The report highlights that artificial intelligence (AI), currently used by cybercriminals, lowers the barriers to entry for less experienced threat actors, including hackers-for-hire and hacktivists.
In his Risk Register Report 2023, the UK government has designated AI as a “chronic risk”. Today, the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) warned of the escalating global ransomware threat, attributing the rise to the increasing incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into malicious cyber activities.
NCSC’s recently released AI Cyber Threat Assessment highlights the role of AI in amplifying both the volume and impact of cyberattacks. Amid the success of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, it is crucial to note that malicious actors have exploited the chatbot, giving rise to the creation of nefarious AI-powered counterparts, such as VerGPT And FraudGPT.
THE report highlights that AI, currently used by cybercriminals, lowers the barriers to entry for less experienced threat actors, including hackers for hire and hacktivists. This empowerment enables more efficient information access and collection operations, thereby expanding the scope of cyber threats. Increased accessibility and AI’s ability to fine-tune victim targeting is expected to intensify the ransomware threat globally over the next two years.
Ransomware remains a Pervasive cyber threat to the UK organizations and businesses, encouraging cybercriminals to adapt their strategies to increase their efficiency and profits. In response, the UK government has committed £2.6 billion as part of its cybersecurity strategy to strengthen the country’s resilience.
James Babbage, director general of threats at the National Crime Agency, said:
“Ransomware continues to pose a threat to national security. As this report shows, the threat is likely to increase in the coming years due to advances in AI and the exploitation of this technology by cybercriminals.
“AI services reduce barriers to entry, thereby increasing the number of cybercriminals, and will enhance their capabilities by improving the scale, speed and effectiveness of existing attack methods. Fraud and child sexual abuse are also particularly likely to be affected.
“The NCA will continue to protect the public and reduce the threat of serious crime to the UK, including by targeting the criminal use of GenAI and ensuring we adopt the technology ourselves where it is available. safe and effective.”
James Babbage – National Crime Agency (NCA)
According to the report, NCSC and private industry are actively integrating AI into cybersecurity practices, focusing on advanced threat detection and security by design. “The dangers and damage caused by ransomware attacks are also recognized by the United States. SO, in November 2023an alliance of 40 countries was announced to collectively fight against the evolving threat.
Suid AdeyanjuCEO of River safety, and cybersecurity expert, highlighted the critical need for organizations to improve their threat intelligence. Adeyanju advocated a comprehensive strategy combining advanced technologies and increased observability. Stressing the importance of thorough training of all staff, he highlighted the growing risk that cyber threats pose to unprepared businesses.
The United Kingdom, which hosts the AI Security Summit at Bletchley Park in November 2023, endorsed the Bletchley Declaration. This initiative, a global effort, aims to address the risks associated with cutting-edge developments in AI and promote its safe and responsible advancement.
The UK’s thriving AI sector, which currently employs 50,000 people and contributes £3.7 billion to the economy, aligns with the Government’s commitment to driving the economy forward national and labor market in tandem with technological progress, as outlined in the Prime Minister’s five key priorities.
