In a report released on Wednesday, Britain’s GCHQ spy agency highlighted the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, warning that it could lead to a surge in cyberattacks, making digital harm more accessible for less sophisticated hackers. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of GCHQ, emphasized that this lower entry barrier could contribute to a global increase in ransomware attacks, where criminals demand a digital ransom by encrypting computer systems.
According to the report, “AI is expected to amplify the frequency and impact of cyberattacks within the next two years. However, this impact is anticipated to be uneven.” The report highlighted that the most substantial boost in capability for malicious actors in cyberspace would benefit opportunistic hackers who lack the expertise for more advanced attacks. Additionally, generative AI tools such as chatbots were acknowledged as potentially contributing to the creation of more convincing emails or documents utilized in online phishing campaigns.
The report noted that on an advanced level, state-backed hackers with more excellent capabilities are well-positioned to leverage AI’s potential in sophisticated cyber operations, such as the creation of advanced malware. Intelligence agencies globally are contending with the challenges posed by algorithms capable of generating human-like interactions, known as large language models (LLMs), exemplified by platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Businesses increasingly integrate LLMs into various services, including sales and customer care. The security implications of AI continue to emerge, with authorities in Britain, the U.S., and Canada acknowledging the adoption of AI by hackers.
