AI-Driven Cyberattacks Predicted to Escalate in 2024, Warns Fortinet

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Fortinet and cybersecurity experts warn that advances in AI are enabling more complex, targeted, and rapid cyberattacks, making it easier for attackers to bypass defenses and threaten critical infrastructure. While no specific incidents are cited, the reports highlight a growing risk of AI-powered cybercrime in 2024.[AI generated]

Why's our monitor labelling this an incident or hazard?

The article explicitly mentions AI systems being used to enhance cyberattacks, making them more complex and faster, which could plausibly lead to harm such as disruption of critical infrastructure and harm to communities. The discussion is about potential and ongoing threats rather than a specific realized incident causing harm. Therefore, this qualifies as an AI Hazard because it describes a credible risk of future harm stemming from the use of AI in cyberattacks, but does not report a concrete AI Incident with realized harm.[AI generated]
AI principles
Robustness & digital securitySafetyPrivacy & data governanceRespect of human rightsAccountabilityTransparency & explainabilityDemocracy & human autonomy
Industries
Digital securityGovernment, security, and defenceIT infrastructure and hostingEnergy, raw materials, and utilities
Affected stakeholders
BusinessGovernmentGeneral public
Harm types
Public interestEconomic/PropertyHuman or fundamental rightsReputational
Business function:
ICT management and information security
AI system task:
Content generationReasoning with knowledge structures/planningGoal-driven organisationInteraction support/chatbotsRecognition/object detection

Articles about this incident or hazard