The fast transformation and evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) significantly changed the general norm and operational process of industries. This drastically transformed different sectors of industries related to finance, healthcare and communication, and. the upgradation in the technologies driven by AI also increasing the threats aligned with these technologies are also advancing. The most critical and significant concern in this new age technology-driven world is the increase of cyber-attacks powered by AI. This represents a significant risk to the privacy of data in this new age of big data. Organizations need to understand the impact and seriousness of these cyber threats and acknowledge their vulnerabilities to these threats. The organization also has to incorporate significant measures related to security in the process of protecting sensitive and important information.
In this new era of digital technology, the value of data has significantly increased and is considered the most important asset for an individual or organization. This idea of importance involves innovation related data of businesses, insights into consumers, and the processes related to decision-making. However, this factor of dependency on information or data also develops the exposure of organizations to become prime targets to be exploited with cyberattacks driven by AI. The incorporation of strategies related to data privacy has to eliminate these threats.
Artificial intelligence significantly increased the capabilities of attackers to efficiently conduct cyber-attacks. This also increased their intelligence and the scale of the attacks. Compared to the traditional process of cyber-attacks, the attacks driven by AI have the capability to automatically learn, adapt, and develop strategies with a minimum number of human interventions. These attacks proactively utilize the algorithms of machine learning, natural language processing, and deep learning models. They leverage these algorithms in the process of determining and analyzing issues or vulnerabilities, avoiding security and detection systems, and developing phishing campaigns that are believable.
Social engineering and phishing techniques in cyber-attacks are a concept that is developing and progressing with the passing years. This mainly involves emails, which are one of the most commonly utilized tools for communication in the world. Emails related to phishing are mostly about social engineering, and these can be proposed through links or attachments to this kind of email. Both of these aspects are extremely dangerous and malicious in the context that they can potentially hack classified or personal information and even gain complete control over computers, avoiding the user’s attention. The concept of phishing is a process of sending messages leveraging emails in the form of well-acknowledged institutions such as banks, multinationals, and government organizations. Significant factors influence the opening of these emails, and the most common factors are promotions and campaigns. Other factors such as utilization of persuasion and influence in the process of deceiving people. The idea of social engineering is impersonating another person in the process of conducting manipulation. This involves taking advantage of embodiment to gain information with or without the utilization of technology. The implementation of artificial intelligence in these processes significantly increased their efficiency. The generative ability of AI for voice, text, graphics, and video content significantly contributes to increasing the capabilities in impersonation of other people in social engineering and text or graphics generation in phishing attacks.
AI has also significantly increased the intelligence of systems related to malware and autonomous hacking. These systems gained the capabilities to infiltrate networks, leverage the vulnerabilities of the system, and avoid detection systems. Malware driven by AI has the capability to make real-time modifications to its codes, unlike conventional malware. This significantly increases the difficulties in the detection and eradication process for the security software. These difficulties involve infiltration in systems powered by AI, such as polymorphic malware. It can convert its appearance based on the data collected from every attempt of cyber-attack. This results in successful avoidance of conventional security measures related to the detection of malicious activities. Additionally, automation tools powered by AI in the process of hacking can accurately determine weaknesses in networks, examine the measures of security, and identify loopholes that can be utilized without any interference of humans. These instruments are exceptionally capable to conduct cyber-attacks with drastic speed and accuracy. This increases the need for the adoption of robust security systems in the organizations and actively upgrade them.
The technology known as deep fake with the capabilities of artificial intelligence is also a critical threat for data security and privacy. The abilities of this system such as audio manipulation, generative images, and fabricated videos in the process of creating realism in content can be leveraged in fraudulent and malicious activities. These activities include theft of identity, spread of misinformation, and business email compromise (BEC) scams. There are practical examples such as generation of fake videos with orders for funds transferring and disclosure of classified information. In a similar process, fake audio recordings developed with AI can potentially avoid authentication or security systems.
AI powered cyber criminals’ activities creates various different cases of unauthorized access of data. This results in the disclosure of classified information such as information related to trade, credit card related information, and personal identity-related data. These outcomes are developing large-scaled financial losses for organizations and damaging their reputation. This also increases trust in the consumers related to data privacy and increases the demand for robust security measures with the aim of safeguarding critical and personal information of the consumers. It also causes national security national security related threats. This includes government agencies, defense and infrastructure-related classified data or information as prime targets. Government and private agencies have to incorporate cybersecurity systems powered by AI in the process of minimizing these threats. There are capable systems such as multi-factor authentication and zero trust architecture plays crucial role in cyber security. Occasional audits to ensure adherence to the security measures and training programs for employees around the information related to phishing and social engineering attacks also can be beneficial. Regulations and policies have to be developed by the governments for ethical development of AI and cybersecurity. This can provide advantages in the process of decreasing the utilization of artificial intelligence in fraudulent activities.
Artificial intelligence, data privacy, and cybersecurity are significantly connected with each other. In one hand this develops significant opportunities for upgradation in cyber security measures, on the other hand develops significant threats related to relevancy of these measures. The institutions of government and private organizations have to maintain relevancy of their cyber security measures and system for ensuring national security and privacy of data.
About the Author
Balasubramani Murugesan, Director of Engineering of the Digit7 LLC. Balasubramani Murugesan is a seasoned IT leader with over 18 years of experience, specializing in cybersecurity, product and project management, data lakes, DevOps implementation, and team building. Currently serving as the Director of Engineering at Digit7, he has a proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative, cutting-edge technological solutions. His leadership has spanned industries, driving successful product launches and digital transformations.
Balasubramani holds multiple certifications, including SAFe® Agilist, Scrum Master, Six Sigma Green Belt, and Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert. He is also an expert in cloud computing (Azure, AWS), AI (with a focus on Computer Vision), cybersecurity and DevOps. As a member of the prestigious Forbes Technology Council, he actively contributes to thought leadership within the tech space.
In addition to his technical expertise, Balasubramani is an enthusiastic writer and blogger. His writings explore the intersection of technology and traditional wisdom, reflecting his interest in how ancient principles can inform modern innovations. His blog and contributions aim to bridge the gap between technological advancement and timeless knowledge.
Balasubramani is also the author of the book “Natural Language Processing in AI”, which explores into the complexities and applications of AI in natural language processing. The book reflects his deep expertise and commitment to educating others about the transformative potential of AI technologies.
In recognition of his thought leadership, Balasubramani is also a Microsoft Tech Community – Brass Contributor, where he actively engages with peers, sharing insights and contributing to discussions on cybersecurity, emerging technologies and best practices.
Beyond his professional achievements, Balasubramani is passionate about mentoring and inspiring the next generation of technology professionals. He dedicates significant time to guiding students and young minds, encouraging curiosity and nurturing the technical skills that will shape the future of the industry.
Balasubramani can be reached online at www.linkedin.com/in/balasubramani-murugesan-36656a16 and at our company website https://www.digit7.ai/
