Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Internal Security – Challenges to internal security through communication networks.
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– Concerns with generative AI
– Cybersecurity Challenges
– Strategies against cyber attacks
Context
With increasing misuse of generative AI, ensuring that consumers can navigate digital spaces safely has become crucial.
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 10th May 2024
An AI-infused world needs matching cybersecurity
In recent years, the integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) into various sectors has revolutionized industries, from education to healthcare. However, alongside its transformative potential, generative AI has also brought about sophisticated cyber threats, challenging the traditional paradigms of cybersecurity.
Data Point
- Generative AI industry projected to increase global GDP by as much as $7 to $10 trillion.
- 1,265% increase in phishing incidents/emails has been reported since the fourth quarter of 2022.
- There has been a 967% increase in credential phishing incidents.
- Study conducted by Deep Instinct shows:
- Around 75% of professionals witnessed an upsurge in cyberattacks in the past year.
- 85% of surveyed respondents attributed the increased risk of cyberattacks to generative AI.
- 37% of organisations cited undetectable phishing attacks as one of the biggest challenges.
- 33% of organisations reported an increase in the volume of cyberattacks.
- Around 75% of professionals witnessed an upsurge in cyberattacks in the past year.
- 39% of organisations expressed growing privacy concerns.
Impact of Generative AI on Cybersecurity
The integration of generative AI into various sectors has transformed the paradigm of cyber-risks.
- Erosion of human perception regarding real and AI-generated content:
- People find it increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and AI-generated content.
- Deepfake technology , powered by generative AI, poses significant risks by creating realistic but fabricated audio and video content, leading tomisinformation and manipulation .
- Escalating Cyber Threats:
- Reports indicate a significant increase in phishing incidents and credential phishing, attributed to the manipulation of generative AI.
- A surge in cyberattacks, with professionals witnessing heightened risks, especially due to generative AI.
- Sophisticated AI-driven malware can adapt and evolve autonomously, making it challenging for traditional cybersecurity measures to detect and mitigate them effectively.
- Novel Avenues of Cyber-Attacks:
- Cognitive behavioural manipulation through generative AI has led to dangerous incidents, such as encouraging risky behaviors in children.
- Generative AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can be exploited to spread malware or extract sensitive information from unsuspecting users, highlighting new vectors for cyber-attacks.
- Privacy Intrusions:
- Biometric identification systems, like facial recognition, pose privacy and security risks.
Way Forward
- International initiatives under the Bletchley Declaration:
- World leaders, under the Bletchley Declaration , have initiated collaborative efforts to address concerns surrounding AI’s detrimental utilization.
- Policy measures for Enhanced Security:
- Implementation of measures such as watermarking AI-generated content to mitigate cyber threats and bolster security.
- Corporate Digital Literacy Initiatives:
- Organizations prioritize digital awareness and literacy training to empower individuals with essential skills for navigating the digital realm safely.
- Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):
- NGOs can take the lead in promoting digital literacy and cyber awareness, starting from the grassroots level.
- Collaborative Governance and Regulation:
- Collaboration among institutions, industries, and the public is crucial for drafting and enforcing effective cybersecurity regulations, ensuring the protection of personal interests and identities in the AI-driven digital era.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proliferation of generative AI has ushered in a new era of cyber threats, necessitating collaborative efforts to bolster cybersecurity measures. As organizations grapple with the challenges posed by AI-driven cyberattacks, initiatives such as the Bletchley Declaration underscore the global imperative for enhanced cybersecurity frameworks
Related Topics
Phishing
Phishing is a cybercrime tactic that leverages social engineering to manipulate individuals into surrendering sensitive data or executing actions that compromise security. Attackers impersonate legitimate entities, such as financial institutions, government agencies, or trusted business partners.
Phishing Techniques: Phishers employ various methods to deceive targets, including:
- Urgent Communication: Emails or messages crafted with a sense of urgency or crisis to pressure recipients into bypassing security protocols.
- Spoofed Identities: Emails disguised to appear as if they originate from a trusted source, often mimicking logos and familiar email addresses.
- Malicious Attachments: Phishing attempts may include infected attachments that appear harmless but deploy malware upon download.
Targeted Information: Phishing scams aim to steal critical information, including:
- Login Credentials (usernames and passwords)
- Financial Data (credit card details, bank account information)
- Personally Identifiable Information (PII) used for identity theft
Read More
References
www.cloudflare.com – phishing-attack
Related PYQ
Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of Al in healthcare? [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2023]
Practice Question
Discuss the impact of generative artificial intelligence on cybersecurity, highlighting the challenges and initiatives required to address evolving cyber threats [150 words]