AI has gained immense popularity in recent years, with generative tools like ChatGPT captivating individuals and businesses. However, as the initial excitement fades, concerns about the darker implications of AI have emerged. One pressing question is whether AI will lead to a wave of AI-generated cybercrime.
The potential for cybercriminals to use AI in their malicious activities is significant. AI-powered attacks can take various forms, and understanding how cybercriminals might leverage this technology is crucial in quantifying the threat.
Phishing, which remains one of the most common forms of cybercrime, is a prime use case for AI in cyberattacks. While phishing attacks can already be effective without AI, generative models can enhance their destructive potential. AI can craft personalized and convincing phishing messages, making them more difficult to detect. Additionally, AI’s speed allows cybercriminals to produce a higher volume of these messages in less time. Tests have shown that users are more likely to fall for AI-produced phishing attempts compared to those generated by humans.
AI’s capabilities extend beyond language generation. It can also write code, including malware strains. Writing new code can be time-consuming and error-prone for humans, but AI can streamline the process, making it faster and more efficient. This means that cybercriminals can use AI to develop and implement new malware strains that may be more threatening and detection-resistant than traditional ones.
AI can also be used by cybercriminals to identify vulnerabilities in the cybersecurity defenses of organizations. While businesses have implemented extensive protections, AI can scan networks and infrastructure to pinpoint potential vulnerabilities more quickly and accurately than humans. By leveraging AI, cybercriminals can shorten attack timelines and exploit well-protected businesses, even against zero-trust frameworks.
Another emerging threat is deepfakes, AI-generated media that mimics real-world content. Cybercriminals can use deepfakes to create videos or audio messages that appear authentic, impersonating trusted individuals to manipulate employees into divulging sensitive information or sowing distrust. Deepfakes could also bypass biometric security measures or protect the identities of cybercriminals.
These risks are not just theoretical threats but are already being witnessed in real-world cyberattacks. Security firm Zscaler has observed a rise in deepfake attacks and attributes the 47% increase in phishing attacks in 2022 to AI. As AI continues to advance and become more accessible, its role in cybercrime is expected to grow exponentially.
To defend against AI-generated attacks, the cybersecurity industry needs to adapt and utilize AI itself. AI is already a leading use case in cybersecurity, and this trend must continue to keep pace with AI-driven advancements in cybercrime. AI can be used to detect vulnerabilities, deepfakes, and other AI-generated content, providing protection against these threats.
Increased scrutiny and skepticism among employees regarding unusual communications are essential. Stricter policies and zero-trust frameworks can help employees identify and verify AI-generated content. Regular training on how to recognize and respond to these threats is crucial.
Moreover, businesses must recognize that AI’s growth will accelerate the rate of change in cybercrime. More frequent penetration testing may be necessary to stay ahead of rapidly evolving AI-driven threats. Security professionals should also closely monitor the cybercrime landscape to identify emerging threats and prepare accordingly.
AI is revolutionizing both cybercrime and cybersecurity. Just as AI is transforming businesses, it is also opening new opportunities for criminals. The integration of AI into cybercrime is already happening, and the cybersecurity industry must adapt by implementing AI to defend against these evolving threats.