Cyber security company Check Point Software claims that we are now in a post-truth era that is reaching new heights as cybercriminal groups increasingly exploit artificial intelligence (AI). Through the use of generative AI tools, disinformation is spread in a more credible way, enabling the execution of sophisticated malicious threat campaigns.
Affected by a ransomware attack
During the first three quarters of the year noted Check Point 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 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 make 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 mimic the organization or person they purport to be in an almost identical way.
Another growing trend in phishing is the use of deepfakes, where cyber criminals takes it a step further and manipulates 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 have 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 against AI-based attacks that falsify, manipulate and spread false information. Ekdahl emphasizes the importance of organizations adopting strategies to prevent threats, invest in the development of cyber security and implement 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 preventative security.
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