AI ASSISTED HACKING THE TREND OF AUTOMATED, INTELLIGENT BREACH AND ATTACK

Anosike Chinaza Jesse

Category: Artifical Intelligence

16th August 2024

AI ASSISTED HACKING THE TREND OF AUTOMATED, INTELLIGENT BREACH AND ATTACK

Artificial intelligence technology has been in development for 70 years. The exploration of AI began in the 1950s, and with the advent of ChatGPT, it has made a significant impact on the public sphere. And what an impressive entrance it was! It was the topic of conversation for everyone.

Unfortunately, simultaneously, hackers were honing their prompt engineering skills to cause chaos in the digital realm. They refined their fraudulent schemes, devised fresh ones, and leveraged large-language models (LLMs) to generate novel content and even malicious code.

In this article, we explore the growing trend of cybercriminals utilizing AI to cause widespread chaos. Knowing its empowering features and by familiarizing ourselves with the following methods, we can all become more vigilant and adept at recognizing malicious activity, and suspicious emails, and implementing enhanced cybersecurity practices in both our personal and professional lives.

Exploring the Potential of AI in Cyber Criminal Activities
In the ever-changing world of cybercrime, hackers are honing their abilities to breach data with the help of AI. Here are some methods that hackers employ to exploit your devices using AI:

Cybercriminals have a sneaky trick up their sleeves:
they can send you personalised messages and pretend to be someone else, making it seem like their malicious content is legitimate. Phishing remains a prevalent and fundamental method through which both individuals and large businesses can fall victim to compromise.
Deep fake videos can be sent by hackers. They may appear as if they are from your supervisors, requesting information and/or money. Deep Fake videos are frequently utilized to propagate hate and negative publicity, much like a computer scientist would analyze.
AI algorithms possess the capability to solve CAPTCHAs with the same proficiency as human beings. They can acquire sensitive information by infiltrating accounts that are only protected by CAPTCHA.
Brute Force Attacks: AI can crack passwords and gain unauthorized access to your network or system through relentless trial and error. Using AI, cybercriminals can easily crack passwords, especially if they have been analyzing your digital footprint.
AI can listen to keystrokes, analyze patterns, and accurately guess passwords with a 95% success rate.
Audio Fingerprinting: With the advancements in technology, it is now possible for cyber criminals to utilize artificial intelligence to replicate your voices. This alarming development poses a serious threat as they can exploit this to deceive your loved ones and fraudulently obtain money.

How can one defend against attacks powered by artificial intelligence?
To safeguard yourself and maintain a proactive stance, it is crucial to be well-versed in the ways of countering AI-driven attacks by malicious individuals. Here are five essential steps to reduce the risk of being hacked:

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication for enhanced security.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an essential security measure in today's era of advanced technology. It is necessary to provide multiple forms of identification when logging into an account, particularly for financial services platforms. Utilizing an authenticator app, one-time passwords (OTP), and a biometric scan can significantly enhance security measures. By implementing these measures, it becomes extremely improbable for a malicious hacker to effortlessly infiltrate your accounts and finances, even in the event of a password breach.

Ensure that you utilize highly secure passwords.
Before ChatGPT, it was important to have strong passwords. However, now it is imperative to have exceptionally strong passwords. Whether you're part of an organization or an individual, it doesn't make a difference. It is recommended to create passwords that are at least 15 characters long and consist of a combination of symbols, letters, and numbers. It is important to avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. If you struggle to remember all your passwords, consider using a password manager. Avoid saving passwords in your browser for convenience.

Make sure to keep all your software and devices up to date. Regularly check for updates and install them promptly. This will ensure that you have the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. Stay ahead of the game and keep everything running smoothly.
It is crucial to ensure that all devices connected to your network are kept up to date with the latest versions, including both installed apps and the operating system. To simplify the process, consider enabling automatic updates on all devices and software. By following this approach, you can avoid the need to rely on your memory and ensure that your security patches are consistently up to date. By following this straightforward advice, you can effectively address any potential weaknesses that may be targeted by hackers seeking unauthorized access to your devices.

4. Ensure the Security of Your Network
Back in the day, every computer used to come equipped with antivirus software. Today, it is essential for every device to have a virtual private network (VPN). Using a VPN ensures that your IP address remains hidden and your data is encrypted, providing the necessary security for private browsing.

Organizations should consider acquiring a dedicated IP VPN. By implementing this method, the IP address can be kept private, preventing it from being shared with other users. This will enable the company to bypass blocklists and CAPTCHAs, ensuring secure access to commercial servers.

Ensure the security of your mobile device.
Many individuals may claim that they do not utilize their phones excessively, yet their screen time statistics might reveal a different narrative. It seems that society has become increasingly reliant on social media, mobile games, and the habit of endlessly scrolling through negative news. Those with knowledge in the field are well aware of this, and they strategically create traps.

They set up deceptive hotspots offering free WiFi, actively seeking out unsuspecting targets. Turn off the automatic connection feature for WiFi and utilize a VPN. Make sure to activate the feature that allows you to remotely erase all data from your phone in case it is stolen, and avoid storing any personal information on it. Mobile devices are inherently less secure than laptops and desktops, so it's crucial to follow the best cybersecurity practices when using them.

Introducing a fresh call to action
Ultimately, safeguarding yourself against AI-driven hacking demands constant awareness and preemptive actions. By following best practices in cybersecurity, you can greatly minimize the chances of becoming a target for cybercriminals. This includes implementing multi-factor authentication, using strong and unique passwords, regularly updating your devices and software, securing your network with a VPN, and practising safe mobile device usage.

To ensure your safety in the digital age, it is crucial to stay well-informed and constantly anticipate potential threats. Protecting your personal and financial information is not only essential but also a duty. Remain watchful, stay informed, and prioritize your safety.