The Role of AI in Cyber Crime

The surge in the popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) has created equal amounts of excitement and uncertainty. As the use of AI across industries increases and evolves, so does the threat of AI-based cyber crime. 

With the advancement of AI, the cyber threat landscape is also being transformed. Many cyber criminals are able to leverage the power of AI to launch sophisticated and targeted attacks. 

AI’s potential to facilitate powerful malware attacks is still in its infancy. But, its role in streamlining social engineering tactics, such as phishing and deepfake tech, is becoming increasingly evident. 

AI has brought many benefits to businesses across industries, but it’s important to stay vigilant to any threats that could emerge. 

In this article, we’ll explore the role of AI in cyber crime, AI cyber threats to look out for, and the future of AI in crime. 

AI and Cybercrime

AI is a useful tool that can assist with data collection, organisation, and the protection of this data against external threats. Due to the widespread use of AI in business operations, AI and cyber crime protection have developed an interdependent relationship in modern cyber security models. 

AI improves the efficiency of data security systems by spotting potential threats before they can occur and shutting down incoming cyber attacks at astounding speeds. However, while focusing on the benefits of AI in cyber security, many business owners neglect the threats that external AI systems pose to their businesses, failing to realise the vulnerabilities of their own AI systems.

Now that automated malware, phishing, and ransomware processes can be completed by artificial intelligence, the use of AI in crime is becoming more mainstream. The rapid advancement of AI is leading to an evolution in the complexity of even simple cyber attacks. 

AI has the potential to launch various attack techniques, some of which may be subtle and incredibly challenging to detect. 

4 Threats That AI Could Pose to Your Organisation

The role of AI in cyber crime is something that no business can afford to overlook if it wishes to protect its network. Let’s explore some of the threats that AI could present to your organisation:

1. Large-Scale Automated Attacks

AI’s ability to swiftly mimic human thought patterns and modes of operations means that these systems can be trained to execute coordinated cyber attacks. 

With AI, cyber criminals no longer need to devote considerable time coordinating a large-scale attack on an organisation’s data system. Instead, they can simply teach an AI system to attack with minimal or no human involvement. 

When AI in cyber crime is weaponised, cyber criminals can alter or falsify reports generated by surveillance systems, reducing their reliability. 

2. Hacking of Surveillance Technologies

One of the roles of AI in cyber security is AI-based video surveillance. In this type of surveillance, AI systems intake security footage and process the data from it. These systems then use object and facial recognition to create reports based on this data. 

If a cyber criminal were to access AI-based surveillance footage, they would have the actual footage as well as the data that AI had learned about the footage. 

3. Algorithmic Manipulation

Hackers can break into AI data systems and manipulate an AI’s algorithm. By adjusting the algorithm to change what the AI system categorises as valuable or invaluable data, hackers can use AI systems to take down an organisation’s complete information system. 

AI in cyber crime is particularly dangerous in algorithmic manipulation as these attacks directly affect the AI system’s machine-learning processes and are challenging to resolve. 

4. Bypassing Physical Recognition

The role of AI in cybercrime is always evolving. As AI systems become capable of replicating human behaviour, they may soon be able to replicate specific individuals’ physical characteristics.

In 2019, a hacker utilised AI to mimic the voice of a European company executive and deceived a UK-based CEO into making a fraudulent transfer of £200,000. The employee was convinced that the AI’s voice was that of the company’s chief executive. 

It’s expected that we’ll see a rise in machine-learned cybercrimes shortly, especially in voice and video-based crimes. 

The Future of AI in Cyber Crime

While the current and future advancements in the world of cyber security are clearer, the future of AI in cyber crime is challenging to predict. In many situations, the exact ways that AI makes operations more efficient and keeps data secure are its largest vulnerabilities. 

Despite its usefulness in modern operations, many organisations lack guidance on how to safely implement AI tech into their systems. There’s also a distinct lack of information available on how to defend your business against AI-based cyber threats. 

AI cyber attacks may be in their infancy, but you can still take proactive steps to protect your business. Implementing cyber security measures and practising good cyber hygiene are always effective defences. Being aware of the latest threats, using strong passwords, and being cautious about what you share online are some of the ways you can proactively combat AI-based cyber threats.

Contact Redpalm for Effective Cyber Security Solutions

The bottom line is that if there’s a way to access your network, there’s a high chance that AI will discover it. However, by staying alert to the latest threats and the role of AI in cyber crime, you can improve your chances of staying safe. 

Redpalm is an MSP that equips businesses with the IT support and security solutions they need to protect their systems from all types of cyber threats. 

As a trusted cyber security partner, we strengthen the security of your IT infrastructure with our advanced technology solutions. Our team of skilled Microsoft-certified experts help you swiftly identify and mitigate any security risks. 

We also provide other services such as technology procurement, proactive monitoring, cloud services, IT user support, and more. 

To learn more about our services, click here or contact us to schedule an appointment today.