In the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence (AI), experts are debating whether we are currently experiencing a golden age. While it may be difficult to predict the future of this new technology, there are certain aspects that can be confidently identified. AI has been receiving considerable attention for its potential applications in creative endeavors such as voice acting and screenplay writing. However, it is in the realm of mundane and monotonous tasks where AI is expected to be most valuable. This development is good news for developers, as AI has the capability to generate initial versions of code that can be easily refined and improved upon.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that not all coders are employed by legitimate businesses. Just as cybersecurity threat actors have become increasingly sophisticated and business-minded, they have also begun to adopt new technologies and techniques. This includes the utilization of AI in the development of malware and other cyber threats, regardless of whether we are indeed in a golden age of AI.
One noticeable trend in recent years has been the rise of “as-a-service” offerings within the cybersecurity landscape. Hackers, who were once merely hobbyists causing mischief, have now transformed into professional threat actors who sell their products for others to utilize. AI is expected to seamlessly fit into this new wave of cybercrime. Its ability to generate targeted code specifically designed to exploit vulnerabilities poses a significant challenge for traditional security measures that rely on pattern recognition.
The potential applications of AI in cyber scams are not limited to code generation. Phishing emails, for example, are often detected by efficient filtering tools and are consequently redirected to junk folders. Those that manage to bypass these filters are often poorly written and easily identifiable as scams. However, AI has the power to break this pattern, enabling the creation of thousands of plausible emails that can evade detection while appearing well-written enough to deceive both filters and end-users.
Furthermore, spear-phishing, a more targeted form of attack, could experience a revolution through the adoption of AI. While it may be easy for employees to ignore an email requesting immediate cash transfers or urgent gift card purchases from their superiors, what if the request were made through a deep-fake phone call or video chat? AI has the potential to leverage broadcast appearances and podcasts to create convincing imitations that are significantly harder to dismiss.
To effectively combat the benefits that AI bestows upon cyber attackers, a two-pronged approach is necessary: the development of better AI systems and improved training. As cybercriminals deploy AI to enhance their attacks, security teams must utilize the same technology to evolve their defense strategies. Without AI, cybersecurity defenses rely heavily on human operators and preprogramed patterns to detect and prevent attacks. AI-based defense tools have the potential to predict attack vectors, identify vulnerable areas within networks and systems, and analyze malicious code to improve preventative measures.
However, employing AI alone is not sufficient. Human intelligence remains essential in defending against AI-driven cyberattacks. The most effective defense against phishing attacks, for example, is an educated and vigilant workforce or customer base that recognizes the signs of an attack and refuses to fall for the bait. This necessitates the implementation of robust security policies and continuous cybersecurity training that keeps pace with the ever-evolving tactics of AI-based attacks.
While the signs of an AI-driven cyberattack are rapidly changing, some common features should be noted. These attacks are fast, scalable, adaptive, evasive, targeted, personalized, deceptive, manipulative, stealthy, and persistent. Businesses must prepare to counter not only individual threat actors but also coordinated attacks by state-sponsored organizations or criminal groups utilizing AI in sophisticated campaigns. To achieve this, organizations should adopt a risk-based approach, undergo regular security audits, implement robust backups and encryption measures, and devise comprehensive incident response plans. Acquiring well-known security certifications, such as PCI-DSS, can greatly assist in achieving these goals.
Furthermore, organizations must prioritize the cybersecurity of their own AI systems by ensuring data integrity, confidentiality, and availability, while mitigating the risks associated with adversarial attacks, data poisoning, and model stealing.
In addition to these individual measures, collaborative security efforts are crucial. By sharing information, best practices, and lessons learned from failures, businesses can prepare themselves more effectively for the new wave of AI-based security threats.
AI represents both a new threat and a continuation of older ones. Consequently, businesses must adapt their approaches to cybersecurity as threats become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent. While building on established principles, security teams need to keep evolving to safeguard their organizations effectively. Success lies not in abandoning old ideas but in combining them with emerging technologies, such as AI, to ensure the safety of businesses in an ever-changing digital landscape.