A report published by the UK's National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) warns that AI-based cyber threats will increase significantly over the next two years.
The center specifically warns of a sharp increase in ransomware attacks. A hacker introduces malicious software to encrypt a victim's files or entire system and demands a ransom payment for the decryption key.
The NCSC assessment predicts that AI will enhance attackers' ability to carry out more convincing phishing attacks, primarily by tricking individuals into providing sensitive information or clicking malicious links. Masu.
“Generative AI can already create interactions that are as convincing as deceptive documents, without the translation and grammatical errors common in phishing emails,” the report states.
The emergence of generative AI, which can create convincing interactions and documentation without common phishing red flags, has been identified as a key driver of threat growth over the next two years.
The NCSC assessment identifies challenges in cyber resiliency, citing the difficulty in verifying the legitimacy of emails and password reset requests due to generative AI and large-scale language models. The shrinking timeframe between security updates and threat exploitation makes it even more difficult for network administrators to quickly patch vulnerabilities.
James Babbage, Director of Threats at the National Crime Agency, said: “AI services will lower barriers to entry, increase the number of cybercriminals, and enhance their capabilities by increasing the scale, speed and effectiveness of existing attack methods. I guess so.'' he commented.
However, the NCSC report also outlines how AI can enhance cybersecurity through improved attack detection and system design. More research is needed into how the development of defensive AI solutions can help mitigate evolving threats.
Access to high-quality data, skills, tools, and time now primarily enables state actors with advanced capabilities to conduct sophisticated cyber operations powered by AI. But the NCSC warns that these barriers to entry will gradually fall as talented groups monetize and sell AI-enabled hacking tools.
Scope of AI improvements over the next two years:
NCSC CEO Lindy Cameron said: “We need to leverage the vast potential of AI technology and ensure we manage risks, including the impact on cyber threats.”
The UK Government has allocated £2.6 billion under the Cybersecurity Strategy 2022 to strengthen the country’s resilience against emerging high-tech threats.
AI will revolutionize the cyber risk landscape in the near future. Continued investment in defensive capabilities and research is essential to countering the potential for empowering attackers.
A full copy of the NCSC report can be found here here.
(Photo by Muha Ajjan on Unsplash)
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