The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) brings benefits that are discovered as the technology is implemented, but it offers those who engage in cybercrime greater opportunities to carry out their criminal activities.
In terms of security, AI enables faster threat detection, intelligence analysis, fraud identification, in addition to border surveillance and control, among other benefits.
“Artificial intelligence can strengthen cybersecurity through predictive analysis, anomaly detection and automatic responses, improving the ability to defend against emerging threats,” said Lieutenant Ricardo Sánchez, head of the cyber intelligence section of the Panamanian National Border Service (SENAFRONT). Dialogue. “But its use presents challenges, such as creating more sophisticated attacks, leveraging computers’ machine learning, to bypass traditional security measures.”
On the other hand, “artificial intelligence could cause damage by manipulating sensitive information, carrying out massive automated attacks or even fooling detection systems by generating seemingly normal behaviors,” Lt. Sánchez said.
The 2024 Threat Predictions report from FortiGuard Labs, the threat research and intelligence organization of US cybersecurity company Fortinet, supports Lt. Sánchez’s view, stating that generative AI offers countless tools for cybercriminality.
The report predicts that in 2024, attacks will be much more targeted and stealthy, designed to evade the strictest security controls, making AI one of the leading threats to digital security.
For the American cybersecurity company BeyondTrust, AI will become more dangerous in 2024. As the technology develops, experts such as programmers and others who rely on AI will continue to introduce threats into the system, often unintentionally, through simple human error.
“Modern wars no longer take place on traditional battlefields but in cyberspace and it is technology that will replace traditional means and resources,” says Severino Mejía, coordinator of security projects and programs of the Panamanian government. “Its use will reduce the costs of conflict, resulting in less loss of life and lower economic costs. What is coming is not an arms race but one in which technology will be the main protagonist.”
AI cybersecurity challenges require constant adaptability to threats, the need to develop rapid countermeasures and protection against malicious use of the same technology, explains Lieutenant Sánchez.
“Cyberterrorism and cybercrime require a comprehensive effort to mitigate the threats we face today. To think that a State can face it alone is a utopia. It is imperative to establish approved policies, with internal standards aligned with new regulations on cyberspace security threats,” added Mejía.
Lieutenant Sánchez explains that the corresponding studies are currently underway, focused on a cost-benefit analysis, to identify viability. It recommends strengthening collaboration between government entities, businesses and cybersecurity experts, as well as investing in continuing education and technological updating.
In this context and as is done in other areas of the fight against organized crime, the interoperability of forces is very useful, because it allows best practices and experiences to be shared.
“This is fundamental because there is an asymmetry between the learning curve of developed countries and those that do not have training, resources and expertise on an issue that concerns us all,” Mejía said. “Not only in the training of the armed forces or police forces, but also in public and private institutions.”
For Lieutenant Sánchez, regional cooperation in cybersecurity can facilitate the exchange of information on threats, best practices and the creation of common strategies to address AI challenges.
Currently, Panama’s security institutions participate in a working group focused on cybersecurity, where “it is considered essential that we have a rapprochement with countries in the region that have more experience in this area and therefore have a vision from another point of view,” said Lt. Col. »Sánchez said.
In 2024, AI will be the target of study for those who work for the good of society and also for those who do not have such good intentions for humanity, Mejía added. “That’s why cybersecurity professionals need skills in data analysis, programming, understanding of machine learning algorithms, and strong honesty, to work with artificial intelligence effectively and ethically. “
