A recent report by SoSafe revealed that 87% of security professionals experienced AI-driven cyber-attacks last year. The findings suggest that these attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Additionally, 91% of respondents expect a significant surge in AI-based cyber threats over the next three years. Despite recognizing the danger, only 26% of professionals expressed high confidence in detecting such attacks. As AI evolves, it is making cyber-attacks harder to identify, creating new challenges for organizations.
One of the biggest concerns among security experts is the use of AI-powered obfuscation techniques to mask attack origins. About 51% of professionals cited these tactics as a major worry in the report. Multichannel attacks, which blend email, SMS, social media, and collaboration platforms, have become more common. This combination of communication methods makes the attacks appear more legitimate and difficult to detect. Over the past two years, 85% of cybersecurity experts reported an increase in these types of attacks, demonstrating their growing prevalence.
The report also pointed out that the adoption of AI within companies has inadvertently expanded their attack surfaces. Many businesses have not implemented the proper controls to manage risks from their own AI systems. SoSafe’s survey found that 55% of businesses lacked full controls to mitigate threats related to in-house AI solutions. Despite the risks, AI presents potential opportunities to strengthen cybersecurity. It can improve employee training, automate security alerts, and assist in automating code corrections, which helps defend against cyber-attacks.
However, experts emphasized that AI-driven security is only effective if combined with human expertise. Niklas Hellemann, CEO of SoSafe, stressed the need for organizations to pair AI with strong cybersecurity awareness. Employees must be well-informed about AI-driven threats to recognize and respond to them. While AI technology can help defend organizations, human knowledge is crucial in utilizing AI effectively. Combining both elements can strengthen cybersecurity and help organizations stay ahead of evolving threats.
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