Most security professionals fear AI attacks

Neustar released the most recent International Cyber Benchmarks Index, which highlights the increased year-over-year concern around security vulnerabilities, including significant fears around the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on company security defenses.

Impact of AI on security of company

According to the report, security professionals recognize the potential of AI in cybersecurity – with 87 percent of respondents agreeing that it will make a difference to their company’s defenses.

However, 82 percent of security professionals are concerned about the possibility of attackers using AI against their company, with stolen data (50 percent), loss of customer trust (19 percent), unstable business performance (16 percent) and cost implications being the greatest feared outcomes. As a result, nearly 60 percent of security leaders are apprehensive about adopting AI technology within their organizations.

Other key findings from the survey include:

• DDoS leading the way: DDoS was most likely to be perceived as an increasing threat to organizations, followed by social engineering, email and generalized phishing.
• Rising threats: 46 percent of enterprises have been on the receiving end of a DDoS attack in Q3, a higher proportion than in previous reporting periods.
• IPv6 adoption: Just under half (48 percent) of organizations have already begun to adopt IPv6, and 16 percent have not started. Lack of IPv6 enterprise adoption and security considerations is presenting new opportunities for cyber criminals.
• Threat from outside: Organizations have perceived the most likely increase in threats to be from criminals and unknown actors. These threats are also perceived to be increasing the most from the world at large and the least from within their own company.

Cyberattack fears and adoption of IPv6 protocol

“Artificial intelligence has been a major topic of discussion in recent times – with good reason,” said Rodney Joffe, Head of NISC and Neustar Senior Vice President and Fellow. “There is immense opportunity available, but as we’ve seen today with this data, we’re at a crossroads. Organizations know the benefits, but they are also aware that today’s attackers have unique capabilities to cause destruction with that same technology. As a result, they’ve come to a point where they’re unsure if AI is a friend or foe.”

What we do know is that IT leaders are confident in AI’s ability to make a significant difference in their defenses,” said Rodney Joffe. “So what’s needed now is for security teams to prioritize education around AI, not only to ensure that the most efficient security strategies have been implemented, but to give organizations the opportunity to embrace – and not fear – this technology.”