Malicious actors continuously tweak their tools, techniques and tactics to bypass cyberdefenses and perform successful cyberattacks. Today, the focus is on AI, with threat actors finding ways to integrate this powerful technology into their toolkits.
AI malware is quickly changing the game for attackers. Let’s examine the current state of AI malware, some real-world examples and how organizations can defend against it.
What is AI malware?
AI malware is malicious software that has been enhanced with AI and machine learning capabilities to improve its effectiveness and evasiveness.
Unlike traditional malware, AI malware can autonomously adapt, learn and modify its techniques. Namely, AI enables malware to do the following:
- Adapt to avoid detection by security tools.
- Automate operations, speeding the process for attackers.
- Personalize attacks against target victims, as in phishing attacks.
- Identify vulnerabilities to exploit.
- Mimic real people or legitimate software, as in deepfake attacks.
Using AI malware against a victim is a type of AI-powered attack, also known as an AI-enabled attack.
Types and examples of AI malware
The main types of AI malware…
