Cybersecurity firm Check Point Software claims that we are now in a post-truth era that is reaching new heights as cybercriminal groups increasingly leverage artificial intelligence (AI). Through the use of generative AI tools, disinformation is spread in a more believable manner, enabling the execution of sophisticated campaigns with malicious threats.

Hit by a ransomware attack

During the first three quarters of the year, Checkpoint Software research organization CPR found that 1 in 34 companies globally had been hit by a ransomware attack – an increase of 4 percent compared to the previous year. Cyber threats are not only increasing in number but are also becoming more complex, effective and difficult to detect. These attacks are often linked to data destruction and theft, but have their roots in identity theft or cybercriminal groups creating fake data to gain access to sensitive information and data through disinformation campaigns.

AI and deepfake technology are making ransomware attacks more effective. One of the most common ways to obtain sensitive data is through phishing, where cybercriminals send fake emails or text messages pretending to be someone else. These attacks are becoming increasingly difficult for the human eye to detect. Through the use of AI, emails and text messages, which were previously clumsily worded and visually inaccurate, can now be imitate the organization or person they pretend to be in an almost identical way.

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Another growing trend in phishing is the use of deepfakes, where cybercriminals take it a step further and manipulate videos, images and even phone calls to impersonate someone else and thus gain access to sensitive information. Technological developments have increased the impact of ransomware attacks, which has been one of the biggest cyber threats in the past year, increasing by 37 percent.

Mats Ekdahl, security expert at Check Point Software, underscores the need for companies to defend themselves against AI-based attacks that forge, manipulate, and spread false information. Ekdahl emphasizes the importance of organizations adopting strategies to prevent threats, invest in the development of cybersecurity and implementing AI in their systems. As cyberattacks are likely to become both more common and more effective, and fraud techniques more sophisticated and credible, it is important to have a solid cybersecurity strategy that is constantly reviewed to update it for proactive security.