How many passwords do you have? Or better yet, how many services or accounts do you have that require you to set a username and password for security?
Most people believe that passwords are effective in keeping information secure. A recent survey from hardware security key provider Yubico revealed that 39% of people believe passwords are the best way to authenticate users.
Yet despite this widespread trust, passwords are inherently vulnerable to attack, an issue that’s only more prevalent in the face of AI security threats. AI creates bigger and scarier security threats, including the development of virtually undetectable phishing scams that trick users into handing over their credentials, which only serves to underscore password limitations.
Your Passwords Aren’t Enough
Even without AI’s expanded capabilities and the security risks it creates, passwords are far from the best way to secure anything.
Consider how most people manage their passwords. Despite years of warnings and developing password best practices, people still use easily guessed passwords and the same login credentials everywhere — including at home and work.
However, even when people follow all the rules, passwords are vulnerable to phishing attacks that allow cybercriminals to access them. Increasingly sophisticated tools that allow hackers to evade defenses also create AI security threats that businesses cannot ignore. That’s why experts are calling for companies to beef up their authentication processes and cybersecurity training protocols to address gaps in security awareness.
The Dark Side of AI: More Successful Phishing and Cybersecurity Attacks
Sometimes, phishing emails are unsophisticated and easily detectable. However, those are becoming few and far between as hackers leverage widely available AI tools to construct virtually undetectable attacks. In addition to using AI to create sophisticated voice and video cloning and social engineering scams, cybercriminals are using AI automation to launch faster and more widespread attacks.
What do these AI security threats mean in terms of passwords? It’s easier than ever for hackers to trick people into giving up their credentials, create malware that steals information, and conduct brute-force attacks on networks. Phishing attacks are already the leading cause of data breaches, and the unprecedented growth of AI only increases these security threats.
Addressing Password Vulnerabilities in the Face of AI Security Threats
Although passwords are far from the best method of securing accounts and controlling access to sensitive data, they still have a place in a cybersecurity plan that addresses AI security risks. However, additional methods, including multi-factor authentication, are critical to an effective security posture.
Making your company as “phishing-proof” as possible is a key to data protection as AI security threats grow. This includes implementing more advanced malware protection and blocking tools and investing in better employee education and training. Considering the Yubico survey revealed that 40% of employees report never receiving security training from their employers, and 31% claim their company never offers instructions on how to secure their work accounts, it’s clear that enhanced education is necessary to reduce the reliance on passwords.