AI and Cybersecurity: How Generative AI is Redefining Security Risks

AI in the Hands of Hackers

Generative AI (GenAI) is revolutionizing industries, but it’s also empowering cybercriminals with alarming capabilities.

From deepfakes to data manipulation, risks are multiplying as technology advances. Businesses and individuals are increasingly vulnerable to AI-driven cyberattacks, making it critical to stay ahead of these evolving threats.

Explore the various dangers, and a range of preventative measures recommended by the Redact.dev team.

How GenAI Is Changing the Cyberattack Landscape

1. Faster, More Sophisticated Information Gathering

Generative AI allows hackers to collect massive amounts of sensitive data faster than ever. At scale, this means an unprecedented ability to exploit private information—emails, usernames, IP addresses, and more.

2. Deepfakes Are Harder to Detect

Deepfake technology has become increasingly convincing, making it a growing threat. AI now can now create more realistic videos, voices, and images than ever. These AI-generated assets can be used for phishing, fraud, or reputational attacks. If you want to learn more about deepfakes, we wrote an article on them here!

• 60% of people in the UK have already encountered at least one deepfake, and this number is only expected to rise. (Ofcom report)
• Identifying deepfakes is becoming nearly impossible as GenAI improves.

3. Business System Manipulation and Data Interception

AI systems that businesses rely on are now targets for hackers. By supplying malicious datasets, cybercriminals can corrupt AI-driven systems, creating leverage for ransom demands.

• Sensitive data employees share with AI tools can also be intercepted, exposing confidential information and creating further vulnerabilities.

4. Metadata Exploitation

Metadata—such as timestamps, IP addresses, and location data—poses a hidden but significant threat. Since metadata is often unencrypted, it becomes an easy target for AI-enhanced attacks. Generative AI streamlines the process of gathering and exploiting metadata, increasing risks for individuals and businesses alike.

Other Emerging Risks

Decentralization of Cybercrime

Cybercriminal networks are becoming increasingly decentralized, involving multiple actors in a “hacking supply chain.” This adds more complexity to cybersecurity and makes it harder to defend against coordinated attacks.

The Quantum Computing Threat

The impending arrival of Quantum Day (Q-Day) poses a significant risk to modern encryption protocols. Technologically advanced nations are likely stockpiling encrypted data now, expecting to decrypt it once quantum computing reaches maturity. This would render current security measures obsolete.

What Can You Do to Stay Protected?

For Individuals

1. Adopt Code-Words: Use code-words with friends and family to reduce vulnerability to deepfake-based scams.
2. Encrypted Communication: Switch to secure platforms like Signal for private conversations.
3. Avoid Sharing Sensitive Data with AI: Limit what you share with AI tools to reduce exposure.
4. Manage Your Digital Footprint: Use a tool like Redact.dev to mass delete old social media posts, photos, and messages. Reducing the volume of your online information minimizes what hackers can exploit.

For Businesses

1. Encrypt Metadata and Sensitive Data: Use advanced encryption. If possible, implement post-quantum security measures similar to Apple’s PQ3 protocol for iMessage.
2. Employee Training: Educate employees about AI-related risks, including sharing data with AI tools.
3. Scrutinize New Systems: Carefully evaluate any AI integrations for potential vulnerabilities.
4. Digital Footprint Management: Measure and minimize your organization’s exposure. Work with tools like Redact.dev to manage employee and organizational footprints, reducing phishing, vishing, and whaling risks.
5. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with advancing technology and emerging cybersecurity threats.

Conclusion: Be Proactive in the AI Era

The cybersecurity landscape is rapidly evolving with the rise of generative AI and quantum computing threats. Individuals and businesses must take proactive steps to protect themselves and their data. Whether it’s removing sensitive digital footprints with Redact.dev, training employees on AI risks, or adopting advanced encryption protocols, staying vigilant is key to reducing exposure in this new age of cybercrime.

Start safeguarding your digital presence today. Visit Redact.dev to take control of your data.