Cybersecurity has significantly evolved with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) – not only have the ways of protecting against cyber threats changed, but so have the methods of the attacks themselves. How do attackers leverage AI when planning cyberattacks? And conversely, how can you work with AI to protect against these threats?
The Dark Side of the Force: How cybercriminals use artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence has become a powerful tool for cybercriminals. It enables them to automate, accelerate, and optimize various phases of cyberattacks while also allowing even “junior cybercriminals” to carry out more sophisticated attacks. Here are the most common ways attackers use AI:
Automating attacks and efficient data collection
AI allows cybercriminals to automate environment reconnaissance and attack execution. It helps them quickly identify vulnerabilities and gather information about their targets and weaknesses more efficiently.
Personalized attacks
With AI, attackers can analyse publicly available information and craft personalized messages for phishing attacks, deepfakes, and other social engineering techniques. Humans are often the weakest link in cybersecurity, and attackers know it well. Moreover, distinguishing between reality and deception is becoming increasingly difficult.
Simplified creation of malicious code
Even beginner attackers can now use AI tools to develop malicious code. Although AI tools generally aim to prevent such misuse, some are specifically designed for cybercriminals.
How does deepfake work?
The Bright Side of the Force: How to use ai to protect against cyber threats
Fortunately, AI is not just a tool for attackers but also a powerful asset for defenders. How can you leverage artificial intelligence to protect against cyber threats?
Better threat detection and malicious code identification
AI is part of many tools commonly used within companies. It continuously analyses vast amounts of data and identifies patterns indicating potential threats. This enables you to monitor and analyse user and system behaviour, detecting anomalies that could otherwise lead to cyberattacks.
Automated protection
AI can automate routine tasks such as log analysis and vulnerability scanning, freeing up your hands for more complex strategic activities.
Education and training
Did you know you can use AI to simulate attacks and train employees to be better prepared for real threats? With AI, you can easily create highly realistic phishing tests, potentially increasing employees' interest in cybersecurity.
Keeping up with the rapid development of artificial intelligence and its impact on cybersecurity is essential to staying protected from increasingly ingenious cybercriminals. If you’re interested in a deeper look into AI in cybersecurity, we recommend our previous article: The Role of AI in Cybersecurity.
