Everyone knows that AI and Cybersecurity are a double-edged sword!

CIO.com reported that “In the ever-changing landscape of digital threats, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as both a formidable ally and a dangerous adversary. As we navigate the complexities of our interconnected world, it’s becoming increasingly clear that AI is not just a tool, but a force that’s reshaping the very nature of cybersecurity. “  The January 21, 2025 article entitled “AI and cybersecurity: A double-edged sword” (https://www.cio.com/article/3805810/ai-and-cybersecurity-a-double-edged-sword.html) included these comments about the dark-side of AI:

However, as with any powerful tool, AI is a double-edged sword. While it’s enhancing our defensive capabilities, it’s also being weaponized by cybercriminals to launch more sophisticated attacks. These AI-powered cyber-attacks are no longer a potential threat — they’re a very real and present danger. 

For example, attackers recently used AI to pose as representatives of an insurance company. The email informed the recipient about benefits enrollment and included a form that needed to be completed urgently to avoid losing coverage and attempting to fool the receiver. AI can craft phishing emails like these, which are so convincing that even the most security-conscious user might fall for it. It can even create custom malware that can adapt and evolve to evade detection. These are the kinds of attacks that AI-enabled cybercriminals are now capable of producing. We’ve ended up in a cat-and-mouse game where both sides are constantly upping the ante. 

The challenges don’t end there. As we increasingly rely on AI for our cybersecurity needs, we open these new AI tools to new vulnerabilities. Data poisoning and model manipulation are emerging as serious concerns for those of us in cybersecurity. Attackers can potentially tamper with the data used to train AI models, causing them to malfunction or make erroneous decisions.  

There’s also the risk of over-reliance on the new systems. While AI is undoubtedly powerful, it’s not infallible. Becoming too dependent on AI for cybersecurity could lead to complacency and a false sense of security. We must remember that AI is a tool to augment human expertise, not replace it entirely. 

Interesting, but not a surprise!