Google Cloud released its cybersecurity forecast for 2024, highlighting the top threat from AI. Language models will make phishing emails and SMS messages harder to spot as scammers use them to translate and polish their pitches. Generative AI will enable scammers to move from traditional tactics to AI-generated voice and video scams. Cybercrime tools will be offered as a service, with objectives beyond financial gain, such as targeting electoral systems and spreading disinformation. China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran are listed as the main cyber threats. The forecast predicts criminals and anti-Europe actors will target the 2024 Paris Olympics. Evading AI-powered cybercrime may be challenging.
Google’s Cybersecurity Forecast: AI as a Top Threat
Google Cloud has released its cybersecurity and cybercrime forecast for 2024, highlighting the growing threat posed by AI. Scammers have long used phishing emails and SMS messages, but the report warns that large language models (LLMs) will make these tactics harder to detect. Previously, poor grammar and spelling in scam emails would raise suspicions, but scammers can now use LLMs to translate and refine their messages before sending them. The report also predicts that scammers will use legitimate content to prompt LLMs and create modified versions that closely resemble the original.
Generative AI is also expected to enable scammers to move beyond traditional email and SMS scams to AI-generated voice and video scams. This means scammers can operate at scale and personalize their attacks more effectively.
The forecast also highlights the erosion of trust in news and information sources due to scammers using fake news to deceive people.
AI Cybercrime as a Service
The forecast also predicts an increase in AI cybercrime tools being offered as a service in underground forums. These tools can be used for various purposes, including phishing campaigns and spreading disinformation.
The report also warns that cybercrime will not only target individuals and corporations but also have objectives beyond financial gain. With the upcoming US presidential elections, the report anticipates cyber activities such as espionage, influence operations, impersonation of candidates on social media, and information operations targeting voters.
The Big Four Cyber Threats
Google’s forecast identifies China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran as the main cyber threats to the rest of the world. It highlights China and Russia’s targeting of African countries with disinformation, particularly those with rare earth deposits essential for high-tech products.
The forecast also points to the 2024 Paris Olympics as a specific target for criminals and anti-Europe actors. Already, a deepfake video of Tom Cruise criticizing the IOC has surfaced, indicating potential threats to the Olympics.
Overall, Google’s cybersecurity forecast emphasizes the significant role AI will play in cybercrime, making it crucial for companies to evolve and stay competitive by leveraging AI solutions.
Evolve Your Company with AI
If you want to stay competitive and harness the power of AI, consider the insights from Google’s cybersecurity forecast. Here are some practical steps to get started:
- Identify Automation Opportunities: Locate key customer interaction points that can benefit from AI.
- Define KPIs: Ensure your AI initiatives have measurable impacts on business outcomes.
- Select an AI Solution: Choose tools that align with your needs and offer customization.
- Implement Gradually: Start with a pilot, gather data, and expand AI usage judiciously.
For AI KPI management advice and continuous insights into leveraging AI, connect with us at hello@itinai.com. Stay tuned on our Telegram channel t.me/itinainews or follow us on Twitter @itinaicom for the latest updates.
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