Technology experts have reported that the development of cyberattacks using artificial intelligence requires greater individual awareness to avoid these attacks, by using reliable protection software on phones and computers. International reports in the cybersecurity sector have recorded the emergence of a new generation of cyberattacks in recent periods worldwide, relying on advanced artificial intelligence technologies. These include sophisticated text messages, either on smartphones or via email, but with a higher level of sophistication compared to previous attacks, as they are characterized by high persuasiveness and an absence of linguistic errors, making them difficult to distinguish. Furthermore, these technologies help make messages more personalized to target individuals according to their jobs and social lives. Reports indicated that the use of generative AI technologies by hackers was not limited to preparing attacks based on crafting sophisticated fake messages that have become more common globally, but also developing forms of attacks known as 'social engineering,' which rely on individuals' behavior to send links or make calls related to their social lives to obtain personal data or convince them to click on links to get discounts or gifts. These technologies have provided an opportunity for a new generation of intelligent and advanced malware based on AI to create polymorphic malware that can automatically change its code to evade detection by traditional security systems. Additionally, AI can automate processes for finding vulnerabilities and developing exploits for them. On the other hand, cybersecurity expert and Chief Security Consultant at Kaspersky, Imad Al-Hafar, stated: 'The trend among hackers in recent periods to expand the use of AI technologies to launch attacks to breach individuals' data has contributed to a rise in hacking attempts worldwide and made the methods more advanced and complex compared to previous periods, especially given that a large number of cyberattacks are currently focused on the social engineering method instead of directly attacking systems.' He added: 'The use of AI in phishing via messages, which has become more common in many markets worldwide, whether on phones or via email, was one of the methods attackers used against targeted individual victims,' noting that 'just as cyberattacks evolved and became more complex, in turn, protection and cybersecurity measures relied on similar technologies to proactively detect and counter these attacks by monitoring attempts or any similar attacks or any suspicious steps.' Al-Hafar clarified: 'The development of attacks requires greater individual awareness to avoid them, by using reliable protection software on phones and computers, activating default protection features, setting complex additional passwords for apps containing private data, in addition to adopting the 'zero-trust' principle and not trusting any links or messages before verifying them sufficiently, especially if they come from unknown sources or contain any suspicious signs.' Meanwhile, technology expert Jessy Kilmer explained: 'Using systems and software for cybersecurity is an important policy, as well as raising awareness about not trusting incoming messages, whether by phone or email, and conducting sufficient verification, especially considering the possibility of finding vulnerabilities, even minor ones, between AI-generated fake messages from companies and real ones, although this requires more effort given the increased sophistication in spoofing.' She added: 'The 'zero-trust' principle, which assumes breaches in organizations and does not trust any account or device unless certain conditions are met, can be relied upon by individuals through thoroughly reviewing all incoming messages and verifying the sender in case of doubt.' In the same context, technology expert and CEO of 'Syntech,' Kamal Bannerjee, said: 'The expansion in the use of AI has created many challenges in some sectors, but at the same time, it has provided more advanced systems that enable individuals to use them with greater ease and security, especially given that companies are increasingly relying on developing AI-based mechanisms at a faster pace than in previous periods.' He noted that AI has made a qualitative leap in the smart telecommunications services and cybersecurity sector in general in recent periods.
