AI-Powered Threats – Proactively Countering Emerging Risks
Published: 2023-11-17 15:23:11

 

While technological advancements have always benefitted the smooth working of companies, they’ve also allowed malicious software to circulate and target them. These threats are now becoming resistant to typical security protocols that most companies rely on to protect their assets. This means that many are high targets to these new kinds of cyberthreats and aren’t aware of how much is at stake.  

 

The Evolution of Cyber Threats 

 

Traditional cybersecurity measures have usually had a focus on known attack patterns and signatures, meaning they’re easy to predict and prevent.  But with the addition of AI into the equation, cybercriminals have now realised this flaw in the security. They’re able to analyse how security protocols detect threats and create them so that they can dodge protection systems and target businesses.  

 

The Dangers of AI 

 

Combative Machine Learning: 

 

This technique is used in machine learning in order to fool a model with malicious input. By confusing the software, it can cause it to make wrong decisions – this is usually used to then gain unauthorised access.  

 

Automated Social Engineering Attacks: 

 

These types of attacks leverage machine learning algorithms to study vast amounts of data about people, enabling attackers to craft highly targeted and convincing [phishing messages](https://cofense.com/knowledge-center/signs-of-a-phishing-email/#:~:text=Let%E2%80%99s%20start%20with,the%20victim%E2%80%99s%20device.). Being subjected to these messages might lead someone to accidentally leak highly sensitive information about themselves or the company, putting them at risk for fraud.  

 

AI-Enhanced Malware: 

 

Malware developers are using AI to create more potent and evasive malicious software ([malware](https://www.creative-itc.com/what-malware-means-and-how-to-identify-an-attack/#:~:text=Malware%20is%20harmful,keyloggers%20and%20rootkits.)).  AI algorithms can analyse the target environment and adapt in real-time, meaning anti-virus protection can’t keep up with it fast enough to block it.  

 

Proactive Countermeasures 

 

Using AI: 

 

The shocking solution to casting out AI threats is to fight them back with AI. AI learns as it goes by absorbing information and data, meaning it can pick up on abnormalities in patterns and detect possible threats.  

 

Behavioural Analysis: 

 

Many companies already have behavioural analyst tools to keep track of patterns and trends, but they can also [detect abnormalities](https://www.vmware.com/topics/glossary/content/behavioral-analysis.html#:~:text=DOWNLOAD%20NOW-,What%20Behaviors%20Are%20Telling%20of%20Nefarious%20Activity%3F,considered%20highly%20trusted%2C%20are%20targeted%20to%20get%20scripts%20to%20run%20remotely.,-Industry%20Pulse%3A%20Behavioral) which could be potential threats. By continuously monitoring user activities, businesses can better understand the normal behaviour of their systems and quickly identify deviations indicative of a security threat. 

 

Regular Security Audits and Updates: 

 

Updates are important in any area of technology- especially if they’re security updates. Keeping a solid track of when updates are due and if they’ve been successfully downloaded will ensure that security protocols, software, and AI algorithms are up to date. They’ll help to defend against the latest attack strategies. 

 

User Education and Awareness: 

 

No threat comes purely from code and technology alone. Human input will always be needed to lead attacks like this, and it’ll also be needed to stop it. Spreading awareness to users about the dangers of AI threats and how to spot unusual behaviour will give companies an extra defence mechanism that can see what AI can’t.  

 

 

Summary 

 

AI will continue to grow through the cyber sector, but it’s up to the awareness of businesses to protect themselves against cyber-attacks. Implementing strong and educated security systems that can fight AI, while doing what they can to further protect their staff and assets will help to develop stronger security that can banish cyber threats as they keep coming.