What threat does generative AI pose to the business community and how might this be manifested? To understand such a threat, Digital Journal sought the opinion of Skybox Security’s Howard Goodman.
Howard Goodman, the Technical Director, thinks that in 2024, threat actors will weaponize generative AI to craft malware that evades detection and fabricate highly convincing deepfakes.
How might this come to pass? According to Goodman: In 2024, threat actors are poised to unleash a new breed of malware, empowered by generative AI to bypass conventional detection methods and adapt to evade security measures.
One variant has even been called FraudGPT.
This ability to bypass normal defenses is clearly of a concern, as Goodman finds: This evolution will usher in an era of intelligent malware capable of mimicking human interactions with unprecedented sophistication.
Of particular concern are large language models and here Goodman says: Generative AI is also set to exacerbate the deepfake phenomenon, potentially wreaking havoc on social media and introducing the chilling prospect of ‘brain hacking’.
Drawing this out for special attention, Goodman discovers: This sinister form of manipulation could exploit digital content to influence individuals’ thoughts and perceptions, posing a serious threat to societal stability and individual autonomy.
However, generative AI can also be used to counter-balance some of these threats. For example, generative AI’s ability to understand language-based data allows it to learn about the most recent threats from online intelligence communities and can empower it to discover and respond to threats using simple voice prompts.
Goodman also looks at what is occurring at the state level. In particular, he finds that nations are set to intensify their AI investments to further their geopolitical goals, necessitating increased control over intellectual property and supply chain security through real-time monitoring.
There are specific areas of the world where developments are the most important. Goodman predicts: As nations like China, Russia, and North Korea ramp up their investments in artificial intelligence, the potential for AI-powered threats to geopolitical stability looms large.
Consequently, says Goodman: This surge in AI development could lead to direct attacks on adversaries or indirect support for criminal syndicates utilizing AI-powered services. To mitigate these risks, it is imperative to strengthen intellectual property protections and bolster cybersecurity measures.
As a further recommendation, Goodman puts forward: Additionally, establishing real-time monitoring of supply chain processes, replacing periodic assessments, is crucial to gain full visibility and control over these critical channels.
Generative AI, with its potential to evolve into a cybersecurity menace, raises concerns for the business community and beyond. Skybox Security’s Technical Director, Howard Goodman, predicts that by 2024, threat actors will utilize generative AI to create undetectable malware and produce convincing deepfakes. This new breed of intelligent malware has the power to mimic human interactions with unparalleled sophistication, breaching normal defenses and posing a grave threat to societal stability and individual autonomy. The ability for generative AI to manipulate digital content and influence individuals’ thoughts is a chilling prospect, potentially leading to the phenomenon of brain hacking. Despite these risks, generative AI also holds potential for countering threats through its ability to understand language-based data and respond to emerging risks. However, nations’ increasing investments in artificial intelligence, particularly in countries like China, Russia, and North Korea, raise the specter of AI-powered threats to geopolitical stability. To address these challenges, strengthening intellectual property protections, bolstering cybersecurity measures, and implementing real-time monitoring of supply chain processes are vital steps to safeguard against AI-enabled cyber threats. As the business community navigates this evolving landscape, proactive measures must be taken to mitigate risks and stay one step ahead of threat actors.
