As we usher in a new year, the landscape of cybersecurity is evolving, and all eyes are on the pivotal role that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to play in shaping the industry over the next 12 months. We reached out to HP experts to delve into the impact AI will have on cybersecurity in 2024, uncovering both challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
AI Empowering Social Engineering: A New Wave of Threats in 2024
One significant trend predicted for 2024 is the utilization of AI to supercharge social engineering attacks. Alex Holland, Senior Malware Analyst at HP, foresees a surge in cybercriminals generating highly convincing phishing lures in seconds. These lures, indistinguishable from genuine content, will pose unprecedented challenges for users, even those well-versed in phishing training. The use of AI will allow cybercriminals to craft localized and targeted campaigns, taking advantage of key events such as elections, sporting tournaments, and major retail occasions.
Dr. Ian Pratt, Global Head of Security for Personal Systems at HP, emphasizes the automation of drafting emails in minority languages and scraping information from public sites, enabling highly personalized and mass-scale social engineering attacks.
AI Breaking Down Technical Barriers for Advanced Attacks in 2024
AI is not just a tool for creating sophisticated lures; it is also expected to remove technical barriers, enabling the development of more advanced malware and techniques. The democratization of AI capabilities could lead to an increase in attacks against firmware. Boris Balacheff, Chief Technologist for System Security Research and Innovation at HP, warns that malicious actors will leverage AI to extend and scale attack capabilities, targeting not only operating systems and applications but also delving into more complex layers like firmware and hardware.
Michael Heywood, Business Information Security Officer at HP, highlights the growing attention on supply chain security. Attackers are likely to seek entry points at the ground floor, infecting devices before they even reach their intended users.
Generative AI and AI PCs: A Revolution with New Risks
Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI-powered Personal Computers (AI PCs) are poised to revolutionize how we work, yet they come with new risks. Pratt predicts the rise of AI PCs, equipped with local LLMs, acting as personalized assistants. However, as devices gather more sensitive user data, endpoints become prime targets for cybercriminals.
Pratt also notes the potential abuse of LLMs in corporate settings, leading to data breaches. Shivaun Albright, Chief Technologist of Print Security at HP, suggests that as defenses on digital avenues strengthen, attackers might resort to offline methods, using paper to exfiltrate data.
Regulatory Changes and Increased Security: A Double-Edged Sword
On the brighter side, the rise of AI is expected to enhance efficiency for cyber defenders. Cybersecurity teams will make AI a priority in 2024, leveraging it for threat detection and remediation. With an estimated shortage of four million cybersecurity professionals globally, AI assistance comes at a critical time.
Steve Inch, Principal Print Security Strategy & Product Management at HP, anticipates 2024 as the year of regulation. Secure by Design IoT devices are poised to thwart botnet operators, raising the standard of security in the industry.
Navigating the AI Era: Advice for Cybersecurity Teams
As organizations brace for the challenges posed by AI-driven threats, HP’s experts provide valuable advice for cybersecurity teams in 2024:
Leverage AI for Defense: Use AI to enhance threat detection, identify high-value phishing targets, and detect patterns or anomalies indicative of cyber espionage.
Create a Virtual Safety Net: Isolate and contain risky activities, wrap protection around applications, and implement measures to prevent credential theft.
Adopt Zero Trust Principles: Protect against all threats, known and unknown, by implementing a Zero Trust approach.
Manage Hardware and Firmware Security: Invest in improving the maturity of hardware and firmware configuration management across the device lifecycle.
Prioritize Supply Chain Security: Make cybersecurity integral to relationships with third parties, evaluating software and hardware supply chain security.
Adopt a Risk-Based Approach: Enhance supply chain resilience by identifying potential pathways into software or physical products.
Trust and Collaboration: Imperatives in the Age of AI
In the era of AI, trust and collaboration are paramount. Organizations must seek Trusted AI security partners to maximize the benefits of AI while safeguarding against evolving security and privacy threats.
As HP prepares to launch AI PCs in the second half of 2024, the focus remains on building the most secure and resilient endpoint devices globally. HP is committed to leading the way in creating safe, secure, and trustworthy AI. Additionally, investments in training and development programs aim to equip individuals with the skills needed for AI-enabled jobs, ensuring security and privacy in the AI landscape. The road ahead may present challenges, but with strategic approaches and collaborative efforts, the cybersecurity community is poised to navigate the dynamic landscape of AI in 2024 and beyond.
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