Brief: AI is transforming industries, reshaping how we interact, and redefining what’s possible in our digital age. But while artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool for defending against cyber threats, it’s also creating new opportunities for attackers. This guide explores both sides of AI in cyber security—how it acts as a fortress against, but also as an enabler for, cyber criminals.
“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” — Albert Einstein
AI—A Force for Good or a Tool for Evil?
In 2019, a security researcher named Janelle Shane made headlines for an experiment. She trained an AI model to generate phishing emails. The results? Startlingly effective. What would have taken a human hours to craft was now produced in minutes—complete with convincing tone, logical flow, and customisation for different types of targets. Shane’s experiment wasn’t just a proof of concept; it was a warning. Artificial intelligence, which many consider an ally, has two faces. It can protect us, or it can be wielded against us.
The essence of AI’s role in cyber security, then, is a double-edged sword—a force that empowers the defender just as much as it enhances the arsenal of the attacker.
How AI Is Revolutionising Cyber Defence
1. Detect Anomalies in Real-Time
AI is excellent at identifying behavioural anomalies within a network. Instead of waiting for a human to spot a potential threat, AI can trigger alerts within seconds—turning a suspicious login attempt into a contained event before it becomes a full-scale breach.
2. Phishing Prevention
Imagine a team of analysts scanning every email in your company for potential threats—24/7, with no coffee breaks and no lapses in concentration. That’s what AI does. By examining metadata, content, and recipient patterns, AI can flag suspicious emails, reducing the risk of phishing attacks landing in your employee’s inbox.
3. Automating Incident Response
AI isn’t just about identification; it can also play a critical role in automating responses to specific types of threats. If malware is detected, AI can automatically isolate the affected device from the network, mitigating damage without the need for human intervention.
This ability to not only detect but also act has given rise to a powerful concept: self-defending networks. It’s as if the traditional moat around the castle has come alive, autonomously fending off attackers.
The Dark Side of AI: When Attackers Use It Too
1. AI-Driven Phishing Attacks
Earlier, phishing required attackers to manually craft emails, choosing their language carefully. Now, AI has enabled mass personalisation. Attackers are using machine learning algorithms to generate convincing messages tailored to specific recipients. Imagine receiving an email that feels like it came from your colleague—complete with your shared project’s context and inside jokes. AI makes this level of customisation possible.
2. Automated Vulnerability Scanning
Attackers use AI to conduct vulnerability scans across thousands of systems in a short time. Unlike traditional methods, which required manual probing and often gave defenders time to spot suspicious activity, AI can scan, learn, and adapt at speeds that make detection more challenging.
3. Deepfakes for Social Engineering
Perhaps one of the most insidious tools in the attacker’s AI arsenal is the deepfake. Imagine a CEO appearing in a video, instructing the CFO to transfer funds to a particular account. The video looks real—convincing enough to bypass doubt, even for someone well-trained in cyber security. Deepfake technology, powered by AI, is making this a chilling reality.
Real-World Example: AI in the Wild
Take the case of a European energy company in 2020. Attackers used an AI-based deepfake of the CEO’s voice to instruct a high-level executive to authorise a significant financial transaction. The impersonation was near flawless—tone, accent, and urgency all aligned to match the CEO’s typical communication style. The result was a successful heist of over $240,000.
The incident highlighted a profound risk: when attackers exploit AI, they can deceive even the most vigilant employees.
Balancing the Sword: How to Protect Your Organisation
1. Invest in AI Defences
Just as attackers are evolving, so must our defences. AI-driven threat detection systems should be a core part of your cyber strategy. These systems can provide proactive protection by identifying threats before they cause damage.
2. Embrace Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA acts as a layer of protection that attackers cannot bypass even with advanced AI tools. Requiring two or more types of authentication makes it exponentially harder for an attacker to gain access, even if they have sophisticated AI resources.
3. Regular Employee Training on Social Engineering
The human factor is often the weakest link. Training your staff to be aware of deepfakes, AI-driven phishing, and other social engineering attacks is crucial. Awareness remains one of the most effective defences.
4. Ethical AI Use and Monitoring
Businesses must also ensure that their own AI use is ethical and transparent. This includes regular auditing of AI-driven security tools to ensure they aren’t making discriminatory decisions or exposing sensitive data.
The AI in Cyber Security Checklist
1. Implement AI-Driven Threat Detection
2. Regular Employee Training
3. Deploy Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
4. Use AI for Vulnerability Assessments
5. AI-Powered Incident Response
Wielding the Sword Wisely
The rise of AI in cyber security isn’t inherently good or bad—it’s a tool. Like a double-edged sword, its impact depends on who wields it and how. For businesses, the imperative is clear: we must wield AI responsibly, leverage it for protection, and remain vigilant against those who might use it against us.
AI may be evolving rapidly, but so is our ability to understand it, adapt, and use it for good. With the right strategies in place, AI can be a significant ally in the ongoing battle for cyber security.
