UK: Brace for Surge of AI-Driven Cyber Attacks by 2023

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) will almost certainly lead to an increase in cyber attacks over the next two years. According to the NCSC, hackers of all skill levels are already using AI to varying degrees, and it is predicted that AI will enhance the capabilities of cyber attackers, especially in social engineering, phishing, and exfiltration of data. The least skilled hackers are expected to benefit the most from using AI, as it will give them a significant uplift in capabilities. The report also states that the most advanced AI-fueled attacks are unlikely to occur until 2025. In the meantime, ransomware is predicted to remain the biggest cybersecurity threat due to its established business model and financial rewards. The NCSC highlights the importance of private industry adopting AI to enhance cyber security resilience, with improved threat detection and security-by-design measures.