it holds.
Soft Skills
Along with the many technical skills listed above, computer scientists will also benefit from vital soft skills that will help them when collaborating with others, presenting their ideas, driving innovation in their chosen fields, leading teams, and managing projects. These skills include:
- Being able to communicate effectively, both with fellow computer scientists and non-technical audiences as well
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills that help scientists understand and respond to challenges
- Adaptability, so that scientists can keep on learning, evolving their skill sets, and embracing new tech and ideas as they emerge
- The ability to work as part of a team, often fundamental for large-scale computing projects
- Attention to detail that allows you to spot that single line of code that needs fixing, or for tasks like debugging and data interpretation
Get the Best Start With a BSc in Computer Science at OPIT
We’ve seen the skills you need to succeed in computer science and cloud computing for years to come, but one question remains: where is the best place to gain these skills and acquire the necessary knowledge for genuine long-term success?
The answer: the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT).
An exclusively online learning platform specializing in computer science and digital business, OPIT offers a curated collection of online degrees for tomorrow’s technology leaders, including a Foundation Program for beginners, bachelor’s programs, and master’s degrees for the most experienced students.
Why Study at OPIT?
Advantages of studying with OPIT include:
- Accessible and flexible online learning to suit your needs and pace
- A focus on real-world applications of the skills and knowledge imparted
- A leading team of top tutors and professors from diverse fields and nations
- An international community of students with which to collaborate
- Progressive assessment of skills and knowledge, as opposed to exam-heavy schedules
Those planning pathways into computer science and cloud computing are best served by OPIT’s BSc in Computer Science program.
Lasting six terms and worth 180 ECTS credits, this fully remote, online, and accredited undergraduate degree was developed with insights from industry leaders, academics, and employers within the IT industry.
It equips graduates with both the fundamental theoretical knowledge they need to succeed in technology, as well as the practical skills required to enter the world of work and immediately innovate in fields like programming, cybersecurity, data science, AI, and cloud computing.
Like other courses and programs available at OPIT, this BSc in Computer Science provides students with a flexible learning program involving a mixture of recorded and engaging live content, progressive assessment, fast-track options for those who study at a faster pace, and round-the-clock accessibility to tutors and fellow learners.
If you feel that computer science or cloud computing is the right path for you, and you want to secure the foundational skills you need to succeed, consider the OPIT BSc in Computer Science to help you achieve your dreams.
Read the articleOn September 8, 2025, the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) officially inaugurated its 2025/26 academic year, welcoming a whole host of new students into the institute, ready to gain the skills and knowledge they need to be the tech industry leaders of tomorrow.
Faculty members, guest speakers from around the world, and hundreds of students from over 100 nations were all in attendance at the online inauguration event. Among them was one new student on the MSc in Responsible AI program: Rem Lampa, also known by his online alias, Kuya Dev.
A Filipino podcaster, speaker, and developer, Kuya Dev documented the inauguration experience in a YouTube video, sharing his thoughts on the event. Here’s a detailed look at his experience, showing the welcoming and effective way in which new OPIT students are brought into the institute from the first day.
An Overview of the Inauguration Event
The latest OPIT inauguration event was one to remember, with the institute celebrating several notable milestones. These included the first graduation of the MSc in Applied Data Science and AI program, and the unveiling of new industry connections and corporate partners offering opportunities for graduates.
Various guest speakers were in attendance, including the former Italian Minister of Education and current OPIT Rector, Professor Francesco Profumo, plus the CEO of Malta’s accreditation authority MFHEA, Dr. Rose Anne Cuschieri.
OPIT founder, Riccardo Ocleppo, also took to the stage to highlight the transformative role of education and the unique possibilities offered by the online-only OPIT degrees, stating:
“When we launched OPIT in 2022, we wanted to prove that an online degree could be rigorous, international, deeply connected to the world of work, and engaging. Three years later, we can already see results. This year alone, 300 new students are joining us, representing 98 nationalities.”
Those hundreds of new students were also, naturally, in attendance for their big inauguration day, welcomed into the institute’s various BSc and MSc programs in specialties like Computer Science, Digital Business, Digital Business and Innovation, and Cybersecurity.
Introducing Rem ‘Kuya Dev’ Lampa
As mentioned, one of the new students joining was vlogger and podcaster, Kuya Dev.
Already boasting extensive experience and technical expertise in the computing world, Kuya Dev has founded several tech communities, including Tech Career Shifter Philippines and Server-Side JavaScript.
He describes himself as an advocate for responsible AI and tech practices, and once gave a powerful TEDx talk about the negative potential impacts of artificial intelligence (AI), including its large carbon footprint and involving exploitation of workers in emerging nations. So, it was only fitting that he signed up for OPIT’s MSc in Responsible AI.
The MSc in Responsible AI Program
A postgraduate program lasting three or four terms (between 12 and 24 months, total), OPIT’s MSc in Responsible AI is an accredited program that combines technical skills with a core focus on the ethical implications of AI technology.
It explores real-world use cases of AI and ways in which this exciting and powerful technology can be used responsibly and sustainably, emphasizing its potential for both positive and negative change in areas such as the environment and society as a whole.
Students of this program enjoy all the usual benefits that come with studying at OPIT, like flexible-paced learning, tutors available on a daily basis, a dynamic and engaging online learning environment, and fair, progressive assessments over time.
Those who graduate can move into careers in AI Application Development, AI Research, and AI Business Consulting.
Highlights and Impressions of Kuya Dev’s Inauguration Experience
Inauguration is always a special moment in any student’s academic journey as they take their first tentative yet exciting steps towards new knowledge and skills that can unlock their potential and accelerate their development.
It can even be a “make-or-break” moment in which students can either feel welcomed, empowered, and eager to begin their studies, or, conversely, experience feelings of worry, doubt, or regret if the inauguration lacks the spark they were hoping to feel.
Fortunately, Kuya Dev and his many fellow new OPIT students had a very positive experience at the inauguration event, with the vlogger calling it both “very fruitful” and “very insightful.” Some of the specific highlights he mentioned included:
An International Community
Early in the inauguration event, Kuya Dev heard from Professor Francesco Profumo about how OPIT was welcoming students from over 90 countries.
This, for Kuya Dev and for so many other students, is one of the big perks of studying with OPIT. It allows students to meet, engage, and exchange with people from dozens of different backgrounds, cultures, and communities, learning new ways of thinking and collaborating.
Real World Applications
The OPIT inauguration also focused on another of the university’s key features: a focus not merely on imparting knowledge to students or making them memorize facts, figures, and theorems, but actually teaching them how to apply that knowledge and ideas to real-world uses.
Kuya Dev commented on how other universities that he had considered attending appeared more conventional and limited in their approach, and also shared his excitement and enthusiasm at OPIT’s unique approach, focusing more on genuine industry collaboration and real-life scenarios.
Inspiring Speakers
The vlogger and podcaster also commented on the various key speakers who hosted the event. He was pleased to see that they were not only academically oriented but also all had real-world experience and a diverse range of working backgrounds in fields like politics.
This, too, is part of what makes OPIT different. It features a winning team of international tutors, professors, and experts from diverse fields, including the aforementioned former Italian Education Minister, education executives, research chairs, digital content creation specialists, and more.
Graduate Experiences
Finally, Kuya Dev noted how several OPIT graduates spoke to those about to follow the same path they did, including students from nations as diverse as the U.S., Italy, and Nigeria.
They all shared their experiences and detailed what they enjoyed most about studying with OPIT, including key factors such as professors who took the time to get to know their students, as well as the depth of the topics and knowledge covered in each course.
A Successful First Step Into OPIT Education
All in all, the recent inauguration event was a major success for all involved, giving students like Kuya Dev the ideal introduction to life and study with OPIT. He, like so many of his new fellow students, left the event eager and excited to expand their knowledge and broaden their horizons in unique ways that only OPIT can provide.
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Related posts
More and more students are turning to careers in computer science, and it’s easy to see why. The world is becoming increasingly reliant on and powered by modern technology with every passing day.
Emerging innovations like artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing are set to change the face of countless industries. This means qualifications in computer science unlock the doors to countless job opportunities.
However, this is also a dynamic and rapidly changing field – a field that demands a distinct set of core skills to not only achieve success, but also future-proof your career for years to come.
The Importance and Value of Computer Science and Cloud Computing Qualifications
Official statistics show that the European cloud computing market is set to experience an astonishing compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 23% in the coming years, moving from a value of €110 billion in 2024 to a lower-end estimate €250 billion by 2028, and it won’t stop there.
The same sort of growth is being seen across the full spectrum of computer science fields and industries, with emerging technologies like AI, automation, and edge computing all spearheading the surging value and importance of these sectors.
The increasing shift away from conventional computing towards cloud computing shows just how quickly the technological world changes and evolves. It also demonstrates the need for professionals with a wide and varied range of skills, plus the ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations.
Those who can bring these skills to the table, supported by a comprehensive education and effective computer science qualifications, can enjoy:
- Entry into job markets that have exceptionally high levels of demand.
- Diverse career opportunities in fields that range from AI and machine learning to computer engineering and software development.
- Competitive salaries, with consistently high rates offered all around the world.
- Job security and stability, given the ever-increasing significance of technology in the modern world.
Core Skills to Master for Long Careers in Computer Science
Next, let’s look into the actual specific skills that computer science students and aspiring leaders will need to master to secure their futures.
Programming Languages
Being able to work with code is the bedrock of almost any career in computer science. Aspiring scientists will need to master one or several programming languages, including Java for building business and web apps, Python for web development, and C++ for system programming.
Networks and Architectures
Computer scientists also need a strong core knowledge of the fundamentals of the computing world, like how networks function, the various protocols and architectures that control the flow of data from device to device, etc.
Algorithms and Data
Algorithms play a fundamental role in fields like AI and machine learning, so computer scientists must understand how different algorithms and data structures drive computing processes, problem-solving, and development.
Software Development
Computer scientists may spend much of their time working on development projects post-graduation, which may include apps for the web, business, mobile, and more. A strong understanding of the stages of the software development lifecycle and processes involved is, therefore, essential.
Cloud Computing
With cloud computing growing in importance, unlocking whole new fields, like software as a service (SaaS) and desktop as a service (DaaS), the computer scientists of tomorrow will also need to have intricate knowledge of how cloud computing works and the potential it holds.
Soft Skills
Along with the many technical skills listed above, computer scientists will also benefit from vital soft skills that will help them when collaborating with others, presenting their ideas, driving innovation in their chosen fields, leading teams, and managing projects. These skills include:
- Being able to communicate effectively, both with fellow computer scientists and non-technical audiences as well
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills that help scientists understand and respond to challenges
- Adaptability, so that scientists can keep on learning, evolving their skill sets, and embracing new tech and ideas as they emerge
- The ability to work as part of a team, often fundamental for large-scale computing projects
- Attention to detail that allows you to spot that single line of code that needs fixing, or for tasks like debugging and data interpretation
Get the Best Start With a BSc in Computer Science at OPIT
We’ve seen the skills you need to succeed in computer science and cloud computing for years to come, but one question remains: where is the best place to gain these skills and acquire the necessary knowledge for genuine long-term success?
The answer: the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT).
An exclusively online learning platform specializing in computer science and digital business, OPIT offers a curated collection of online degrees for tomorrow’s technology leaders, including a Foundation Program for beginners, bachelor’s programs, and master’s degrees for the most experienced students.
Why Study at OPIT?
Advantages of studying with OPIT include:
- Accessible and flexible online learning to suit your needs and pace
- A focus on real-world applications of the skills and knowledge imparted
- A leading team of top tutors and professors from diverse fields and nations
- An international community of students with which to collaborate
- Progressive assessment of skills and knowledge, as opposed to exam-heavy schedules
Those planning pathways into computer science and cloud computing are best served by OPIT’s BSc in Computer Science program.
Lasting six terms and worth 180 ECTS credits, this fully remote, online, and accredited undergraduate degree was developed with insights from industry leaders, academics, and employers within the IT industry.
It equips graduates with both the fundamental theoretical knowledge they need to succeed in technology, as well as the practical skills required to enter the world of work and immediately innovate in fields like programming, cybersecurity, data science, AI, and cloud computing.
Like other courses and programs available at OPIT, this BSc in Computer Science provides students with a flexible learning program involving a mixture of recorded and engaging live content, progressive assessment, fast-track options for those who study at a faster pace, and round-the-clock accessibility to tutors and fellow learners.
If you feel that computer science or cloud computing is the right path for you, and you want to secure the foundational skills you need to succeed, consider the OPIT BSc in Computer Science to help you achieve your dreams.
On September 8, 2025, the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) officially inaugurated its 2025/26 academic year, welcoming a whole host of new students into the institute, ready to gain the skills and knowledge they need to be the tech industry leaders of tomorrow.
Faculty members, guest speakers from around the world, and hundreds of students from over 100 nations were all in attendance at the online inauguration event. Among them was one new student on the MSc in Responsible AI program: Rem Lampa, also known by his online alias, Kuya Dev.
A Filipino podcaster, speaker, and developer, Kuya Dev documented the inauguration experience in a YouTube video, sharing his thoughts on the event. Here’s a detailed look at his experience, showing the welcoming and effective way in which new OPIT students are brought into the institute from the first day.
An Overview of the Inauguration Event
The latest OPIT inauguration event was one to remember, with the institute celebrating several notable milestones. These included the first graduation of the MSc in Applied Data Science and AI program, and the unveiling of new industry connections and corporate partners offering opportunities for graduates.
Various guest speakers were in attendance, including the former Italian Minister of Education and current OPIT Rector, Professor Francesco Profumo, plus the CEO of Malta’s accreditation authority MFHEA, Dr. Rose Anne Cuschieri.
OPIT founder, Riccardo Ocleppo, also took to the stage to highlight the transformative role of education and the unique possibilities offered by the online-only OPIT degrees, stating:
“When we launched OPIT in 2022, we wanted to prove that an online degree could be rigorous, international, deeply connected to the world of work, and engaging. Three years later, we can already see results. This year alone, 300 new students are joining us, representing 98 nationalities.”
Those hundreds of new students were also, naturally, in attendance for their big inauguration day, welcomed into the institute’s various BSc and MSc programs in specialties like Computer Science, Digital Business, Digital Business and Innovation, and Cybersecurity.
Introducing Rem ‘Kuya Dev’ Lampa
As mentioned, one of the new students joining was vlogger and podcaster, Kuya Dev.
Already boasting extensive experience and technical expertise in the computing world, Kuya Dev has founded several tech communities, including Tech Career Shifter Philippines and Server-Side JavaScript.
He describes himself as an advocate for responsible AI and tech practices, and once gave a powerful TEDx talk about the negative potential impacts of artificial intelligence (AI), including its large carbon footprint and involving exploitation of workers in emerging nations. So, it was only fitting that he signed up for OPIT’s MSc in Responsible AI.
The MSc in Responsible AI Program
A postgraduate program lasting three or four terms (between 12 and 24 months, total), OPIT’s MSc in Responsible AI is an accredited program that combines technical skills with a core focus on the ethical implications of AI technology.
It explores real-world use cases of AI and ways in which this exciting and powerful technology can be used responsibly and sustainably, emphasizing its potential for both positive and negative change in areas such as the environment and society as a whole.
Students of this program enjoy all the usual benefits that come with studying at OPIT, like flexible-paced learning, tutors available on a daily basis, a dynamic and engaging online learning environment, and fair, progressive assessments over time.
Those who graduate can move into careers in AI Application Development, AI Research, and AI Business Consulting.
Highlights and Impressions of Kuya Dev’s Inauguration Experience
Inauguration is always a special moment in any student’s academic journey as they take their first tentative yet exciting steps towards new knowledge and skills that can unlock their potential and accelerate their development.
It can even be a “make-or-break” moment in which students can either feel welcomed, empowered, and eager to begin their studies, or, conversely, experience feelings of worry, doubt, or regret if the inauguration lacks the spark they were hoping to feel.
Fortunately, Kuya Dev and his many fellow new OPIT students had a very positive experience at the inauguration event, with the vlogger calling it both “very fruitful” and “very insightful.” Some of the specific highlights he mentioned included:
An International Community
Early in the inauguration event, Kuya Dev heard from Professor Francesco Profumo about how OPIT was welcoming students from over 90 countries.
This, for Kuya Dev and for so many other students, is one of the big perks of studying with OPIT. It allows students to meet, engage, and exchange with people from dozens of different backgrounds, cultures, and communities, learning new ways of thinking and collaborating.
Real World Applications
The OPIT inauguration also focused on another of the university’s key features: a focus not merely on imparting knowledge to students or making them memorize facts, figures, and theorems, but actually teaching them how to apply that knowledge and ideas to real-world uses.
Kuya Dev commented on how other universities that he had considered attending appeared more conventional and limited in their approach, and also shared his excitement and enthusiasm at OPIT’s unique approach, focusing more on genuine industry collaboration and real-life scenarios.
Inspiring Speakers
The vlogger and podcaster also commented on the various key speakers who hosted the event. He was pleased to see that they were not only academically oriented but also all had real-world experience and a diverse range of working backgrounds in fields like politics.
This, too, is part of what makes OPIT different. It features a winning team of international tutors, professors, and experts from diverse fields, including the aforementioned former Italian Education Minister, education executives, research chairs, digital content creation specialists, and more.
Graduate Experiences
Finally, Kuya Dev noted how several OPIT graduates spoke to those about to follow the same path they did, including students from nations as diverse as the U.S., Italy, and Nigeria.
They all shared their experiences and detailed what they enjoyed most about studying with OPIT, including key factors such as professors who took the time to get to know their students, as well as the depth of the topics and knowledge covered in each course.
A Successful First Step Into OPIT Education
All in all, the recent inauguration event was a major success for all involved, giving students like Kuya Dev the ideal introduction to life and study with OPIT. He, like so many of his new fellow students, left the event eager and excited to expand their knowledge and broaden their horizons in unique ways that only OPIT can provide.
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