Leaders in IT and security technology are concerned about the impact of artificial intelligence on cybersecurity, and they are justified in this concern.
They have the ability to carry out their suspicious activities more effectively and quickly by using smart technology, making it more challenging for IT security managers and cybersecurity experts to protect their affiliated organizations.
Brian Finch, Co-Chair of Cybersecurity, Data Protection, and Privacy Practices at the law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, stated that one of the primary ways hackers leverage artificial intelligence is by enhancing the efficiency of deceptive emails, known as “social engineering attacks”.
He said: “Historically, it was relatively easy to identify fake emails due to the poorly crafted description.” “In particular, electronic fraud emails created by unknown hackers in a specific language can be easily detected due to weak language rules, illogical vocabulary, and poor spelling.”
Finch pointed out that these blatant errors were easily detectable through automated defenses and also by vigilant individuals in a relatively simple manner.
He mentioned that artificial intelligence allows many individuals, regardless of their linguistic skills, to quickly create convincing texts at low cost for use in sending deceptive emails.
By using artificial intelligence techniques, it is now possible for a phishing email to appear similar to authentic messages, leading to an increase in the number of individuals who may fall victim to scams and actually click on malicious links.
Cybersecurity leaders can follow 3 steps to enhance organizational security programs in the era of artificial intelligence use.
1- Comparing Artificial Intelligence capabilities.
One effective step that organizations can take to enhance defense against the latest attacks using smart technology is distributing tools and services that leverage artificial intelligence.
Therefore, keeping up with the latest technologies and employing competent individuals in the field of artificial intelligence is essential to efficiently use these products, or existing staff should be retrained to successfully benefit from them.
Kyle Capel, Cybersecurity Lead at the American company KPMG, stated that advanced technologies such as machine learning algorithms and real-time monitoring and surveillance can play a crucial role in identifying potential security breaches or malicious activities and responding to them. He added that by utilizing these tools, institutions can enhance their capabilities in detecting, preventing, and responding to security events effectively.
Capel further added that with specialized AI security monitoring staff in place, individuals can effectively assess the risks posed by new threats and implement appropriate preventive measures.
2- Updating Employee Training Programs.
If an organization is using outdated training methods to teach employees how to avoid falling prey to attackers, it is highly likely to suffer a data breach or any other security incident. Training programs need to be completely revamped, and tools need reinforcement in this new security environment.
Finch added: “Artificial intelligence is a very new phenomenon to the extent that most humans – including executives – are unable to understand how it can be used for truly malicious purposes.” He also explained that “business leaders need to educate themselves and their employees about the negative developments that AI could lead to.”
“Artificial Intelligence”.
For instance, it is crucial for employees to learn about the signs they should watch for in fraudulent emails created by artificial intelligence, as hackers use AI to make the messages appear authentic. They must be continuously trained due to the ongoing evolution of these threats.
3- Constructing a New Security Framework
Ultimately, the deployment of new training tools and programs is a positive step, but given the latest threats and dangers of artificial intelligence, organizations need to establish strategies to enhance security across all departments and ensure policy enforcement.
Kabil stated: “Executive leaders must adopt a comprehensive framework directing the implementation of appropriate controls for intelligent use of artificial intelligence throughout the organization and in various job functions, including interaction with external parties.”
The framework should include risk indicators and ecosystem control of artificial intelligence. It is essential to focus on addressing unique security considerations associated with implementing artificial intelligence in their organizations and reducing the security risks they face.
Related
