AI, a threat to your business
In today’s digital world, hackers are finding new ways to breach the security of companies. One of the latest tools they are using is Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI helps them carry out attacks more efficiently and effectively.
As AI continues to evolve, it is becoming more adept at generating human-like text. This means that the days of easily identifying spam emails due to their awkward phrasing or blatant sales pitches are fading. Instead, we’re moving toward an era where AI, specifically generative AI, can craft convincing, personalised emails that are difficult to distinguish from those written by a human.
But what is AI?
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to any computer system capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, text generation, speech recognition, or language translation.
A recent advancement in AI is the development of generative AI, which involves AI tools capable of creating various types of content, including text, images, and videos. Some of these tools can even manage multiple types of content simultaneously, known as “multimodal” tools. For instance, ChatGPT allows users to interact with it by asking questions in a conversational manner, while tools like DALL-E can generate digital images based on natural language descriptions.
Why the widespread interest in AI?
Since the release of ChatGPT in December 2022, we have witnessed a surge in products and services incorporating AI integrations for both internal and customer use. Organisations across various sectors are now embedding large language models (LLMs) into their services and operations. This trend has sparked widespread interest in other applications of AI among a broad audience.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) aims to ensure that everyone can benefit from the full potential of AI. However, to fully realise these opportunities, AI must be developed, deployed, and operated securely and responsibly. Cybersecurity is essential for ensuring the safety, resilience, privacy, fairness, efficacy, and reliability of AI systems.
How do spammers use AI?
The way that cybercriminals are using AI to bolster their phishing efforts is simple: by asking an AI chatbot to emulate a certain style of writing, they can craft phishing emails that look more convincing than ever before. This tactic makes it more difficult for email security applications to catch strange behaviours that get emails flagged as suspicious or sent to spam or junk folders. The same red flags missing from phishing emails also make it harder for the email recipient to distinguish phishing attempts from legitimate emails, which can lead to higher rates of individuals falling for email scams.
Generative AI holds immense potential for a range of applications, but its ability to craft convincing spam sales emails (and realistic-looking fake news) presents a significant challenge that must be addressed to ensure online safety and security.
What AI security threats to look out for?
- Automated attacks and exploits: Hackers are using AI to automate their attacks on companies. With AI, they can quickly find weaknesses in a company’s computer systems and applications. These weaknesses could be things like easy-to-guess passwords or flaws in the system’s security. AI algorithms help hackers launch large-scale attacks on many companies at once. By doing this, they increase their chances of successfully breaking into a company’s network.
2. Advanced phishing and social engineering: AI is also aiding hackers in carrying out more sophisticated phishing attacks. Phishing is when hackers trick people into giving them their personal information, like passwords or credit card numbers. With AI, hackers can create more convincing emails and messages. AI algorithms analyse a lot of data to make these messages look real and personalised. It becomes harder for people to tell if the messages are from real or fake sources.
3. Sneaky malware and dodging security: Hackers are now using AI to create malware that is harder to detect. Malware is malicious software that hackers use to gain unauthorised access to computers or steal data. AI helps hackers design malware that can hide from security software. The malware can change its code or behaviour to avoid being detected by antivirus programs. This makes it more difficult for companies to protect their systems from these attacks.
4. Cracking passwords and fooling biometric systems: Passwords are a common way to protect our accounts, but hackers are using AI to crack them. AI algorithms can guess passwords by trying many different combinations. They can also use information from past data breaches to figure out common password patterns. Additionally, hackers are using AI to create fake fingerprints or voice recordings to trick biometric systems. Biometric systems use unique physical characteristics like fingerprints or voiceprints for security, but AI helps hackers bypass these systems.
5. Analysing data for targeted attacks: Hackers are using AI to gather and analyse large amounts of data. They can collect information from social media, leaked databases, and other sources. With AI, hackers can find patterns in the data that help them launch more targeted attacks. They can tailor their attacks to exploit specific weaknesses or trick certain individuals. This makes it easier for them to steal valuable information from companies.
Prevent AI attacks with RITO Technologies
Prevent AI attacks by partnering with an IT provider who can help you implement robust cybersecurity protocols. These should include advanced firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS), endpoint security solutions to protect all connected devices, and regular software updates to patch vulnerabilities. This comprehensive approach ensures your systems remain secure and resilient against potential threats.
Protect your business and build resilience for the future with RITO Technologies.
RITO Technologies is at the forefront of IT strategy, specialising in crafting tailor-made solutions for micro to SME businesses. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by the finance, legal and medical sectors, we pride ourselves on being more than just a service provider; we are your strategic partner in IT.
For more information about our free cybersecurity assessment or cybersecurity services, get in touch with us at info@rito-tech.co.za or call us on 010 213 7016 and we will gladly assist you.
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