Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the digital world, bringing innovations that improve our daily lives. But, this technology, while useful, also gives cybercriminals new weapons to carry out more sophisticated and devastating attacks. While AI phishing, where fraudulent emails are created using sophisticated algorithms, is already a well-known threat, other techniques are emerging, exploiting the potential of AI to deceive, steal and manipulate at will. an unprecedented scale.
New cyberattack techniques driven by AI
Identity theft by AI: disturbing imitations
Cybercriminals are now using AI to mimic a target person’s voice or handwriting. Using deep learning algorithms, it only takes a few seconds of audio recording or a few text samples to create credible copy. For example, employees have been deceived into receiving calls “apparently” from their manager, requesting urgent transfers.
These impersonations can also materialize in the form of emails or text messages, where the tone and communication style of the impersonated person is so realistic that it becomes difficult to detect the fraud.
Deepfakes: the new frontier of visual manipulation
Deepfakes exploit neural networks to create disturbingly realistic fake videos or images. They can be used for:
- Disseminating false compromising information about public figures.
- Defrauding businesses through “authentic” videos of an executive asking for funds.
- Harm the reputation of individuals or influence political decisions.
For example, a deepfake showing a CEO making sensitive statements can destabilize a company within hours, leading to financial losses and a collapse in investor confidence.
AI-assisted vishing (voice phishing)
Vishing combines AI tools to create automated calls that convincingly imitate a human voice. Cybercriminals use sophisticated systems to pretend to be bank representatives, insurance officials or even family members in distress.
This type of attack can trick victims into divulging sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, by exploiting their trust or panic.
Automated and targeted attacks
AI also facilitates large-scale attacks, such as:
- Advanced scraping of personal data on social networks to design highly personalized attacks.
- Malicious chat bots capable of conducting realistic conversations to extract sensitive information.
These methods make attacks much more effective and difficult to detect because they are tailored to each individual.
Impacts and consequences of these cyber threats
Financial costs
AI-driven attacks lead to massive financial losses. A company can lose millions in minutes if a fraudulent transfer is made or a smear campaign is launched via deepfakes.
In 2024, a famous case involved a company that transferred €24M to scammers after receiving a deepfake video call from an AI-simulated “CEO”.
Reputational damage
Deepfakes and other identity theft tools can destroy the credibility of a person or organization. Targeted individuals may find themselves accused of behaviors they never engaged in, while businesses may lose customers or business partners.
Psychological threats
AI-based attacks are not limited to finance. They can also cause significant stress for victims, whether it involves harassment, intimidation or extortion.
Societal destabilization
On a larger scale, deepfakes and false information generated by AI can influence elections, fuel social conflicts or manipulate financial markets.
Although the techniques used by cybercriminals are becoming more and more sophisticated, there are simple but effective rules to minimize the risks.
Vigilance remains key
Don’t trust blindly. If a request seems unusual to you, check directly with the person concerned via another channel (for example, by calling a known number). And be skeptical of visual or audio content: a video or call can be faked.
Protect your personal information
Limit data shared online. Don’t post too much personal information on social media and put restrictions in place by enabling access controls on your accounts and data.
Train yourself and those around you
Educate yourself and learn to recognize the signs of phishing, vishing, and other scams. Finally, in business, raise awareness among your employees through regular training on modern cyber threats.
Adopt advanced security tools
A good number of tools are valuable for enhanced security:
- Strong authentication software: Use systems that require multiple steps to access your accounts.
- Using a VPN: A quality VPN is able to protect users from various cyber threats through connection data encryption and malicious link and site detection features. Equipping yourself with a VPN extension for Firefox or Chrome is therefore essential for browsing more peacefully.
- Deepfake detection: tools are emerging to identify fake content.
- Continuous monitoring: Use software that analyzes anomalies in communications.
React quickly in the event of an incident
Always report attacks by immediately notifying the relevant authorities or your IT department. Always cut connections: If you suspect a compromise, disable access to your affected accounts.
AI-driven cyberattacks mark a turning point in the way criminals operate, making their attacks more credible and difficult to detect. However, vigilance, awareness and adoption of advanced security measures can greatly reduce risks. Faced with the rapid evolution of threats, everyone, both individuals and organizations, must adopt a proactive posture to protect themselves in this increasingly complex digital environment.
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