AI is becoming the ultimate tool for cyber attacks

Experts have expressed concerns about the nature and scale of threats

4 min. read

Published onMarch 11, 2024

published onMarch 11, 2024

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For most of us, OpenAI’s ChatGPT was the first encounter with AI. But it’s far more complex and dangerous!

As it turns out, threat actors have, in the last few years, utilized AI to perform cyber attacks of larger scale and intensity. Countering these has become a challenge for experts.

Cyber attacks are no longer limited to hacking accounts or stealing data from websites. These pose security concerns, as independent and state-backed hackers now use AI to attack the national infrastructure.

Microsoft confirms that AI-based cyberattacksare usually originating from Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. Microsoft’s PresidentBradd Smithalso highlighted thechallenges posed by AIand called for immediate regulations to counter the threat.

How is AI helping threat actors deploy advanced attacks?

AI has allowed threat actors to scale up attacks and develop malware that can go undetected in conventional security systems that aren’t up-to-date with the latest standards. Here are a few ways AI is fueling cyber attacks:

AI-based cyberattacks pose a threat to national security

Of late, several reports have emerged of state-backed threat actors using AI to attack another nation’s security, military, and civilian infrastructure.

Researchers at MIT have been able to simulate attacks that could trigger explosions in household and industrial items, say, valves, motors, and pumps. It is done by jamming the equipment or causing the temperature control mechanism to malfunction.

At a time when a large part of the world is embroiled in violence, either directly or indirectly, such attacks pose an imminent threat!

Surprisingly, the answer to AI-based cyber attacks is also AI

Microsoft, the company leading the AI push, is usingAI to combat such cyber attacks. Its latest offering,Copilot for Security, quickly assesses the type and scale of the attack, breaks down the script, and provides analysts with the option to quickly deploy the relevant fix, all using AI!

So, if threat actors are using AI for cyber attacks, you will have to defend with AI-based security tools to stand a chance at beating them. The one with more advanced tools and a comprehensive understanding should win!

At present, our options to minimize the risk of AI-backed cyberattacks are to raise awareness amongst the masses, regulate the use of AI, and deploy advanced defence mechanisms in critical infrastructure that quickly detect and eliminate such threats.

OnMarch 13, 2024,Microsoft Secureis holding an eventto highlight ways to effectively deal with the situation. Join it to find out more about AI-powered cyberattacks!

Do not forget to share your views on AI and its use by threat actors in the comments section below.

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

AI is becoming the ultimate tool for cyber attacks#

How is AI helping threat actors deploy advanced attacks?#

AI-based cyberattacks pose a threat to national security#

Surprisingly, the answer to AI-based cyber attacks is also AI#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

AI is becoming the ultimate tool for cyber attacks

How is AI helping threat actors deploy advanced attacks?

AI-based cyberattacks pose a threat to national security

Surprisingly, the answer to AI-based cyber attacks is also AI