The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has been astonishing and is being exploited by cybercriminals who are rapidly leveraging its ability to create realistic simulations to conduct highly sophisticated cyberattacks, including targeted phishing campaigns, social engineering attacks, and voice/video cloning scams.
The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has been astonishing. The pace of AI innovation is advancing faster than any other technology we’ve seen before. Now accessible to everyone, AI is saving time and resources for businesses and cybersecurity providers worldwide. It is also being exploited by cybercriminals who are rapidly leveraging its ability to create realistic simulations to conduct highly sophisticated cyberattacks, including targeted phishing campaigns, social engineering attacks, and voice/video cloning scams.
It’s no surprise that AI has been a central topic at cybersecurity conferences over the past two years. I recently attended the Official Cybersecurity Summit in McLean, Virginia, where cybersecurity experts from a variety of industries were present. The event brought together providers like Hughes, information security analysts, business leaders, including CISOs, CIOs, CTOs, and CEOs, and government agencies, such as the IRS and DHS.
The role of AI in modern cybersecurity
The fundamental goal of AI is to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, saving time and resources and making our experiences better. In the cybersecurity space, we see it serving two groups with two very distinct purposes.
Cybersecurity vendors are using AI to analyze networks, endpoints, and traffic patterns to improve their products and protect their customers. AI is used to look at data and predict what may happen next, allowing the ability to then take proactive measures before an incident happens. Key components include real-time visibility, automated prevention, and threat detection.
Cybercriminalsare using AI to hone their criminal activities with phishing, ransomware, and deep fakes. The tactics tend to be similar: fool a user, get access, plant malware, collect data, and gain control.
Cybercriminals are deceiving users with more sophisticated methods. Gone are the days of posing as a prince from a faraway kingdom; now, they’re utilizing generative AI to replicate the voice, video, and likeness of their target or someone the target knows. These advanced tactics have successfully tricked individuals at all levels, from new hires to the C-suite.
By leveraging generative AI, cybercriminals are refining their techniques, making system break-ins easier and more efficient. AI-enhanced malware can autonomously steal sensitive data using new techniques, targeting specific users, engaging with those users, and presenting as business-like interactions, which may evade some antivirus protections. Additionally, AI is being used for document forgery, which can lead to fraudulent business activities.
Is it possible to code software that prevents cyberattacks?
The short answer is that this may be possible. It’s essential that software developers adhere to fundamental safety and security principles to help safeguard users and their information from malicious actors. To accomplish this, code must be robust and secure, making unauthorized access either impossible or significantly challenging.
Since most software development life cycle models don’t address efficient code and software security 100%, it’s crucial to incorporate practices such as the Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) into every software development implementation. The SSDF framework is a collection of essential, secure software development practices that help software developers minimize the number of vulnerabilities in their products, lessen the potential impact of undetected or unresolved vulnerabilities, and tackle the root causes to prevent future issues.
Every business must understand the risks of AI and cyberattacks
A data breach is when unauthorized parties gain access to sensitive or confidential information which can be overwhelming for any business, but especially for industries where customer data is highly valuable, such as retail, banking, and government. Franchises are also at high risk because of the unique geographic spread inherent in the franchise business model. Corporate cybersecurity efforts can become fragmented and less effective across multiple franchise locations, leading to a broader and more challenging threat landscape. If a bad actor gains access to one franchisee, the entire franchise system could be at risk.
Data leakages are the unintentional or unauthorized transmission of sensitive information from an organization to an external recipient or destination. Data exposure is when sensitive information is accidentally or unintentionally disclosed to an unauthorized individual or entity.
According to Statista, in 2023, the number of data compromises in the United States stood at 3,205 cases. Over 353 million individuals were affected by data compromises, including data breaches, leakage, and exposure. The average cost per data breach in the U.S. amounted to $9.48 million, up from $9.44 million in the previous year.
A quote I heard at the conference really struck a chord with me: “AI won’t replace humans—but humans with AI will replace humans without AI.” This statement sends a powerful message that we must stay attuned to how AI is evolving and influencing the way we work, learn, and safeguard our businesses.
(October 23, 2024). Carl Udler — Sr. Director, Hughes. Retrieved from https://www.digitalsignagetoday.com/blogs/ai-and-cybersecurity-a-unified-strategy-in-protecting-businesses-2/
