AI is changing fast. It’s moving from a complex tool for experts to something everyone can use. This shift is transforming cybersecurity. AI helps us find and respond to threats better. But it also gives cybercriminals new ways to take advantage of security gaps. AI systems can create new organizational risks if they aren’t well secured. This viewpoint dives into the double-edged role of AI in cybersecurity. It explains how companies—and even platforms with high-traffic access points like the Koi Fortune —can better protect themselves against evolving threats.
AI Is Transforming Cybersecurity
As COO, you receive an urgent call from your head of procurement. They’re requesting your go-ahead on an urgent purchase. You say yes—her voice sounded real, and the request seemed normal. Days later, she says she never made the call. It turns out it was a deepfake voice created with AI, and the money is gone.
AI is evolving fast. It’s no longer for experts—it’s now easy to use everywhere. While it helps spot cyber threats, it also gives hackers powerful tools. Companies that don’t secure their AI systems properly risk opening new doors for attacks.
Hackers are Weaponizing AI
Recent AI developments give hackers a big advantage. They can now launch more cyberattacks. These attacks are serious threats to people, businesses, and governments worldwide. Security experts are noticing the effects. CANCOM documented a 257% surge in confirmed security incidents in 2023 (Figure 2). During that time, general security events increased by 82%. Alerts increased by 64%, and critical alarms rose by 42%. This shows that hackers are often more successful, even with cyber-defense measures. The rate of confirmed incidents increased much quicker than the events themselves. A Deep Instinct survey shows that 75% of US security professionals saw more attacks last year. Among them, 85% believe this rise is due to bad actors using GenAI.
Arthur D. Little (ADL) found common patterns in AI integration. It shows how AI can change a company’s business model (see Figure 3). Initially, AI boosts productivity via automation. Then it levels up performance by augmenting human capabilities. Eventually, it becomes a driver for entirely new business models. A similar evolution is evident in AI-driven cyber threats.
- Efficiency. Hackers leverage AI to streamline and refine their operations, making their attacks more efficient. New AI tools help hackers make harmful code fast. They also assist with targeted attacks on specific environments.
- Effectiveness. AI-enabled attacks increase effectiveness through enhanced social engineering techniques, AI-coordinated lateral movements in hacked environments, and adaptive malware. These attacks are also smarter. For example, social engineering attacks are tailored to their targets. They can change quickly, which makes them harder to detect.
- Transformation. AI is set to revolutionize cyberattacks by enabling unprecedented sophistication and adaptability. Like GAN, AI-based malware can quickly adapt to escape detection by automated tools. Worse, it has a lot of autonomy and self-development. Advanced versions may only need to know the hacker’s goal. Once given to the system, it can find ways to achieve that goal independently.
AI helps hackers launch quicker, smarter attacks. This is true early on, like when you gather information and plan. Tools like DeepLocker are already being used to deliver attacks.
Social engineering, which involves tricking people, is the most common AI-powered attack. It makes up 83% of all cyberattacks. Since ChatGPT launched, these attacks have surged. Google says phishing attacks are getting even more dangerous thanks to AI.
Deepfakes are also on the rise. Hackers can clone a person’s voice from a small audio clip. They use this to scam others, like creating fake CEO videos that give false financial advice.
AI tools for hacking, such as WormGPT and FraudGPT, are quickly appearing on dark web channels. Some disappear quickly, but the number of these tools is growing.
At the same time, there’s a major talent gap in cybersecurity. Gartner reports that by 2025, over 50% of major breaches will come from human errors or skill gaps.
Cybercrime costs are soaring. They could reach $10.5 trillion by 2025. Yet, many businesses are not boosting their security budgets quickly enough.
New AI Ecosystems Increase Organizations’ Attack Surfaces
AI is becoming a bigger part of company systems, which means new risks. As businesses rush to use AI tools like GenAI, they may open the door for hackers without realizing it.
Gartner says that by 2026, over 80% of companies will use GenAI tools or apps. If not handled carefully, this can create new weak spots.
Hackers can:
- Steal AI models
- Mess with data
- Trick the system through “prompt injections” (like hacking through AI instructions)
The danger isn’t the AI—it’s everything connected to it, like databases and apps.
To stay safe, companies should:
- Use clever design when adding AI
- Control what the AI can do
- Limit access to sensitive info
- Keep systems updated and protected
Strong AI security isn’t about the AI itself—it’s about securing the full digital ecosystem around it.
How To Respond
A strong cybersecurity plan is crucial now, and new AI threats make it even more important. The first step to guard against AI hacks is to adhere to basic cybersecurity practices.
Many business leaders see their companies as secure. Still, a closer look often uncovers gaps. If you struggle to answer key security questions, it may be time to rethink your approach. Know who can access what and how quickly you can detect a breach. These details are vital.
Cybersecurity isn’t for tech teams—it’s a leadership issue. CEOs and executives need to treat it as a top priority. 19% of business decision-makers say a lack of strong security credentials has cost them deals.
The same myth exists about AI: people assume it’s only for specialists. But AI security needs company-wide attention. Though many IT leaders say they are part of GenAI security, only a few truly take responsibility.
Lastly, employees play a significant role, too. Most cyberattacks start with social engineering—tricking people. That’s why training staff to spot threats is essential. Cybersecurity isn’t an IT issue—every employee handles protecting the organization.
Final Thoughts
AI is reshaping cybersecurity, creating powerful defense tools and dangerous weapons for attackers. Companies must focus on secure AI integration and improve traditional cybersecurity to stay ahead. Engaging leadership at all levels is essential. In today’s AI-driven world, defending your digital infrastructure isn’t optional—it’s a core business priority.
