Understanding the New Era of AI-Enhanced Cybercrime

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an incredible tool. It’s revolutionizing industries, advancing medical research, and making businesses more productive. But like any powerful technology, it can also be used for the wrong reasons.

Cybercriminals have discovered that generative AI (the same kind of AI that powers tools like ChatGPT and Copilot) makes their scams faster, smarter, and more convincing than ever. Here are some AI-enhanced cyberattacks that you should be mindful of.

AI-generated malware 

Malware (malicious software) isn’t new, but AI has made it quicker to produce, harder to detect, and more effective at bypassing security measures. Cybercriminals use AI to write malware that looks like legitimate browser extensions, software downloads, and even innocent-looking files like PDFs or images. 

Stay safe: Keep your security software up to date, and never download software or browser extensions from unknown sources. 

Fooling security systems 

Most cybersecurity software works by spotting known malware patterns. By slightly tweaking existing malware, scammers can create thousands of unique versions that security systems don’t recognize. 

Stay safe: Update your security software regularly to keep up with evolving threats. AI-powered security tools can also help detect suspicious activity.  

AI-powered password cracking 

Cybercriminals are now using AI to break into accounts faster than ever. AI can test millions of password combinations per second, analyze leaked passwords, and predict passwords based on common patterns. 

Stay safe: Use strong, unique passwords for every account and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security. 

Smarter phishing scams 

Phishing emails used to be easy to spot – bad grammar, weird phrasing, and suspicious links were all giveaways. But with AI, scammers can create perfectly written, highly personalized messages that look exactly like those from a trusted colleague or supplier. 

Stay safe: Always verify unexpected emails, especially if they request payments, login details, or sensitive information. Hover over links before clicking and double-check sender addresses. 

Deepfake impersonation 

Imagine getting a video call from your CEO asking you to process an urgent payment. You recognize their voice and face … but it’s not actually them. AI-generated deepfakes can clone voices and faces to trick employees into transferring money or sharing sensitive data. 

Stay safe: If something seems unusual or too urgent, verify the request by calling a known number or confirming in person. 

AI-powered scams are evolving fast, but you don’t have to be an easy target. A strong security culture, smart policies, and tools can help keep your business safe. 

If you’re unsure whether your cybersecurity is strong enough, we can help with a security audit. Contact us.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at MSP Marketing Edge.