Fresh research has revealed that a staggering 93% of hackers believe that companies using AI tools have inadvertently opened up new avenues for cyber attacks. This alarming statistic, uncovered by Bugcrowd, a platform that connects organizations with ethical hackers, underscores the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats in the digital age. Furthermore, a significant 71% of hackers admitted that AI technology has actually assisted them in carrying out successful hacks over the course of this year.

The shift in hackers’ perception of AI’s role in hacking is quite remarkable when compared to previous years. In 2023, only 21% of hackers believed that AI would enhance their hacking endeavors. However, the latest data suggests a significant increase in the adoption and utilization of AI tools among hackers. In fact, 77% of hackers reported using genAI solutions, marking a 13% rise from the previous year.

Despite the growing use of AI in hacking activities, Bugcrowd’s recent report, “Inside the Mind of a Hacker,” highlights that hackers still recognize the limitations of AI technology. The survey, which involved 1,300 ethical hackers and security researchers, revealed that only 22% believe AI can outperform human hackers, and a mere 30% think AI can replicate human creativity. Nonetheless, the majority of hackers (74%) agree that AI has made hacking more accessible, enabling newcomers with limited technical skills to engage in cyber attacks.

Moreover, the survey sheds light on the escalating trend of hardware hacking, as 81% of hardware hackers reported encountering new vulnerabilities in the past year. The rise of AI has emboldened 83% of hardware hackers to target AI-powered hardware and software, opening up new avenues for exploitation. Michael Skelton, VP of security operations at Bugcrowd, noted the increased interest in hardware hacking, particularly due to the proliferation of vulnerable smart devices that have captured the attention of both ethical hackers and cybercriminals.

In addition to highlighting the technical aspects of hacking, the survey also emphasized hacking as a viable career option, especially for younger generations. A notable 88% of respondents were between the ages of 18 and 34, with 67% actively pursuing a full-time hacking career. The survey revealed that self-learning remains a popular pathway into hacking, with only 29% of hackers acquiring their skills through formal academic or professional coursework.

The allure of hacking as a career lies in its flexibility, as 59% of respondents reported hacking fewer than 14 hours per week. Furthermore, hacking skills have proven instrumental in securing employment, with 61% of hackers stating that their expertise helped them land a job. David Gerry, CEO of Bugcrowd, emphasized the changing perceptions surrounding hacking, pointing out that security professionals now distinguish between ethical hackers and malicious threat actors.

In conclusion, the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, fueled by the increasing adoption of AI tools by hackers, underscores the ongoing battle to secure digital assets and protect against malicious cyber activities. As hackers continue to exploit vulnerabilities in AI-powered systems, the need for robust cybersecurity measures and vigilant monitoring becomes all the more critical in safeguarding sensitive data and digital resources.

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