Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming society in numerous beneficial ways, yet it has also become a tool exploited by cybercriminals to perpetrate nefarious activities. Threat actors, both seasoned and novice, leverage AI to enhance their data-gathering capabilities and to generate convincing phishing communications, thereby streamlining their malicious endeavors.
As a response to this evolving threat landscape, organizations are increasingly recognizing the urgency to bolster their defenses. A recent report indicates that 62% of business executives now mandate cybersecurity training in the form of certifications for IT and security staff. An almost equal proportion, or 61%, report they are launching comprehensive security awareness programs aimed at all employees.
What Actions to Take Now to Combat AI-Driven Threats
Malicious actors are rapidly enhancing their capabilities through AI, resulting in a surge in both the frequency and sophistication of attacks. This technological advancement allows for increasingly convincing phishing schemes and related threats. Organizations must take proactive steps to ensure that all employees are equipped to recognize and respond to these complex threats. Here are critical measures that should be adopted immediately to cultivate awareness and readiness against a more sophisticated threat landscape.
Create a Cybersecurity Culture
Cybersecurity needs to be considered a collective responsibility that transcends the boundaries of IT and security departments. Fostering a culture of cybersecurity within an organization begins with instilling awareness of prevalent cyber risks among employees at all levels. A unified vision from leadership regarding cybersecurity is crucial, along with regular communications emphasizing the importance of securing the organization. Regular training sessions, long-term awareness initiatives, and simulated attacks can serve to enhance employees’ understanding of current cyber threats.
Enhance Employee Education
Given that employees are prime targets for cybercriminals, comprehensive education remains one of the strongest defenses against data breaches. As threat actors become adept at deploying AI for more impactful attacks, ongoing training must be incorporated into every organization’s risk management protocol. Existing programs should be continuously reviewed and updated to reflect current risks, and organizations yet to implement training initiatives have a wealth of SaaS-based options available, such as the Fortinet Security Awareness and Training Service, which offers customizable training materials tailored to specific needs.
Assess Your Cybersecurity Protocols
In the realm of cybersecurity, it is no longer a question of whether a breach will occur, but rather when it will happen. Nearly 90% of enterprises experienced at least one cyber incident within the past year. To combat this inevitability, organizations must cultivate a continuous threat exposure management strategy that evaluates cybersecurity efforts and ensures that appropriate personnel, processes, and technologies are in place. Regular assessments assist in uncovering potential vulnerabilities before they escalate into crises.
Deploy Multi-Factor Authentication and Zero-Trust Network Access
With over 80% of data breaches attributed to compromised credentials, employing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and zero-trust network access (ZTNA) is imperative. MFA fortifies security by requiring users to confirm their identity through multiple verification methods, which significantly diminishes the likelihood of unauthorized access, even if credentials are obtained by malicious actors. ZTNA further enhances security by controlling access to sensitive data via encrypted connections and granular permission settings.
Regularly Update Software and Applications
Neglecting to patch systems consistently remains a leading cause of vulnerabilities that can be exploited. According to recent findings from the Global Threat Landscape Report, the majority of incidents investigated involved known vulnerabilities for which patches were readily available. Keeping all software and systems updated with the latest security fixes is vital. Organizations that lack a structured patch management process should implement one promptly to ensure efficient updates, and exploring AI-assisted automation for such tasks can enhance timeliness and effectiveness.
Collaboration and Education: Keys to Combatting Cybercrime and AI-Enabled Threats
As threat actors enhance their strategies, organizations must fortify their defenses in kind. Implementing educational and awareness initiatives lays the foundation for a robust cybersecurity culture. Additionally, establishing stringent cybersecurity practices, from MFA to ZTNA, along with the adoption of suitable technologies, significantly safeguards digital assets. Importantly, success hinges upon collaboration throughout the organization; cybersecurity needs to be regarded as a shared duty among every individual, as each employee contributes to countering the threat of cybercrime.
