In this article we have answered seven burning questions about AI-driven cyber attacks and some actionable tips to help you stay safe.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) seems to be exploding in all directions at once. We’ve moved from the introductory ChatGPT model to hundreds of new AI-driven tools in just a few months. We already have AI-powered chatbots, image and voice generators, health and productivity apps, and intelligent appliances.
However, the flip side is that AI is also responsible for increasingly devastating cyber threats. AI-assisted cyberattacks are more intelligent and sophisticated than before. They can detect and evade your protection mechanisms and bypass traditional cybersecurity measures.
Even though we still don’t fully understand the technology, we’ve become pretty comfortable with AI tools like chatbots. Businesses of all sizes use it to boost productivity, hoping to lower their salary bills.
But at the same time, the newest cybercrime figures show a terrific increase in AI-driven cybercrime. Our easy adoption of AI exposes us to more significant risks than before.
How Is AI Used in Cyberattacks?
AI tools are easy to use and available to everyone, no matter how good or bad their intentions. As a result, cybercriminals are increasingly using AI to write poisonous code. AI is especially useful for scammers. They use it to create sophisticated and convincing phishing emails to spread malware, fake news, and ransomware. Keep in mind that:
- AI-powered automated tools are fast, agile, and relentless. They can execute targeted attacks to exploit vulnerabilities in cloud-hosted infrastructures.
- Deepfake technology can create convincing artificial personas that can even pass biometric tests. Scammers can create high-definition, fake videos to mimic public figures. They can make the manipulated video say anything they like. For example, they can use an image of Jeff Bezos to encourage people to visit dangerous websites.
- Attackers can use AI to research potential targets. Once they know a person’s daily routine or how employees connect to their employer’s network, they can use AI to tailor a malware attack.
- AI chatbots have taken phishing emails to a new level. They can write “fake emails” that are almost indistinguishable from the real thing, even if you know a contact well. Hackers use AI tools like FraudGPT to create convincing phishing emails and spread malware.
- AI helps people with coding backgrounds do their work much faster. ChatGPT can write code in 15 minutes, whereas a coder could take a few hours. You don’t even need coding knowledge to write malicious code. Anyone can ask a chatbot to write code. There are even bots like WormGPT that are designed specifically for writing malicious code.
- Attackers can poison customer service and other public chatbots with false data. That could lead to the bots giving misleading answers or redirecting people to dangerous websites.
Also read: What can someone do with your IP address, and how do you protect yourself?
Actionable Tips to Protect Your Business From AI Cyberattacks
Companies can do a lot to protect themselves from AI-driven cyberattacks and network breaches. Here are answers to seven common questions from businesses about the future AI cybersecurity landscape:
Should My Company Use AI?
It is becoming impossible to avoid using AI in one form or another. However, AI models are still evolving. Developers read and use people’s input to train and upgrade future models.
So, if you want to adopt AI, remember not to share private or sensitive data with AI tools. Consider adopting an AI policy for your company. It will create awareness of the privacy risks and protect you from possible accountability or transparency risks.
Do I Need Endpoint Security Software?
The answer is a resounding “Yes!” Attackers can even use text messages to spread malware. Fortunately, cybersecurity companies can also use AI to identify and prevent attacks. Secure all devices in your business with a reliable antivirus or anti-malware solution. They’re built to identify malware or poisonous links in emails and messages thus preventing your business from AI-driven cyber attacks
Is Phishing Still a Risk?
Phishing attacks have become more dangerous than ever. Attackers use AI chatbots to write perfectly phrased phishing messages. Approach all emails, messages, and requests for personal information with skepticism. You can’t rely on spotting spelling mistakes and odd formatting like in the past. Also, mind your phone activities. If you receive a text or call from an unknown number, remain cautious.
Are Software Patches Still Important?
Don’t skip those updates! AI can seek out vulnerable devices by scanning the internet. They search for specific device models, software versions, or recently discovered security vulnerabilities.
Do I Need a VPN?
Connecting to your files or network without a VPN is a form of Russian Roulette. That’s particularly true if you or your employees must use public Wi-Fi hotspots or home networks. Criminals can buy special hardware or software kits for Wi-Fi snooping and sniffing.
But, if you encrypt your internet connection with a VPN, you can block eavesdroppers looking to grab usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information. Stop wondering, “Do I need a VPN?” and simply try out a free VPN trial.
Are My IoT Devices Safe?
Remember those hacked baby monitors and live camera feed incidents? It’s still possible to hack into your printers, security cameras, garage doors, and even cars. You can’t secure individual IoT devices with an antivirus. Therefore, if you use any IoT devices, secure your network router with proper cybersecurity tools to shield them from AI-driven network probes and attacks.
Can I Trust Software Apps and Outsourced IT Services?
Third parties like software companies and IT service providers could pose some of the most dangerous risks. Even the largest and most digitally advanced companies, like Microsoft, can succumb to cyberattacks.
If one of your suppliers experiences a data breach or hack, it can unexpectedly plunge you into a security mess. Vet service providers as carefully as you would vet your employees and stay current on cyber risks.
Also read: Cybersecurity | How To Build A Successful Career In Cybersecurity?
Final Words
Since the advent of AI, businesses can’t afford to rely on employees’ common sense or gut feel to stay safe from phishing attacks, data theft, or data breaches. It’s time to kick your actions up a notch: keep your software up to date, use endpoint security, and encrypt internet connections. By being proactive and vigilant, you can stay ahead of AI-driven cyberattacks and safeguard your business from harm.
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