In the digital age, where advances in AI dominate several industries, cybersecurity remains a top concern for many. Experts are considering the potential impact and benefits of integrating AI into cybersecurity.
In Qrator Labs’ latest report, Attacks will increase by 40% in the first half of 2023 At the same time, a new report from IBM finds that AI-powered security tools have the potential to significantly reduce the cost and impact of data breaches. The study found that without AI, a breach would cost on average around £3.4m, but with AI the cost drops to around £1.8m. nearly 50% reduction.
Meanwhile, AI-powered security tools can reduce the time it takes to detect and respond to cyberattacks, enable organizations to more effectively identify and mitigate security risks, and provide solutions such as self-healing networks and adaptive authentication systems. helps develop new security technologies.
But like all things in life and technology, there is a dark side.
Cybercriminals use AI to carry out more frequent and sophisticated attacks
The main problem is that cybercriminals are leveraging AI to carry out more frequent and sophisticated attacks. And unlike businesses, government agencies, regulators, and nation-state organizations, hackers don’t have to wait for budget approvals, board meetings, technology integration, or approval processes. They steal technology and funding to access cutting-edge tools weeks or months in advance of the tools they are attacking.
said Victor Zyamzin, Global Head of Business Development at Qrator Labs. You need a bot to collect this information from anywhere. Therefore, bot attacks occur against public and private data. Although this acceleration of research is revolutionary, it is not without its drawbacks. Despite the capabilities of AI, the final product will always require a human touch. Code created with the help of AI is far from perfect and will inevitably require human modification. ”
Bots, the cornerstone of the digital world, are rapidly changing thanks to AI. According to Qrator Labs, bot activity has skyrocketed over the past three months, with an average growth rate of 13 million bot requests daily.
Imagine a bot designer who fully understands a system like Captcha, designed to differentiate between humans and bots. With this knowledge, you can integrate AI into your bots to go beyond these security measures. This scenario depicts an unsettling yet thrilling duel between two AI models. Defending AI distinguishes between bots and real users, while attacking models are armed with different combinations of “user agents” and constantly adapt to find vulnerabilities. This evolution signals the arrival of an era in which cyber threats will become increasingly intelligent.
The rise of sophisticated phishing attacks
Bots are a significant cyber threat, but the impact of AI extends beyond that.
“Equally, if not more worryingly, is the rise of sophisticated phishing attacks. Instead of receiving emails from Nigerian princes demanding $5,000, which they will later pay back $1 million, they send emails to family members, colleagues, You’ll get messages like this from a friend,” Zamzin said.
Such deceptions are reinforced by the vast amount of personal data available online. This treasure trove of data is available, from passport details to past conversations, allowing attackers to tailor their approach to each target.
Moreover, platforms like Hackernews and specialized research journals regularly shed light on these things. new threat, it is clear that incorporating AI into cyberattacks is a matter of “when,” not “if.” As these tools and techniques become more accessible, the lines between genuine interactions and malicious intent are blurring, highlighting the urgent need for individuals and organizations to adapt and strengthen their defenses. .
The importance of a balanced approach to AI in cybersecurity
In this evolving landscape, it is important to understand that AI plays a dual role, benefiting both cyber defenders and attackers. As the frequency of attacks increases and the duration decreases, Average attack time is only 47 minutes – Suggests that cybercriminals are leveraging sophisticated tools.
Deep learning-based intrusion detection systems (IDS) can use machine learning to identify patterns in malicious traffic that are difficult to detect with traditional IDS. Additionally, AI-powered endpoint security solutions can protect devices such as laptops and smartphones from cyberattacks. Machine learning to detect and block malware even if it has never been seen before (there are only two AI-powered mechanisms available to defenders), and the speed at which AI can accurately identify vulnerabilities. , the ability for attackers to access the latest technology (and potentially deploy it before defenders) remains a significant concern.
As AI’s influence in cybersecurity increases, a balanced approach is essential. Recognizing the potential benefits of AI is just as important as understanding its threats.
It’s important to team up, stay up to date with the latest research, and play a solid defensive game. As we navigate this technology-driven era with its fair share of challenges, there is potential to unlock the benefits of AI without getting sidetracked by its pitfalls.