There is no denying that artificial intelligence has been instrumental in enhancing cyber security. The purpose of AI is to use the data inputted into it to make human-like assumptions and thus is able to make correct assumptions in different situations. It enhances cyber security by quickly detecting advanced malware and threats, which mitigates most cyber risks. However, if left in the wrong hands, AI can be used to cause devastating cyber attacks. So, does artificial intelligence make cyber attacks more dangerous? What risks are posed by these AI-driven cyber attacks, and how do you protect yourself? These are some of the questions I will dig deep into in the article below.
What Can AI Do Now?
Artificial intelligence started with machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), which enabled systems to use the data inputted to make decisions by mimicking the neural-like working mechanism of the human brain. It then moved to narrow AI, which, although limited, is geared to match human intelligence and has been utilized for chatbots and self-driving vehicle systems. Now, there is generative AI, which uses existing data to come up with new content based on the prompt. Generative AI can be successfully used in music, image, text and audio generation.
What Risks Does AI Pose to Cyber Security
While generative AI was designed to benefit various areas of life, it can be quite destructive when accessed by the wrong hands. This risk is primarily enhanced by the fact that generative AI learning is unsupervised. This leaves it vulnerable to misuse as malicious people can feed AI with information that aids in different cybercrimes. The risks of cyber security imposed by AI include;
Automated Malware
Research shows that people can input malicious bots that commit data theft. This is of great concern because most malicious code is now almost undetectable. Attackers can get on a system, execute malicious bots, and leave without being detected. This puts sensitive information at risk, and it may take a while before an attack is identified and resolved.
Phishing Attacks
AI can be used to create hyper-realistic phishing attacks because it can clone an original website in a few seconds. This means you can get an email that appears to come from the original user’s address, but it is a complete fake. AI’s ability to perfectly and quickly clone a website creates the perfect breeding grounds for phishing attacks.
Ransomware
There have been numerous cases of big companies and even governments targeted by hackers using ransomware. This happens when an attacker diagnoses a system’s weaknesses and creates a series of escalating attacks. The goal of ransomware is to gain illegal access to a system, operate it at will, steal confidential information or even shut it down.
Deep Fakes
AI tools are now more accessible to people, and hackers are taking advantage of this availability. A hacker can make a deep fake that looks and sounds like the targeted individual. This enables them to execute different attacks, including virtual kidnappings and fraudulent investment opportunities, especially on social media.
Generally, AI can be manipulated to create more sophisticated, faster, undetectable cyber attacks.
The Advantages of Using Norton
With all the cyber attacks, is there a hope to mitigate these security breaches? Yes, you can better protect yourself by hiring a cyber security expert like Norton. The trained professionals at Norton offer services and tools that safeguard you from vicious online attacks. One such way is by using Norton Identity Advisor Plus. This tool provides advanced monitoring technology that protects you against identity attacks. For £19.99 per year, you get top-tier identity protection, financial monitoring and assistance if your wallet is stolen. This program can search the dark web to see if there is any information that could be used to your detriment and solve it accordingly. Advanced monitoring technology is fundamental to credit card fraud detection. The Norton team can detect suspicious activities across multiple accounts and alert you to charges or activities you do not generate. You will be protected against data breaches, mail theft, ATM overlays and dumpster divers.
While there is no telling how far AI will go in cyber attacks, it is best to be prepared beforehand, and Norton has you covered.
Brook Taube