AI-Based Attacks,
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning,
Critical Infrastructure Security
Also: AI-Driven Deception, Cyber Deterrence, and Resilience
The ISMG editorial team recently offered insights into the cybersecurity landscape of 2025, which is being increasingly influenced by advancements in artificial intelligence. This evolution has fostered more sophisticated cyber deception tactics amidst rising geopolitical tensions, leading to a notable shift towards resilience strategies as adversaries target critical infrastructure and manipulate human trust.
Panelists, including Anna Delaney, Mathew Schwartz, Michael Novinson, and Tom Field, engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the pressing threat landscape. One of the focal points was an interview with Hany Farid, a professor at UC Berkeley and founder of GetReal Labs. He emphasized that AI-generated deepfakes and social engineering techniques have become significant risks for enterprises, with minimal entry barriers enabling attackers to challenge trust and verification mechanisms across organizations.
Additionally, the discussion included insights from Dmitri Alperovitch, Chairman of the Silverado Policy Accelerator. He articulated the insufficiencies of traditional cyber operations as deterrence tools and examined how escalating geopolitical conflicts are reshaping cybersecurity dynamics. Alperovitch’s analysis revealed critical lessons regarding the limits of cyber power in modern warfare, particularly as nation-state threats evolve.
Furthermore, former CISA Director Jen Easterly contributed her perspectives on the changing landscape of threats, moving from cyber espionage to disruptive attacks aimed at critical infrastructure. She advocated for an emphasis on cyber resilience over mere preventative measures, highlighting the importance of integrating secure-by-design technologies for under-resourced organizations grappling with escalating risk levels.
This week’s editorial discussion highlights the necessity for businesses to adapt to a threat environment characterized by rapidly evolving tactics and techniques, as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Techniques such as initial access and privilege escalation must be at the forefront of cybersecurity strategies to mitigate risks associated with these emergent forms of cyber-attacks.
The ISMG Editors’ Panel is a weekly feature, providing business leaders with a comprehensive view of the evolving cybersecurity landscape. Previous discussions, such as the December 12 edition on abandoned identities driving financial fraud and the December 19 segment on the diminishing trust associated with Know Your Customer regulations, further illuminate ongoing trends that necessitate attention from tech-savvy professionals.
