ChatGPT Aids Medical Schools, Second Nature Raises $22 Million

The rapid advancement and adoption of artificial intelligence are reshaping various sectors, from sales training to national security, while also raising significant concerns about investment bubbles and ethical deployment. Second Nature, an AI platform for sales and service teams, recently secured $22 million in Series B funding to enhance its AI-driven roleplay training scenarios, aiming to improve sales performance and reduce onboarding times for clients like Zoom and Oracle. Meanwhile, the potential for AI to amplify presidential power is a subject of academic discussion, with scholars exploring how AI might bolster executive authority. However, the widespread integration of AI is not without its challenges. A Cisco study indicates that many organizations are adopting AI faster than their infrastructure and security readiness can keep pace, creating 'AI infrastructure debt' and increasing risks, especially with autonomous agentic AI. Security experts emphasize the critical need for Zero Trust security frameworks to combat the expanding attack surface and protect data. Agentic AI, capable of acting without human oversight, presents new risks such as chained vulnerabilities and data leakage, necessitating careful risk assessment and security integration from the outset. On the investment front, concerns about an AI bubble persist, with a BofA Global Research survey revealing that 54% of investors believe AI stocks are overvalued, though opinions remain divided on the sustainability of current spending levels. In education, medical schools are training faculty to leverage AI tools like ChatGPT for curriculum development and assessment creation, focusing on prompt engineering and understanding potential AI limitations. The misuse of AI is also a growing problem, with criminals exploiting the technology to generate disturbing child images, outpacing current legal measures. In Texas, new laws are being implemented to promote ethical AI use and prevent harm, reflecting a bipartisan effort to regulate the technology. Amidst these developments, experts like Heather Conklin highlight that a leadership gap, rather than technical expertise, often hinders companies from realizing AI's full return on investment, stressing the importance of leadership development for successful AI transformation.

Key Takeaways

• Second Nature, an AI roleplay platform for sales and service teams, has raised $22 million in Series B funding to advance its AI training capabilities.
• Concerns are growing about a potential AI investment bubble, with 54% of investors surveyed by BofA Global Research believing AI stocks are overvalued.
• Agentic AI, which can operate autonomously, introduces new security risks including chained vulnerabilities and data leakage, requiring robust security measures and risk assessment.
• Organizations are adopting AI rapidly but often lack the necessary infrastructure and security readiness, leading to 'AI infrastructure debt' and increased risks, according to a Cisco study.
• Zero Trust security principles are becoming essential to manage the expanding attack surface and protect data as AI adoption increases.
• Medical schools are training faculty on AI tools like ChatGPT for educational tasks, emphasizing prompt engineering and awareness of AI limitations and data risks.
• The potential for AI to significantly increase presidential power is being explored by legal scholars.
• A leadership gap, rather than technical skills, is identified as a major obstacle to achieving AI return on investment, according to Heather Conklin.
• Criminals are exploiting AI to create disturbing child images, highlighting the challenges in combating AI misuse.
• New Texas laws are being introduced to promote ethical AI use and prevent harm, reflecting a balanced regulatory approach.

Guide to safe and secure agentic AI deployment

Technology leaders must understand the new risks of agentic AI, which can act without human oversight. These AI agents can create chained vulnerabilities, escalate tasks, impersonate identities, leak data, and spread bad data. To use agentic AI safely, companies need to assess risks and build security into deployments from the start. This involves identifying and managing organizational risks for each AI use case.

Zero Trust security essential as AI adoption grows

As AI becomes more common, the threat landscape is changing rapidly, increasing the attack surface. Zero Trust security, which requires continuous validation and denies default trust, is crucial for protecting data and systems. Organizations must map and classify data, implement layered defenses, and establish practices like authentication, regular audits, and encryption. Addressing shadow AI, which is AI deployed outside of IT oversight, is also vital.

Agentic AI and edge analytics transform security

Agentic AI and edge analytics are revolutionizing security by moving from reactive to preventative strategies. Edge analytics processes data locally in real-time, reducing delays and network congestion. Agentic AI systems act as active decision-makers, prioritizing threats and taking action without human prompting, which speeds up response times and reduces alert fatigue. While these systems offer advanced capabilities, clear boundaries and human oversight are essential.

Experts divided on AI investment bubble

Concerns are rising about a potential AI investment bubble, similar to the dot-com era, as companies invest billions in artificial intelligence. A BofA Global Research survey shows 54% of investors believe AI stocks are in a bubble. While some experts warn of market corrections, others believe the massive spending is sustainable and will lead to beneficial inventions. The debate continues as investors watch for signs of slowing demand or unfulfilled spending.

AI bubble concerns grow despite massive investment

Investors are cautious about a potential AI bubble, with 54% believing AI stocks are overvalued according to a BofA Global Research survey. The Bank of England warned that global markets could suffer if investor sentiment sours on AI. While some see a hype bubble, others argue the significant investments are necessary for development. Opinions are split on whether the current AI boom is sustainable or a precursor to a market correction.

Medical schools train faculty on AI tools

Medical schools are increasingly training faculty on how to use artificial intelligence for tasks like creating curricula, developing quizzes, and generating presentations. Initially hesitant, many educators are finding AI tools like ChatGPT to be efficient and easy to use. Training sessions cover AI principles, potential errors, data risks, and bias. Faculty are learning prompt engineering to get the best results from AI for specific educational needs.

AI readiness lags behind adoption, report finds

A Cisco study reveals that while most organizations are rapidly adopting AI, many lack the infrastructure and security readiness to support it. This creates 'AI infrastructure debt,' leading to increased costs and security risks. Agentic AI, which operates autonomously, further expands the attack surface. Companies that prioritize infrastructure modernization and embed security early, known as 'Pacesetters,' are more likely to see measurable gains.

AI may boost presidential power, scholar to discuss

A visiting legal scholar will discuss how advanced artificial intelligence could significantly increase presidential authority. Alan Rozenshtein of the University of Minnesota Law School will present his findings on 'The Unitary AI Executive' on October 23. He will outline how AI might augment presidential power, particularly concerning the constitutional theory of the unitary executive. The lecture is part of the Stranahan National Issues Forum at the University of Toledo College of Law.

Leadership gap hinders AI ROI, expert says

Despite billions invested in AI, many companies see little return because leaders are not equipped to manage the change effectively. Heather Conklin, CEO of Torch, argues that companies focus on technical training but neglect developing leadership capacity for transformation. Winning companies invest in leadership development to navigate fear, create clarity, and foster experimentation. Addressing this leadership gap is crucial for AI to deliver on its potential.

Second Nature raises $22M for AI sales training

Second Nature, an AI roleplay platform for sales and service teams, has secured $22 million in Series B funding. The company uses AI to create realistic training scenarios based on a company's specific playbooks. This funding will accelerate product development and market expansion. Second Nature's platform has helped clients like Zoom and Oracle increase sales and reduce onboarding time, preparing teams for the AI era.

Criminals exploit AI for disturbing child images

Criminals are using artificial intelligence to create disturbing images of children. Despite laws like the Take it Down Act, which increases penalties for non-consensual imagery, some believe criminals are still ahead of legal measures. This highlights a growing concern about the misuse of AI technology for illegal and harmful purposes.

Texas podcast explores AI's evolving legal landscape

Shawn Tuma, an attorney at Spencer Fane, discussed the changing legal landscape for artificial intelligence on the State Bar of Texas Podcast. He highlighted new Texas laws focused on preventing harm and promoting ethical AI use. Tuma noted the bipartisan approach to these regulations, aiming for a balance that most can agree on. The discussion covered the implications of these laws and the duty of technology competence for legal professionals.

Baseus launches AI dual-tracking security camera

Baseus has introduced the Security X1 Pro, the world's first Smart AI Dual-Tracking Outdoor Security Camera, now crowdfunding on Kickstarter. This camera features two 3K independent cameras with AI tracking capabilities to monitor two subjects simultaneously and prevent blind spots. It offers 3K imaging, solar charging for 24/7 operation, NeuraNex Technology 2.0 for intelligent detection, and local data storage with no subscription fees. The camera is also IP65 waterproof and offers seamless installation.

Sources

• Deploying agentic AI with safety and security: A playbook for technology leaders
• Why Zero Trust Must Guide the Future of Security As AI Adoption Grows
• The old way is over - the wave of Agentic AI-based security
• Opinions split over AI bubble after billions invested
• Factbox-Opinions split over AI bubble after billions invested
• Medical schools train faculty on AI best practices
• Everyone wants AI, but few are ready to defend it
• Visiting Legal Scholar to Discuss AI, Presidential Authority in Oct. 23 Stranahan Lecture
• Billions spent, zero returns: The leadership gap derailing AI’s big bet
• Second Nature Secures $22M Series B to Future-Proof Sales and Service Teams for the AI Era
• How criminals are using AI to create disturbing images of children
• Shawn Tuma Discusses Evolving Legal Landscape for AI on State Bar of Texas Podcast
• Award-Winning Baseus Security X1 Pro: The World's First Smart AI Dual-Tracking Outdoor Security Camera, Now Crowdfunding on Kickstarter