How cybercriminals take advantage of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence can also be a powerful tool in the hands of cybercriminals, who manipulate it to create ransomware, viruses, and other malwares
Artificial Intelligence has the potential to dramatically improve our lives. From self-driving cars to voice-activated speakers, AI machines are making our daily routines easier and more streamlined than ever before. But with great power comes great responsibility: as Artificial Intelligence continues to advance, cybercriminals have begun to exploit the technology for their own nefarious ends. AI is being used by cybercriminals to create ransomware, viruses, and other malware that’s more targeted and effective than ever before.
Attackers can manipulate Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be manipulated in various ways to the advantage of attackers, including by creating false data, inputting malicious code, and changing the programming of the AI itself. Some of the most common Artificial Intelligence hacks are:
- Data hacking: an attacker might create a false image, video, or another type of data that AI will mistake for genuine data. For example, a cybercriminal could create a bogus image of a person that Artificial Intelligence would mistake for a real person. This would allow the attacker to get around biometric sensors used for Security.
- Code injection: an attacker could inject malicious code into the Artificial Intelligence’s programming to change its functionality. AI code injection is one of the most effective hacking techniques available and it can be used to steal sensitive information or disrupt an organization’s operations.
- Altered programming: an attacker could change the programming of the AI itself to make it behave in an unexpected or harmful way. For example, an attacker could reprogram an Artificial Intelligence to delete sensitive files or send out false information.
Attackers can weaponize Artificial Intelligence
AI can be weaponized by reprogramming or infecting the technology with malicious code, connecting it to malicious devices, or accessing it remotely from afar. The most common ways are:
- Reprogramming: an attacker could reprogram Artificial Intelligence devices with malicious code. For example, an attacker could reprogram an intelligent speaker to send out false information or record audio from the surroundings.
- Connecting to malicious devices: an attacker could connect an AI device to malicious devices, such as computer networks or internet-connected sensors. This would allow the attacker to access sensitive information from the device or potentially control it remotely.
- Remote access: an attacker could gain remote access to an AI device and use it to steal sensitive information or disrupt operations.
Attackers can take advantage of the role of Artificial Intelligence in IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of devices such as computers, smart appliances, and wireless sensors that are connected to each other via the internet. These devices are often controlled through AI, raising the risk that cybercriminals could use Artificial Intelligence to access these networks and steal sensitive information. AI helps cybercriminals find weak points in your network by scanning networks for vulnerable devices and searching for unsecured data. Here are some examples of how Artificial Intelligence could be used to breach networks:
- Scanning networks: an attacker could use AI to scan networks for devices with unsecured connections, such as routers or unsecured computers. This would allow the cybercriminal to find sensitive information or access networks remotely.
- Searching for unsecured data: an AI could also scan networks to find unsecured data such as logins and passwords, which cybercriminals could use to access sensitive information.
Artificial Intelligence allows cybercriminals to create highly targeted malware
Traditional ransomware typically targets large groups of people, locking their devices or computers until they pay a ransom. Now, attackers can use AI to create individualized ransomware that’s more effective than ever before. Here are some ways Artificial Intelligence can be used to create highly targeted ransomware:
- Creating variations of ransom notes: attackers can use AI to create variations of their ransom notes. This means that each victim would receive a unique note tailored to their personal information.
- Identifying weaker devices: AI can also be used to identify weaker devices, such as those that are not connected to a WiFi network or are operating a specific program. This would allow the attacker to send a ransom note only to the devices that can be affected by their ransomware.
Artificial Intelligence makes it easier to commit Identity Fraud
Identity Fraud occurs when someone uses your personal information to open a credit account or make other financial transactions. Artificial Intelligence can make it easier to commit Identity Fraud by analyzing personal information and finding commonalities between people, such as birth dates and addresses. This means that an attacker could use AI to find people with similar personal information to yours and impersonate them. Here are some ways Artificial Intelligence can be used to commit Identity Fraud:
- Analyzing personal information: Artificial Intelligence can be used to mine databases of sensitive information, such as social security numbers and birth dates. This can be used to find personal information that would make it easier to commit Identity Fraud.
- Creating realistic fake identities: AI can also be used to create realistic fake identities based on the information it has gathered. For example, an attacker could create a fake identity that has a name, address, and social security number similar to yours.
AI allows for Real-Time Language Translation for Fraud
Cybercriminals can use Artificial Intelligence to translate real-time conversations between people, allowing them to communicate with others in a language they don’t know. This is a very efficient way for fraudsters to communicate with their victims, especially when internet translation tools are used. The fraudsters can use AI to translate their fraudulent scheme into the language their victims understand and then translate their response back into the language they are using. Here are some ways Artificial Intelligence can be used for Real-Time Language Translation for Fraud:
- Using internet translation: cybercriminals can use internet translation tools to convert their fraudulent scheme into a language their victims understand. This is a very efficient way for fraudsters to communicate with their victims, especially when they don’t know the language they’re using.
- Converting fraudulent schemes to a different language: when their victims respond, the fraudsters can use AI to translate their response back into the language they’re using. This allows them to communicate with their victims in a language they don’t know.
Conclusion
As AI technology continues to advance, cybercriminals will exploit this technology for their own nefarious ends. Artificial Intelligence is being used by cybercriminals to create ransomware, viruses, and other malware that’s more targeted and effective than ever before. Artificial intelligence has the potential to make our lives easier, but it also poses a number of risks. It can be used to create false data, inject malicious code, reprogram devices, connect to malicious devices, alter the programming of AI, and access networks remotely.