Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have both beneficial and detrimental effects on cybersecurity. AI systems used for security purposes can collect and process large amounts of data, which can lead to privacy issues. This data may contain personal information and, if not properly safeguarded, can result in data breaches, identity theft, or financial fraud. Online media and news have become even more uncertain in the wake of deepfakes that infiltrate the political and social arenas.
Technology makes it easy to substitute the image of one figure with another in an image or video. Consequently, malicious actors have another avenue to spread misinformation and war propaganda, creating a nightmarish situation in which it can be almost impossible to differentiate between reliable and false news. AI is designed to imitate human intelligence, but at an advanced level, so it is capable of analyzing large data sets faster and more accurately than cybersecurity experts. The risks of artificial intelligence must always be a topic of discussion, so that leaders can find ways to use technology for noble purposes.
AI is employed to scan and monitor endpoints in search of malicious activities, as well as to detect vulnerabilities that threat actors can exploit. And the European Union is formulating clearer regulations to manage the proliferation of artificial intelligence. However, artificial intelligence and machine learning can also enhance security and, at the same time, make it easier for cybercriminals to penetrate systems without human intervention. If political rivalries and warmongering tendencies are not controlled, artificial intelligence could end up being utilized with the worst intentions.
The potential dangers of AI must be taken seriously in order to guarantee that technology is used for good rather than evil.
