Adam RollinsRapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to create increasingly complex cybersecurity threats in the future, especially as government entities and businesses adopt more sophisticated AI technologies.
According to a recent report released by cybersecurity provider CSC, 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) project that security threats will increase within the next three years. A majority of those interviewed envision these threats to be significant and primarily geared around domain-based attacks. AI technologies occupy the core of these concerns, posing one of the most influential methods for accelerating threat complexity and impact.
The report outlines the top three threats to CISOs and digital systems over the next three years, which include cybersquatting, domain name system (DNS) hijacking and ransomware and malware. Domain-based cyberthreats stand as one of the most prominent in conjunction with AI solutions, capable of generating infinite combinations of fake domains used in phishing, counterfeiting or fraud schemes.
While DNS and domain-related infrastructure remain soft targets for cybercriminals, the greatest cybersecurity challenges aren’t solely relegated to the rise of new, increasingly complex threats. While AI-driven attacks are a driving concern, they are only adding on top of existing traditional threats that persist. Ransomware, DDoS attacks and social engineering are ongoing dangers to digital networks, compounding stress on cybersecurity protocols and infrastructure that are already under significant strain.
Although existing and emerging threats continue to develop, many organizations aren’t sufficiently investing in their cybersecurity budget to maintain effective security measures. Only a small percentage of CISOs believe that organizations are adequately equipped to mitigate domain-based attacks, leaving networks vulnerable and ill-prepared.
A chief security concern revolved around the proliferation of shadow AI – the unsanctioned use of generative AI tools by employees and vendors that leads to the sharing of sensitive information. While AI is widely regarded as a useful tool, unregulated utility can impact both the quality of rendered services and network integrity.
Security across all sectors has been falling behind for years. According to the report, only 7% of responding CISOs believe that their organizations are prepared to defend from domain attacks. Cybersecurity measures are consistently undervalued, relegated as auxiliary requirements with no immediate return on investment. As a result, many entities are not fully compliant with regulations that aren’t viewed as pertinent.
As AI-driven cyberthreats escalate over the coming years, businesses and governing entities will need to implement new standards, practices and training to mitigate risks to employees, systems and critical data.
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