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The Rising AI Security Threats And How To Mitigate Them

25 June 2023 ronnie Comments Off

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are slowly permeating all areas of life, and the future as depicted in sci-fi is almost a reality. While machines may not be dramatically taking over the world (yet!), they are certainly changing and to an extent, improving the way we work and live. From automating different business operations and reducing the reliance on manual tasks and a physical workforce to enhancing the performance and quality of a service or product, AI can do wonders in any and every professional and industrial setting. 

Despite all its benefits, AI also brings its fair share of threats and security challenges that are often very disruptive and dangerous for individuals and organisations. For example, the introduction of AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Google’s Bard and their widespread integration and usage has raised security challenges for businesses everywhere. Some of the most common AI security threats facing businesses today are:

Data Breach & Privacy Violation Risks

A majority of AI tools and software work by collecting and processing large amounts of data from users. This allows hackers to gain access to confidential and sensitive information about individuals which they can use to perform criminal activity. Data breaches and privacy violations are some of the biggest security risks associated with the use of AI. Hence, businesses must invest in powerful anti-virus software, secure data sharing and Cloud storage solutions when using AI tools. 

AI Phishing Attacks

Over time, we learned to distinguish between genuine and traditional phishing emails. However, with the rise of AI, phishing emails have become more tailored and sophisticated and can convince users that they are from a genuine source. Businesses must invest in advanced cybersecurity solutions and also train their employees in identifying such AI phishing emails that are tailored for a specific audience. 

AI-Powered Malware 

A significant security threat that is expected to become more sophisticated and dangerous in the coming time is AI-powered malware. This type of malware is autonomous and can easily adapt to any new environment and wreak havoc on the system. Another high-risk threat is that of AI-powered ransomware where AI can be trained to attack a wider range of targets, particularly when they access certain face ID and fingerprint-based applications. While both these scenarios are thankfully still probabilities, businesses must prepare ahead of time and work with cybersecurity experts to design a strong defence against such imminent AI-powered threats.

Deepfakes

One of the most common and urgent threats associated with AI is that of deepfakes. Since AI can understand and mimic human behaviour and real-life scenarios efficiently, it is easy to create deep fakes that can convincingly scam individuals and organisations and cause them huge financial losses. 

AI and machine learning comes with many other security challenges such as data and model poisoning, plagiarism, copyright infringement, and the spread of misleading information among others. The best way businesses can mitigate the security risks associated with AI and ML is by investing in advanced cybersecurity solutions and working with experienced security experts who can design tailored solutions for their organisations. 

From using security software specifically designed to detect AI threats to setting up multi-factor authentication wherever possible, there are many things businesses can do to prevent any security lapses. They must also train their employees in cybersecurity best practices and hygiene to enable them to distinguish between genuine and AI-generated content, identify AI-associated risks, and counter them without disrupting any business operations.  

SecureNet Communications has been working with big and small businesses for many years, providing the best cybersecurity solutions for their organisations. We understand you have a business to run and need to focus on how best to grow and scale it. That is why, we ensure that we completely take over the security of your business so you can focus on running and growing your business. 

If you are worried about AI impacting the security of your business, give us a call at 01442 927002 or email us at info@securenetcoms.co.uk and we’ll be happy to guide and help you.