13th June 2025, Kathmandu
The digital landscape in Nepal, much like the rest of the world, is undergoing a profound transformation, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerging as a critical force in bolstering cybersecurity. Sudan Jha, Professor of Kathmandu Univeristy, Vice President of the Information Security Response Team Nepal (npCERT) and Information Security Consultant at One Cover Pvt. Ltd., recently shed light on this paradigm shift in an insightful workshop.
AI Revolutionizing Cybersecurity Nepal
His presentation delved into the multifaceted ways AI can fortify national security and digital defenses, offering a glimpse into Nepal’s proactive approach to an increasingly complex threat environment.
The Indispensable Role of AI in Cybersecurity
AI has transcended its buzzword status to become an indispensable tool in the realm of cybersecurity. Its prowess lies in its ability to detect threats, manage vulnerabilities, and automate responses at a scale and speed that traditional methods simply cannot match. As cyberattacks grow in volume and sophistication, AI bridges the gap, enabling organizations to stay ahead of malicious actors.
As Jha explained, AI excels at identifying subtle patterns within massive datasets – patterns that often elude human analysis. This capability translates directly into faster, more accurate threat detection, a crucial advantage in a world where every second counts.
Key AI Applications Powering Cyber Defense
AI models are already integrated into a wide array of cybersecurity tools, empowering more robust defenses:
Phishing Detection: Tools like PhishTank and PhishMonger leverage AI to identify and flag deceptive phishing attempts, protecting users from falling victim to social engineering attacks.
Bot Activity Tracking: Platforms such as Botometer and Cyborg utilize AI to monitor and analyze bot activities on social media, helping to uncover disinformation campaigns and malicious automated behaviors.
Dark Web Threat Analysis: AI algorithms scour the dark web, identifying emerging threats, compromised credentials, and illicit activities that could impact national security.
Vulnerability Assessments: AI-powered systems, including Metasploit and OmniSOC, assist in conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments, pinpointing weaknesses before attackers can exploit them.
These AI-driven tools are instrumental in automating and scaling cybersecurity operations, making them more efficient and effective.
AI Tackling Nepal-Specific Cybersecurity Challenges
Nepal faces unique cybersecurity challenges, particularly due to its reliance on foreign-built payment gateways and networking tools. These systems may harbor inherent vulnerabilities or be ill-suited to local threat models. Jha emphasized how AI can provide tailored solutions:
Real-time Fraud Detection: AI can analyze payment patterns in real-time, detecting anomalies and flagging fraudulent transactions, thereby safeguarding financial systems.
Localized Scam Recognition: AI models can be trained to recognize suspicious SMS messages or QR code scams specifically in the Nepali language, offering a localized defense against prevalent threats.
Explainable AI for Compliance: The use of explainable AI (XAI) is vital for legal audits and compliance, providing transparency into AI’s decision-making processes, which is crucial for building trust and accountability in cybersecurity operations.
This localized approach, powered by AI, promises a more effective, relevant, and transparent cyber defense strategy for Nepal.
The Growing Threat Surface of IoT
The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has undeniably expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals. Many low-cost IoT devices often lack robust encryption or consistent security updates, making them ripe targets. AI offers a continuous monitoring solution, testing and detecting flaws in these devices before they can be exploited by hackers.
Reports highlight the vulnerability of common devices such as routers, solar inverters, and even microcontrollers like the ESP32. Weak security in these widely deployed devices can quickly escalate into national-level threats, underscoring the urgency of AI-driven IoT security.
AI vs. AI: The Escalating Cyber Arms Race
The landscape of cyberattacks is continuously evolving, with malicious actors increasingly employing AI to launch sophisticated assaults. Deepfake videos, synthetic voices, and AI-generated scams are already in circulation, demanding a new generation of smarter defenses.
Jha stressed the imperative for Nepal to counter AI-powered threats with equally advanced AI-driven security tools. This includes the development and deployment of robust detection mechanisms, coupled with extensive public awareness campaigns and training programs to equip citizens with the skills to identify and report fake content.
AI Policy and National Strategy: A Vision for a Secure Nepal
Nepal’s AI Policy 2081 lays down a clear vision for a secure and self-reliant AI ecosystem. This forward-looking policy advocates for:
Data Sovereignty: Emphasizing control over national data, ensuring it is processed and stored securely within the country.
Indigenous AI Development: Fostering local talent and resources to develop AI solutions tailored to Nepal’s specific needs and challenges.
Regulations on AI in Critical Infrastructure: Establishing clear guidelines and regulations for the deployment of AI in vital national infrastructure to mitigate risks.
Investment in High-Performance Computing: Recognizing the need for robust computing power to support advanced AI research and development.
This policy strategically aligns cybersecurity initiatives with broader national transformation goals, aiming to build a digitally resilient Nepal.
Router Security: Addressing a National Weakness
A significant vulnerability in Nepal’s digital infrastructure lies in the widespread use of routers with default passwords and outdated firmware, making them easy prey for cyberattacks. AI can play a crucial role in identifying these risky configurations and recommending real-time fixes.
Jha called for a national effort to harden router security across all government and defense systems. Furthermore, he emphasized the need for regular local audits and comprehensive inventories to become standard practice, ensuring a proactive approach to securing these critical access points.
Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) and AI: Streamlining Justice
Sudan Jha also introduced the transformative potential of AI in Online Dispute Resolution (ODR). ODR offers a fast and secure pathway to resolve cybercrime cases, including online fraud, harassment, and data breaches. AI tools can significantly assist in managing digital cases, enhancing efficiency while ensuring transparency and trust in the resolution process.
Generative AI and Prompt Engineering: Essential Skills for the Future
The advent of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and various image generators is reshaping workflows across industries. However, to harness their full potential, users must master prompt engineering – the art of crafting clear, specific instructions to elicit accurate and desired results. Jha highlighted prompt engineering as an essential digital skill for the modern workforce, enabling individuals and organizations to effectively leverage AI’s capabilities.
Final Thoughts: AI as a Partner, Not a Replacement
While AI holds immense promise, it is crucial to recognize that it is not a panacea for all cybersecurity challenges. As Sudan Jha succinctly put it, AI acts as a powerful assistant to cybersecurity professionals, regulators, and businesses in Nepal. It is a partner, not a replacement, empowering human expertise to stay ahead in a relentless cyber arms race where threats evolve by the minute.
Sudan Jha’s presentation underscores Nepal’s commitment to embracing AI as a cornerstone of its national cybersecurity strategy, paving the way for a more secure and resilient digital future.
For more: AI Revolutionizing Cybersecurity in Nepal