Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed various industries by offering innovative solutions to complex problems. For example, Microsoft Copilot has been used within Sharp UK to increase efficiency and simplify every day and often monotonous processes.
However, the same technology that enhances productivity and efficiency can also be used for malicious purposes. Cyber criminals are increasingly using AI to carry out sophisticated attacks, making cyber security a more significant challenge.
This blog explores how AI is being weaponised for cyber attacks and highlights a particularly concerning development - the rise of deepfake technology.
1. AI-Powered Phishing Attacks
Phishing is one of the most common methods of cyber attacks and has been for a long time now. With the introduction of AI, phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated and difficult to detect. Traditional phishing emails were often easy to spot due to poor grammar or suspicious links. However, AI algorithms can generate highly personalised and convincing messages that are tailored to individual targets, which increases the likelihood of success.
AI tools can analyse social media profiles, past interactions, and email histories to craft messages that seem legitimate. These AI-generated phishing attacks, known as spear-phishing, target specific individuals or organisations, often bypassing traditional spam filters.
This is why it is important to train your teams on how to spot a phishing email. At Sharp UK, we have a Security Awareness as a Service (SAaaS) solution which is a de-risking, training and education solution to help organisations maintain ongoing cyber security training for their teams all year round. It includes monthly AI-driven phishing campaigns that evolve based on individual actions e.g. if a user continuously clicks on phishing emails, the difficulty level of their monthly phishing simulation will be reduced to help with their ongoing education. The solution offers in-depth training on how to spot and report a phishing email and teaches your teams how to distinguish between spam, phishing, and spear-phishing emails.
2. Malware Evolution with AI
AI is being used to create more resilient and adaptive malware. Unlike traditional malware that follows a predefined set of instructions, AI-powered malware can learn from its environment and adapt its behaviour to evade detection. For example, AI-enhanced malware can analyse network traffic to identify patterns in cyber security defences and alter its strategy to avoid being caught.
Some AI-driven malware uses polymorphism to change its code frequently, making it harder for security software to detect and remove it. This dynamic evolution allows cyber criminals to develop malware that can evade even the most advanced security systems, creating a continuous challenge for cyber security professionals.
3. AI in Password Cracking
Brute-force attacks have historically been used by hackers to crack passwords. However, AI is now accelerating the process by enabling machines to learn patterns in password creation. AI algorithms can analyse millions of passwords and detect common trends, allowing hackers to generate highly probable password guesses. This process, known as password spraying, is far more efficient than traditional brute-force methods and poses a serious risk to online security.
AI-driven password-cracking tools are also capable of bypassing two-factor authentication (2FA) by learning from failed attempts and improving their chances of success over time.
4. Automation of Cyber Attacks
AI can automate many aspects of cyber attacks, from scanning for vulnerabilities to launching coordinated attacks on a large scale. Hackers can deploy AI-powered bots to scan thousands of websites or networks simultaneously, identifying weaknesses that can be exploited. This automation dramatically reduces the time and effort needed to launch successful attacks.
Once a vulnerability is found, AI can also help attackers automate the exploitation process, ensuring faster and more effective results. For example, AI-powered ransomware can autonomously encrypt files, determine the best way to demand ransom, and even adjust the ransom amount based on the perceived wealth of the target.
5. Deepfakes: A New Frontier in Cyber Crime
Perhaps one of the most concerning developments in the realm of AI-driven cyber attacks is the rise of deepfake technology. Deepfakes use AI to create highly realistic but fake images, videos, or audio of people. While deepfakes have gained attention for their use in entertainment and social media, they also present a serious threat in the cyber security landscape.
Cyber criminals can use deepfakes for various malicious purposes, including:
- Impersonating executives or public figures to manipulate financial transactions, known as “CEO fraud.”
- Blackmailing individuals by creating fake compromising videos.
- Disinformation campaigns, where fake videos or audio recordings are used to spread false information, create chaos, or damage reputations.
In one high-profile case, a deepfake audio of a CEO's voice was used to trick an employee into transferring $243,000 to a fraudster’s account. As deepfake technology continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly difficult for people and organisations to distinguish between real and fake, making this a powerful tool for cyber attackers.
6. AI-Assisted Data Mining and Social Engineering
AI enables attackers to gather and analyse vast amounts of data at unprecedented speeds. By using machine learning algorithms, cyber criminals can sift through public and private databases to uncover sensitive information about their targets. This data can then be used for social engineering attacks, where the attacker manipulates individuals into divulging confidential information or performing harmful actions.
AI-driven data mining tools can also scrape social media platforms and other publicly available data to create detailed profiles of potential victims. These profiles are then used to craft highly targeted attacks that are far more likely to succeed compared to traditional methods.
The Future of AI and Cyber Security
While AI offers great benefits in various fields, its misuse in cyber attacks represents a significant and growing threat. From AI-powered phishing and malware to the rise of deepfakes, cyber criminals are finding new ways to exploit this technology to their advantage. As AI-driven attacks become more prevalent, organisations and individuals must stay vigilant and adopt advanced cyber security measures to counter these evolving threats, which we can help you with at Sharp UK.
As AI continues to shape the future of both innovation and cyber crime, the key lies in ensuring that defensive measures evolve just as rapidly as the tactics employed by attackers.
