Definitions:

• Cyber Security: Cyber security is how individuals and organisations reduce the risk of cyber attack.
  • Cyber security’s core function is to protect the devices we all use (smartphones, laptops, tablets and computers), and the services we access – both online and at work – from theft or damage.
  • It’s also about preventing unauthorised access to the vast amounts of personal information we store on these devices, and online.
• Artificial Intelligence(AI): Artificial intelligence, or AI, is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities.
  • On its own or combined with other technologies (e.g., sensors, geolocation, robotics) AI can perform tasks that would otherwise require human intelligence or intervention. 
  • Digital assistants, GPS guidance, autonomous vehicles, and generative AI tools (like Open AI’s Chat GPT) are just a few examples of AI in the daily news and our daily lives.
  • Generative AI refers to deep-learning models that can generate high-quality text, images, and other content based on the data they were trained on.

 Challenges in Cybersecurity due to AI:

• Increased Phishing Incidents: There has been a significant increase in phishing incidents/emails, along with credential phishing, attributed to the utilisation and manipulation of generative AI. 
  • Phishing attacks are the practice of sending fraudulent communications that appear to come from a reputable source. The goal is to steal sensitive data like credit card and login information, or to install malware on the victim’s machine. Phishing is a common type of cyber attack.
• Advanced Cyber Threats: The rise of generative AI has led to the emergence of sophisticated cyber threats, with hacker groups leveraging AI solutions for translating and identifying coding errors to maximise the impact of cyberattacks. These advanced threats are difficult to detect and mitigate.
• Manipulation via Generative AI: While generative AI has enhanced productivity, its increasing manipulation has resulted in the vulnerability of organisations to attacks. This includes undetectable phishing attacks, a rise in the volume of attacks, and growing privacy concerns.
• Biometric Identification Systems: The use of remote and real-time biometric identification systems, such as facial recognition, raises privacy concerns and endangers individuals’ rights. These systems can be exploited for malicious purposes, compromising personal information.
• Lack of Regulatory Frameworks: There are loopholes and a lack of industrial understanding/comprehension in regulating generative AI. This absence of robust regulatory frameworks allows for the misuse of AI technologies, contributing to cybersecurity challenges.

Steps to tackle these Challenges:

• Development of Ethical Guidelines and Regulatory Frameworks: Establish comprehensive ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks to govern the development, deployment, and use of AI technologies.
• Development of Detection and Response Mechanisms: Invest in advanced detection and response mechanisms capable of identifying and reducing AI-driven cyber threats in real-time. This includes deploying AI-powered security solutions that can analyse patterns, detect issues, and respond faster to potential threats.
• Collaborative Information Sharing: Foster collaboration and information sharing between government agencies, cybersecurity experts, industry stakeholders, and international partners to exchange threat intelligence and best practices for combating AI-driven cyber threats. 
• Investment in AI Security Research and Development: Allocate resources for research and development focused on enhancing the security of AI technologies. This includes funding initiatives to develop AI algorithms resilient to adversarial attacks, improve AI explainability, and strengthen AI model security.
• Promotion of Digital Literacy and Awareness: Educate individuals about the risks associated with AI-driven cyber threats, teach them how to identify and respond to potential threats, and empower them to make informed decisions about their online activities.
• International Collaboration and Standardization: Engage in international collaboration and standardisation efforts to develop common cybersecurity standards and protocols for AI technologies. This includes participating in international forums, treaties, and agreements to promote global cooperation on cybersecurity issues.
  • Bletchley Declaration is one such initiative to understand the potential catastrophic harm caused by the detrimental utilisation of AI.
  • The countries that signed the agreement include China, the European Union, France, Germany, India, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. 
• Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation: Continuously monitor the cybersecurity landscape, evaluate emerging threats, and adapt cybersecurity strategies and defences accordingly. This includes conducting regular risk assessments, updating security protocols, and investing in ongoing training and skill development for cybersecurity professionals.

Conclusion:

• As we move towards developing more sophisticated systems and technologies, it is essential to give a sense of security in cyber domains to individuals and organisations.