Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
Key Points:
- AI has made it easier for cybercriminals to launch advanced social engineering attacks.
- Cybersecurity awareness training must adapt to the AI era.
Summary:
A recent report by NINJIO titled “The CISO’s Guide to AI-powered Social Engineering” highlights the growing threat of AI-powered attacks in the cybersecurity landscape. With cybercriminals utilizing AI tools such as deepfakes for more sophisticated attacks, organizations need to adapt quickly to protect against these threats.
The report emphasizes that AI has permanently changed the cyber threats faced by companies, reducing barriers for personalized social engineering attacks. AI-enabled tools like large language models (LLMs) and deepfakes make common cyberattacks like phishing even more effective, requiring employees to be more vigilant in detecting malicious content.
Cybersecurity awareness training needs to evolve in the AI era to help employees distinguish between real and malicious content. With over two-thirds of successful breaches involving human error, security leaders must educate staff on new cyberattack tactics like deepfaked robocalls and LLM-generated phishing messages. Training should focus on identifying psychological manipulation tactics rather than traditional red flags like misspellings.
Furthermore, the report stresses the importance of maximizing the impact of cybersecurity awareness training by personalizing learning plans for each employee and tracking performance. By addressing individual behavioral profiles and vulnerabilities, organizations can better equip their staff to resist AI-powered social engineering attacks.
In conclusion, as AI-powered social engineering attacks continue to rise, it is crucial for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity awareness training to combat these evolving threats effectively. By staying proactive and vigilant, organizations can enhance their defenses against AI-enabled cybercriminal tactics.
