AI advances worry IT leaders

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IT decision makers worry Deepfake attacks will impact their organization’s cybersecurity efforts according to the latest survey from pan-European cyber security specialists Integrity360 www.integrity360.com).

In the survey 68% say they have concerns over cybercriminals using deepfakes to target their organizations, with a significant majority (59%) saying they have seen an increasing number of cyber security attacks over the year which are ‘offensive AI’ particularly in the use of malware creation.  Additionally, the number of phishing emails have been received by their organizations which are mimicking the language, tone and design of legitimate emails.

“The use of AI for cyber-attacks is already a threat to businesses, but recognizing the future potential and the impact this can have, is just the start.  We’ve already seen the potential for deepfake technology with the video of Volodymyr Zelensky telling Ukrainians to put down their weapons and spreading disinformation.  This is just one example of the nefarious means in which it can be used, and businesses need to be prepared for how to defend against this and discern what is and isn’t real, to avoid falling victim to an attack,” comments Brian Martin, Head of Product Development, Innovation and Strategy, Integrity360.

When breaking down the findings by specific job roles, the survey suggests that CIOs appear to have the least understanding of AI’s impact on cyber security, with 42% indicating disagreement with the statement.  This highlights a potential gap in knowledge among c-level executives, which may have implications for organizations’ cyber security strategies and the importance of educational efforts to ensure they are well-informed about the role of AI in cyber security.

“AI’s role in cyber security is not only a matter of perception but a tangible reality.  Conventional cyberattacks will ultimately become obsolete as AI technologies become increasingly available and more appealing and accessible as attackers look to expand their use for AI-enabled cyberattacks.  As an MSSP it’s essential to ensure businesses are considering how this can be used against them and putting processes in place to protect against these growing threats”, commented Martin.

Despite concerns, a substantial majority of respondents (73%) agree that AI is becoming an increasingly important tool for security operations and incident response.  This reflects the industry's growing recognition of AI’s potential to enhance security practices and the perception that AI can be used both defensively and offensively in cyber security.  Furthermore the survey found 71% of respondents agreeing that AI improves the speed and accuracy of incident response due to AI’s ability to analyse vast amounts of data and identify threats in real-time, contributing to its effectiveness in incident response, and freeing up cyber security professionals to focus on more complex and strategic aspects of their work.

“As AI technologies continue to evolve, their integration into cyber security will follow.  Organizations must remain proactive in embracing AI while also addressing the challenges it presents, ensuring that their cyber security defences keep pace,” comments Martin.