There’s no question that generative AI (GenAI) affects businesses of all sizes. But for all the good news — increased productivity, more accurate data analysis, streamlined operations, etc. — there’s plenty of bad news, too. IT security professionals report that GenAI cyber attacks are skyrocketing, creating a greater concern than data breaches.
The latest Splunk CISO report highlights what your IT administrators and security teams face regarding GenAI cyber threats. GenAI is a powerful tool in the fight against cybercrime, making it easier to keep up with emerging threats. However, it’s also a driving force behind the increasingly sophisticated attacks plaguing your company. Hackers’ GenAI exploitation allows them to launch more attacks, new attacks, and more effective attacks.
Why AI-Driven Cyber Attacks Are a Major Concern
According to the Splunk report, 36% of CISOs rank GenAI cyber attacks at the top of their list of concerns. In addition to using platforms like ChatGPT and other tools to develop malware and convincing deepfakes, technology like the Generative Adversarial Network puts powerful AI-driven password-cracking abilities into the hands of hackers.
At the same time, cybersecurity teams report using AI tools to detect and prioritize threats, analyze threat intelligence, and identify emerging risks. In a sense, they’re fighting fire with fire; however, despite the demonstrated ability of this technology to address generative AI in hacking, corporate investment in new tools and training lags.
Addressing the Cybersecurity Risks GenAI Presents
Do you share your security teams’ priorities and sense of urgency when implementing new solutions to GenAI cyber attacks? If you aren’t on the same page, you’re not alone. The CISO report revealed that while more than half of CISOs are putting AI to work to combat threats, only about a third of corporate leaders and board members share that sense of urgency. This disconnect often translates into less financial support for GenAI security investments.
Without a serious commitment to combating AI-enabled attacks, your company faces a real risk of falling prey to a cyber attack. Traditional defenses quickly become no match for the complexity and sophistication of GenAI cyber attacks, so you must rethink how you defend your company against them. Implementing AI-powered security tools can help keep you on track and safe from the most dangerous and devastating threats.
Even as a small business, it’s imperative to prioritize cybersecurity and recognize the potential for GenAI cyber attacks. Even if you can’t invest in the latest technology or tools, you can maintain a safe environment with some tried-and-true tactics, including:
- Strict password and multi-factor authentication requirements
- Ongoing, in-depth security training for your employees so they understand your security priorities and how to recognize risks
- Detailed assessments of third-party vendors to ensure they share your commitment to security and have the right protections in place
Any cyber attack, AI-driven or otherwise, can cost your company millions, but investing in security costs much less. Don’t skimp on protection in the face of AI threats.