Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we do things. From improving our daily lives to helping us make better decisions, AI is now a part of many industries.

Unfortunately, cybercriminals have taken notice of AI’s potential and are using it to launch more sophisticated and complex cyberattacks. These AI-powered cyberattacks represent a significant threat to businesses and individuals alike.

In this blog, we’ll explore the nature of AI-powered cyberattacks and share some tips on how to defend against them.

The Rise of AI-Powered Cyberattacks

AI has given cyber attackers an unprecedented advantage. With AI, attackers can now automate numerous aspects of the cyberattack process, including reconnaissance, vulnerability scanning, and even attack performance. Machine learning (ML) algorithms can also be used to learn the specifics of a target and enhance the precision and efficiency of the attacks.

Attackers have been quick to put AI to work. In 2019, malware writers created DeepLocker, a piece of malware that can recognize the specific user or device it's infecting and remain dormant until it reaches its intended target. DeepLocker uses AI and ML to create targeted attacks that are very difficult to detect and therefore more effective as the malware is hidden behind encryption.

Types of AI-Powered Cyberattacks

1. Phishing: Phishing attacks are a common tool for cybercriminals and is the most used attack vector. AI can be used to make phishing emails impersonate a real person email that can in turn trick unaware individuals into giving personal information.

2. Spear-Phishing: Spear-Phishing attacks are like phishing, but are specifically targeted at a particular individual or a small group. AI is helping attackers do this by creating targeted and more realistic content in emails.

3. Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the victim’s data and demands that they pay a ransom to get their data back. AI can be used to build more targeted and sophisticated ransomware attacks by automating some aspects of the process, like choosing targets and determining the ransom amount.

4. Malware: Malware is a broad term that refers to any type of software that’s intended to cause harm to a computer network. AI can be used to build better and stronger codes for malware. It can analyze any company’s security vulnerabilities almost instantly, providing cyber attackers with a more effective process for exploiting vulnerabilities.

5. DDoS attack: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is a cyberattack where the targeted network, server or website is flooded with traffic ultimately resulting in downtime. AI can be used to make these DDoS attacks more sophisticated and effective.

Defending Against AI-Powered Cyber Attacks

Defending against AI-powered cyberattacks requires an understanding of how AI is being used and how it impacts the cyberattack. It also requires a coordinated response that involves technology, policy, and human elements.

Here are some steps you can take to defend against AI-powered cyberattacks:

1. Identify and block phishing emails

Phishing emails are the most common vector for cyberattacks. Identify and block these emails using AI-powered tools that can analyze patterns and identify potential attacks.

2. Update Your Security Software

Make sure your security software is up-to-date with the latest patches and definitions. Use AI-powered endpoint security solutions that can detect new types of malware in real-time.

3. User Training

Educate your employees about AI-powered cyber attacks and how to identify potential attacks. Include anti-phishing training in your organization’s cyber awareness program and create a process for reporting potential cyberattacks.

4. Use Neural Networks

Use neural networks to monitor network traffic and look out for attacks that conventional tools might not detect.

5. Make Use of AI for Security

AI can be used to enhance security, too. AI can be used to identify and predict potential security threats, thus preparing companies to prepare for any threat.

6. Analysis Logs

Analyse logs regularly to catch any issues before they become a problem. Use Machine Learning algorithms to automatically detect and block any potential attacks.

7. Advanced Authentication

Advanced Authentication techniques like two-factor authentication and biometric authentication provide an extra layer of security to defend against any potential security breaches that is used widely by many organizations while using cloud-based systems.

Wrap-Up

AI-powered cyberattacks are on the rise, and they represent a significant threat to businesses and individuals alike. Understanding how AI is being used by attackers, and taking proactive steps to defend against these attacks is now essential.

Don't let AI-powered cyberattacks put your business and personal data at risk. Take proactive steps to defend against these threats by using the power of CloudStakes.

CloudStakes platform provides cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that are specially designed to protect against AI-driven attacks.