Artificial intelligence: How is it becoming a new cybersecurity issue?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence to enable connected objects to interact like human beings. Among other things, it is used to make machines “intelligent” in order to help humans evolve. Its technology is mainly based on algorithms. Its capacity is expanding in such a way that today it’s impossible to know its limits.

Indeed, in a cybersecurity context, the use of AI is double-edged. While AI offers revolutionary possibilities for protecting today’s IT systems, it also highlights new challenges and multiple facets that could be a major issue for corporate email protection.

What impact does artificial intelligence have on cybersecurity?

Since its first uses, AI has highlighted several possibilities in cybersecurity:

• Anomaly detection: AI enables faster, more effective detection of phishing, spear phishing and other cyberattack threats likely to be received via your email.
• Automated incident response: According to IBM, AI is effective in predicting and preventing security incidents.
• Reduced false positives: AI refines its detection criteria, reducing the number of false alarms.
• Training and awareness: In some companies, AI is used to create realistic, credible simulations of cyberattacks. This ensures that employees are sufficiently aware and prepared in the event ofphishing attempts.

However, AI also brings new challenges to the fore. Just as it is being used to strengthen corporate cybersecurity, it can also be used by cybercriminals for the opposite purpose. Indeed, hackers can manipulate artificial intelligence so that it develops even more sophisticated attacks thanks to its rapid learning and adaptation capabilities. What’s more, AI systems themselves can be vulnerable to manipulation, such as attacks on machine learning models.

How is AI being exploited by cybercriminals?

Artificial intelligence is on the rise and making headlines. In a context where the darkweb exists, cybercriminals aren’t stopping. According to the National Cybersecurity Center (NCSC), artificial intelligence is likely to have a major impact on ransomware attacks.

Moreover, thanks to AI, cybercriminals are deploying :

• Advanced phishing attacks: phishing campaigns are becoming more convincing, more targeted and therefore more sophisticated. These campaigns can even be automated, making the attacks more massive and difficult to counter.
• AI malwareattacks : Quite simply, this is malware generated by artificial intelligence, capable of self-adapting to its environment, making detection almost impossible.
• Targeted attacks and APTs: These are advanced persistent attacks which, like AI malware, can learn and adapt to their target’s environment. They are capable of detecting and analyzing behavioral patterns and security flaws, enabling long-lasting, unobtrusive infiltration.
• Deepfakes: Cybercriminals use deepfakes to create and propagate fake content. This content will most often imitate real people and create believable security traps, such as fraudulent videos or audio messages. This is an opportunity to hijack tools and discover new vulnerabilities to bypass existing security systems.

According to a Norton report, incidents of cyber attacks have increased by 63% since the introduction of advanced technologies such as AI. This underlines the need for businesses to remain vigilant and implement robust, scalable cybersecurity strategies to protect against these advanced threats. That’s why this year’s FIC – Europe 2024 program revolves around artificial intelligence.

Here are a few examples

For 2024, the European Commission has decided to support SMEs in the development of trustworthy artificial intelligence that respects EU values and rules. Ainisi hopes that an investment of up to €4 billion by 2027 will support its use and counter increasingly sophisticated threats.

By 2025, Forbes has estimated that 60% of SMEs will be using AI-based cybersecurity solutions to protect their infrastructures. This can help prevent attacks such as the latest to take place:

• Hospital network in Corbeil-Essonnes: hacked by cybercriminal group Lockbit, data taken hostage cost over1 million euros. The same ransomware deployed in 2022 improves and attacks nearby hospital networks.
• TeamViewer: This remote access solution has been used to target several organizations since early 2024. AI has enabled hackers to exploit existing security holes.
• Microsoft 365: Using the “password spraying” method, cybercriminals managed to access the e-mail accounts of several employees and exfiltrate confidential files.

What is the future of artificial intelligence for SMEs?

Even if artificial intelligence is a strategic asset for strengthening corporate cybersecurity, it represents a real challenge. For SMEs and ETIs, it can provide secure solutions.

• Automation and operational efficiency: AI helps SMEs automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, freeing up staff to focus on higher value-added activities.
• Personalization: AI enables SMEs to personalize their services and products to meet the specific needs of their customers. It analyzes customer data and identifies their preferences for a more precise, tailored offer.
• Improved access to the latest technologies: Access to technologies that used to be limited becomes affordable via platforms that don’t necessarily require a major financial investment, such as the Cloud, for example.
• Innovation and service development: thanks to its ability to learn and adapt rapidly, AI can optimize research and development for organizations, while reducing the time and costs associated with innovation.
• Enhanced cybersecurity

The future of AI for SMEs is therefore rich in promise. It offers constantly evolving business performance. SMEs that adopt and integrate AI into their business strategies will be well positioned to meet future challenges and seize new opportunities.

Conclusion

For companies like SMBs, artificial intelligence is not just a means of enhancing security, but also a route to greater operational and commercial efficiency. The adoption of AI-based cybersecurity solutions, such as Mailsafe, promises not only to counter sophisticated threats but also to improve overall business performance. Companies that embrace this technology position themselves advantageously to face future challenges and ensure optimal protection against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.