Evolving Trends in the Underground World of Cybercrime Indicate a Steep Rise in Social Manipulation Cyberattacks
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly significant role. This is particularly true in the realm of Anti-Phishing Email Technologies and Human Risk Management.
The combination of AI and Crowdsourcing in Anti-Phishing Email Technologies is proving to be a powerful defense against the latest cyber threats, including Zero Day threats. These technologies are designed to quickly detect and defend against such threats, providing a timely response that can make all the difference in the face of a cyber attack.
On the other hand, AI skills are also being utilised to automate attack operations, particularly in deepfake technologies. This has led to a surge in social engineering attacks, highlighting the need for a vigilant workforce that can effectively resist unwanted manipulation attempts.
To counter this, companies are turning to Human Risk Management. This approach focuses on reducing human risks to aid in the defense against cyber threats. Modern Human Risk Management offers personalised and automated Phishing training, education, and testing through AI. Companies such as KnowBe4 are at the forefront of this movement, offering employee training and testing services to prepare staff for recognising social engineering techniques, including phishing and spear-phishing.
The importance of Human Risk Management is underscored by the fact that 87% of job listings on the dark web are now from criminal 'recruiters' searching for cybercriminals with specialized attack skills, particularly in social engineering. This underscores the necessity for companies to build a vigilant workforce that can effectively resist such attempts.
To further strengthen their defenses, companies should regularly identify vulnerable and high-value assets and potential attack vectors, prioritising them based on their respective risk levels. They should also provide professional training to all employees to recognise social engineering tactics and report them to the relevant security teams.
In light of the growing use of AI by cybercriminals, ReliaQuest recommends implementing a risk-based security concept, maintaining professional vulnerability management, and providing professional training and testing for employees on social engineering. By doing so, companies can continue to defend against cyber threats in a continuous and effective manner.
As we move forward, it is clear that AI will continue to play a crucial role in the fight against cyber threats. Whether it's in Anti-Phishing Email Technologies or Human Risk Management, AI is proving to be a valuable tool in the arsenal of cybersecurity professionals.
