What Are AI-Enabled Cyberattacks? How They Work, Why They're Increasing, and How to Stop Them

One of the latest and most concerning developments in the world of cybersecurity is the use of weaponized artificial intelligence (AI) to carry out cyberattacks. AI-powered tools like ChatGPT have given threat actors the ability to quickly craft convincing and targeted phishing emails that used to require considerable sophistication and resources.

These AI-powered attacks are becoming increasingly common and pose a significant threat to organizations and their sensitive data.

Learn what exactly an AI-powered cyberattack is, see how they work, and discover prevention methods.

An AI-powered cyberattack, also known as an AI-enabled or offensive AI attack, leverages AI and machine learning (ML) algorithms to carry out malicious activities. These attacks use AI to automate and enhance the capabilities of traditional cyberattacks, making them more sophisticated, targeted, and challenging to detect.

AI-powered cyberattacks can take various forms, such as phishing emails, malware, ransomware, or even social engineering techniques. What makes them dangerous is their ability to adapt and evolve based on the data they collect and learn from their targets.

AI-powered cyberattacks use advanced technologies to create more convincing, faster, and harder-to-detect threats targeting individuals and organizations.

• Deepfake Voice Scams: Attackers use AI to mimic a CEO’s voice, tricking employees into making urgent wire transfers.

• Generative AI Phishing: Sophisticated phishing emails are created in seconds, increasing attack speed and realism.

• Vulnerability Discovery: AI algorithms find software weaknesses and help evade intrusion detection systems.

• Chatbot Phishing: AI-powered chatbots engage victims in casual conversations to gather personal details and login credentials.
  
  

As AI advances, cybercriminal tactics grow more sophisticated, requiring equally powerful security measures.

To stay ahead of evolving cyber threats, security teams need to use defensive AI to fight back against offensive AI attacks. Embracing next-generation AI-powered tools is key to stronger, smarter protection, including:

• Network anomaly detection that flags unusual traffic patterns instantly.

• AI-focused threat detection to spot tactics unique to AI-generated content.

• Automated security audits that continuously validate configurations and permissions.

• Behavioral-AI email security to block targeted phishing, business email compromise (BEC), and malware before they reach inboxes.

• Posture management for rapid identification of misconfigurations across cloud and SaaS environments.

• Automated security operations to handle alert triage, investigation, and remediation at machine speed.

For a deeper dive, watch Abnormal’s Convergence of AI and Cybersecurity series. It focuses on this new era, highlighting the increasing difficulties caused by AI-powered cyberattacks and the latest strategies used by defenders.

Attackers and defenders both rely heavily on AI. Our series, The Convergence of AI and Cybersecurity, focuses on this new era, highlighting the increasing difficulties caused by AI-powered cyberattacks and the new strategies used by defenders.

AI-generated attacks are no longer theoretical. The contributing factors include:

1. IoT devices, remote work, and a general worldwide reliance on virtual connectivity has opened endless doors for scams, attacks, and vulnerabilities.

2. Generative AI tools make it easier than ever for attackers to craft convincing messages and sophisticated malware.

3. There is a vast shortage of qualified cybersecurity personnel.

4. State-sponsored cyberattacks are a popular method to destabilize geopolitical foes.

These combined factors make AI-enabled attacks both more attractive and practical for threat actors. Request a demo and discover how Abnormal can help your organization stay ahead of AI-powered cyberattacks and strengthen your defenses.