When AI combines with IoT: Cyber ​​security challenges and the need for a new generation of technologists

For just $35 per month, crooks can use a deepfake tool to create fake images in real time to find ways to bypass biometric authentication steps. In the context of artificial intelligence (AI) being increasingly integrated into tens of millions of connected devices, the need to ensure information security is no longer limited to software but needs to be taken into account throughout the entire system. This also creates a need to train a team of engineers capable of designing, integrating and operating smart systems safely.

When AI tools make forms of fraud more sophisticated

At the conference "Information Security in the AI ​​Era" organized by the FSB Institute of Management & Technology, FPT Group on the morning of October 11 in Hanoi, cybersecurity expert Ngo Minh Hieu (Hieu PC) demonstrated a deepfake tool capable of changing faces during real-time video calls. According to the demonstration, just from a portrait photo taken on social networks, the tool can create a fake image on a Zalo video call in a short time. Experts say similar tools are being sold for about 35 USD per month, equivalent to less than 900,000 VND.

Hieu PC shared at the Information Security Conference in the AI ​​era

When tens of millions of devices connect to AI, what is the point of protection?

The evolution of cyberattacks takes place in parallel with the shift from the Internet of Things (IoT) to artificial intelligence of things (AIoT), where AI is integrated into devices, sensors and connected systems to analyze data, support decision making or automatically perform tasks. According to a Fortune Business Insights report cited in the conference content, the global AIoT market is estimated to reach 82.74 billion USD by 2026 and have a compound annual growth rate of 32.4% in the period 2026–2034. The number of connected IoT devices globally is forecast to increase from 18.8 billion devices in 2024 to 39 billion devices in 2030. In Vietnam, MarketsandMarkets forecasts that the IoT market could reach a scale of 7.2 billion USD by 2030. As of August 2026, the country has more than 27.2 million 5G subscribers. IoT and AIoT applications are gradually appearing in factories, cities, transportation and home devices. However, the increase in the number of devices also means that the range that needs protection is getting wider. When AI has the ability to receive data and take action on its own, a vulnerability not only affects the individual device but can also impact the entire system.

Therefore, ensuring AIoT safety is not just about updating or patching software after an incident occurs. Security requirements need to be taken into account from the design phase, and maintained during deployment, operation, and system updates.

When AI helps write the majority of source code, what capabilities do engineers need to develop?

The popularity of generative AI is transforming the work of information technology teams. AI tools can now assist in writing a large portion of the source code in many software projects. However, creating source code is only part of the system development process; Architecture, testing, security and operability requirements still need to be addressed. According to content shared at the conference, AI tools can help write about 80–90% of the code in some projects. In that context, the engineer's role lies not only in writing code, but also in the ability to identify the right problem to solve, choose the appropriate solution and design the overall architecture. For AIoT, engineers need to understand how components work together, from devices, sensors, and connectivity to data collection, computing infrastructure, and AI models. In addition to professional capacity, the ability to grasp actual customer needs and assess risks throughout the system is also increasingly important. To meet the human resource needs in this field, FSB Institute of Management & Technology, FPT University, announced the Master of Information Technology program oriented on Artificial Intelligence of Things (MIT-AIoT). The program focuses on integrating AI with IoT devices and systems.

FPT introduces the MIT-AIoT-oriented Master of Information Technology training program. Sharing about training orientation, Dr. Doan Xuan Huy Minh, Director of the Master of Information Technology Program, FSB Institute of Management & Technology, FPT Corporation, said: "The goal of the MIT-AIoT program is to train a force of engineers and technology experts to lead the process of intelligentizing industrial-scale production systems, as well as developing and managing smart cities and smart transportation. The program focuses on the integration between AI and IoT devices and systems. Learners approach the AIoT system as a whole, from devices, sensors and connections to data collection, processing, computing platforms and AI applications. Approach This focuses on the ability to design, integrate and operate systems, rather than just focusing on a single technology or component.”

Training associated with real projects

According to information from the organizer, the MIT-AIoT program applies a project-based learning method, combining professional knowledge with practical problems in the FPT business ecosystem, in fields such as telecommunications, software, system integration, network security and AI. Students have the opportunity to practice on cloud infrastructure and real-world systems, while developing skills in analyzing data from edge devices, deploying machine learning models, and building protection measures for large-scale connected environments. The program consists of 60 credits, organized over four semesters with an estimated duration of about 18 months. After completing the program, students receive a Master of Information Technology degree from FPT University. According to the announced plan, the program is expected to open in November 2026 in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho. The first course has a scholarship policy with support up to 42 million VND. Detailed information about admission and scholarships to the MIT-AIoT program is provided at the official information channel of the FSB Institute of Management & Technology. Admissions information and program scholarships are available here. *Sponsored content is for reference only.