Today, September 9th, we celebrate Bug Day, a date that marks the first documented failure on a computer, occurred in 1947. This day not only recalls the history of bugs but also provides an opportunity to reflect on technological advancements and the ongoing challenges in mitigating failures and vulnerabilities, especially in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
A recent example that highlights the relevance of this topic was the global cyber blackout in July of this year. The failure was caused by a bug in the software update of a major cybersecurity company, resulting in a cascading effect that affected airports, banks, government websites, and other critical infrastructures worldwide.
Bugs in cybersecurity systems can have disastrous consequences, directly impacting essential services and the global economy. That’s why cybersecurity is a central theme in discussions about technology, especially when failures in digital protection tools can open doors to malicious attacks.
Edemilson Koji Motoda, president of Instituto GEOC, which has been at the forefront of cybersecurity for 16 years, emphasizes the importance of a proactive stance by companies in preventing cyberattacks. ‘Guiding employees on security and providing constant training, coupled with the use of advanced technological tools, is essential to control threats,’ says Motoda.
According to him, continuous training of employees and the implementation of a security culture are the main shields against digital threats. “It is important for companies to invest in regular training for their employees, adopt clear security policies, and ensure the use of always-updated software. In addition, constant monitoring of suspicious activities, strict access controls, and frequent backups are crucial measures. Companies should also assess the security of their suppliers, perform penetration tests, and maintain an incident response plan. All of this helps to minimize risks and avoid significant losses,” emphasizes Motoda.
SuperGeeks, a school focused on future skills, also provides insights on the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital security. According to the institution, AI plays a key role in threat detection, using advanced techniques such as deep learning and behavioral analysis to identify suspicious activities in record time. “AI can identify suspicious activities in a matter of seconds, optimizing processes that would take days to be manually detected,” says SuperGeeks.
However, the school emphasizes that it is essential to keep AI models updated with the latest threat information, as well as to integrate AI with other security systems, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems. SuperGeeks also points out that continuous team training is crucial to ensure that new technologies are effective in protecting against threats. The collaboration between humans and machines — where AI complements the work of experts — is seen as the key to a more robust and proactive defense.
The combination of human talent with technological innovation, such as artificial intelligence, training, and educational practices, will be essential to face the increasingly sophisticated cyber threats that arise daily. Bug Day is an opportunity to reflect on these challenges and prepare for a safer and more resilient future.
