The rate at which companies face cyber threats and attacks is growing alarmingly. Unfortunately, the advent of AI means these threats are becoming more sophisticated, posing significant risks to business operations, finances, and reputations. However, cybersecurity experts are leveraging AI to create smarter defenses, giving organizations a fighting chance against these advanced threats.

AI-Powered Cyber Attacks

Today's cybersecurity landscape is often referred to as an "arms race," with criminals and cybersecurity professionals racing to deploy the latest AI technology before their opponents. "If you're not using AI to defend yourself, you are not going to be successful," says Keiron Holyome, VP for AI and Cybersecurity for UK and Emerging Markets at Blackberry.

The threats businesses face are becoming “polymorphic, self-healing, and self-determining," describing a new breed of viruses and malware that can reprogram themselves and learn to evade defenses. Generative AI is also advancing phishing and social engineering attacks, with tools capable of crafting personalized emails that convincingly mimic colleagues or bosses, persuading recipients to disclose sensitive information.

"You are going to need significant defenses that allow you to attack those AI-based threats with an AI-based cybersecurity posture," Holyome explains.

Cybersecurity Challenges Highlighted by BlackBerry

BlackBerry's recent Global Threat Intelligence March 2024 report underscores the severity of cyber threats. The World Economic Forum ranks cyberattacks among the most severe threats organizations and society will face over the next two years. Deepfakes—AI-generated fake content—pose particular concern, especially in campaigns targeting elections and democratic processes.

Malicious software such as PrivateLoader, SmokeLoader, and PikaBot exemplify the sophisticated threats enabled by AI. These tools facilitate data theft, evade security software, and can severely impact economic and political stability. RedLine, another AI-powered tool, scrapes credentials from digital platforms and is widely distributed on the darknet, requiring minimal technical knowledge to operate.

Critical infrastructure is a frequent target. Of the 5,200,000 cyberattacks stopped by BlackBerry during the report's three-month period, 62% targeted critical infrastructure providers. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency issued an alert in November 2023 about active targeting of water and wastewater treatment facilities. A ransomware attack on a German hospital network on Christmas Eve 2023 disrupted emergency care operations, highlighting the potentially disastrous consequences of such breaches.

AI Cyber-Resilience – Planning and Preparation

As cyber threats intensify, businesses and organizations of all sizes must make cyber-preparedness a strategic priority. This involves transitioning from traditional cyber-defense tools to AI-focused tools capable of predictive and behavioral analytics.

Holyome advises, "Understanding your current security posture from an AI perspective and how you’re going to put measures in place to defend against those AI attacks is crucial. These attacks will be more persistent, frequent, and effective than ever before."

However, technology alone isn't enough. Education is paramount. Ensuring that everyone in the organization understands their roles and responsibilities in cybersecurity is critical. Employees need to recognize the dangers of phishing attacks, avoid clicking malicious links, and critically assess potentially fake or misleading information.

Cybersecurity must be embedded at the top levels of an organization. "Organizations need to embrace AI from a cybersecurity perspective and make it a part of their vernacular in the C-suite," says Holyome.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity can no longer be viewed as merely an aspect of IT operations. It must become a central pillar of business strategy. Integrating AI into this strategy offers a chance to tip the scales in favor of defenders, but it requires comprehensive education and organizational change. By adopting these measures, companies can reduce their risk of becoming victims, avoiding the financial and reputational damage that cyberattacks inevitably bring.

For over a decade, guided by the principle that "People Are People, Not Human Resources,"
I've immersed myself in the evolving landscape of work trends, HR technology, and organizational dynamics.

My mission is clear: to ensure that in the age of AI and Digital Transformation, we create workplaces where human intelligence and machine capabilities harmoniously co-exist. I focus on designing ethical, innovative solutions that not only drive organizational performance but also elevate the work experience for every associate.

With over 12 years of experience in International HR and Product Management, I’ve pioneered the development of human-centric solutions that deliver organizational efficiencies and boost employee satisfaction. My unique background empowers me to bridge the gap between functional and technical stakeholders, thus accelerating digital transformation across the enterprise.

How AI Is Changing The World Of Cybersecurity

AI-Powered Cyber Attacks

Conclusion

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How AI Is Changing The World Of Cybersecurity

AI-Powered Cyber Attacks

Conclusion

Read More

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