Generative AI, a form of artificial intelligence that can create original content, is not only revolutionizing various industries but also posing new cybersecurity threats. As this technology advances, experts warn that hackers may leverage it to launch sophisticated attacks, including phishing attempts and deepfake impersonations. The implications are concerning, especially as these AI-enabled attacks become more accessible and affordable to less skilled cybercriminals.

For countries that haven’t experienced many phishing attempts, generative AI could change the game. According to cybersecurity expert McGladrey, the ability of this technology to translate content means that phishing attempts may soon become more widespread. This puts individuals and organizations at a greater risk of falling victim to these malicious schemes.

Another emerging threat is the use of deepfakes. These manipulated media, which can convincingly mimic the voices and images of high-profile individuals, are increasingly difficult to spot as the technology improves. Ryan Bell, a threat intelligence manager at cyber insurance provider Corvus, points to the use of deepfake images of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disseminating disinformation as evidence of the nefarious purposes this technology can serve.

A report from Finland paints a bleak picture of the future, predicting that AI-enabled attacks will become more prevalent among less skilled attackers due to advancements in automation, stealth, social engineering, and information gathering. As conventional cyberattacks become obsolete, AI technologies will become more accessible, incentivizing hackers to employ them in their malicious activities.

Chatbots, commonly used by organizations to interact with customers, may also become a tool for hackers. Security experts warn that attackers could compromise chatbot systems to steal data or use them as a gateway to gain access to more valuable systems. This repurposing of compromised chatbots for spreading malware or interacting with individuals in nefarious ways adds a new layer of complexity to cybersecurity defenses.

However, AI’s impact on cybersecurity extends beyond the use of advanced attacks. As more workers, particularly those outside of IT, use generative AI to write code, organizations may unknowingly introduce errors, vulnerabilities, and malicious code into their systems. This aspect emphasizes the need to consider the potential risks associated with trusting these technologies without proper oversight.

Another pressing concern is the advent of quantum computing. The capabilities of quantum computers could soon render existing cryptographic algorithms obsolete, leaving digital information protected by current encryption protocols vulnerable to cyberattacks. Coupled with AI, quantum computing could give rise to even more sophisticated threats.

Data poisoning represents yet another emerging threat. By tampering or corrupting the data used to train AI models, attackers can manipulate the algorithms and influence the decisions and outputs of these systems. This sophisticated attack can be carried out by both insider and external actors, and many organizations lack the skills to detect and defend against such attacks effectively.

The manipulation of search engine rankings, known as SEO poisoning, is also identified as a significant threat. This tactic involves redirecting users to malicious websites through search engines, leading them to unwittingly download malware onto their devices. As this threat grows, organizations need to stay vigilant and implement robust measures to protect against SEO poisoning attacks.

In light of these evolving threats, CISOs are acutely aware of the changing cybersecurity landscape. The majority of security leaders anticipate a different set of cyber risks in the next five years, with AI and machine learning identified as the most significant themes. This reflects the need for organizations to embrace new technologies and strategies while adhering to established best practices to create proactive elements within their cybersecurity defenses.

Experts stress the importance of layering new technologies and techniques to strengthen defense systems and create a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. By combining established best practices with emerging technologies, organizations can detect and respond to novel threats effectively. Norman Kromberg, CISO of security software company NetSPI, emphasizes the importance of creating a defense-in-depth strategy that can identify and mitigate unknown threats.

As technology continues to advance, the cybersecurity landscape will undoubtedly evolve. Organizations must remain vigilant, adaptable, and proactive in their approach to cybersecurity to ensure the protection of their sensitive information and mitigate the potential risks posed by AI-enabled attacks.

Source link