Artificial intelligence is transforming cybersecurity—but not in the way many might think. At a recent London media event, experts from Orange Cyberdefense revealed how AI is changing the game for both attackers and defenders.
The Need-to-Know Reality
The biggest change isn't that AI is creating brand-new attack methods (with the exception of deepfakes). Instead, hackers are using AI to make traditional attacks faster, more convincing, and more efficient. What previously took days now happens in minutes or hours.
How Hackers Are Using AI
Cybercriminals are leveraging AI in several concerning ways:
- Speed and automation: AI helps hackers quickly identify targets and weaknesses
- Better content: Phishing emails with perfect grammar and realistic-looking websites
- Deepfakes: Creating convincing video or voice impersonations to trick employees
- Shape-shifting malware: Developing "polymorphic" viruses that change their appearance to avoid detection
Stuart Kennedy, who leads penetration testing (ethical hacking), explains: "As a hacker, AI isn't going to replace my job, but it's a tool to help me move quicker." This lets attackers focus on more sophisticated aspects of breaches while automation handles the repetitive work.
The Defence Response
The good news? Defenders aren't sitting idle. Security teams are using AI for:
- Detecting unusual patterns in network traffic
- Quickly identifying and responding to threats
- Finding the "fingerprints" that even disguised attacks leave behind
- Automating security responses to contain breaches faster
What This Means For Business
For businesses, the AI security race means:
- Human judgment still matters: AI can help detect threats, but human oversight remains essential
- Trust verification is critical: Be extra cautious about unusual requests, even if they seem to come from trusted sources
- Security is more important than ever: Strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and keeping systems updated remain your first line of defence. Add to this the extra layers of security to help protect your colleagues, their devices, and your IT Network – cybersecurity is increasingly going to feature in future business decisions and purchases
The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly with AI, but the fundamentals haven't changed. The organisations that balance innovative technologies with solid security practices will be best positioned to stay safe in this new environment.
Remember: in cybersecurity, speed matters—and AI is accelerating everything, for better and worse.
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