AI phishing attacks are on the rise, posing an unpredictable threat to organisations of all sizes. By harnessing artificial intelligence, scammers can create highly convincing emails and messages that trick employees into revealing sensitive information or transferring funds.
So how can your business avoid being the victim of an AI-attack? This blog explores how these attacks work, provides real-life examples, and outlines strategies to protect your organisation from AI-driven cyber threats.
What is AI phishing?
AI phishing refers to phishing attacks that use artificial intelligence to make scams more convincing and scalable. Traditional phishing often relies on generic or poorly written emails, but AI phishing leverages AI cyber security weaknesses to craft messages that are tailored to specific users. These attacks can mimic the writing style of colleagues, use accurate company branding, and exploit publicly available information to make emails appear legitimate.
In 2022 alone, AI-powered phishing attacks contributed to over $2 billion in losses. Since the fourth quarter of 2022, shortly after ChatGPT became publicly accessible, there has been a 1,265% increase in malicious phishing emails, highlighting the rapid adoption of AI in cyber crime.
For businesses looking to strengthen defences against these threats, cyber security awareness training is an effective way to educate employees on spotting phishing AI and other AI threats.
What is an AI-powered phishing attack?
An AI-powered phishing attack takes traditional phishing to the next level by automating the creation of highly persuasive scams. Using AI models, cyber criminals can analyse data about a business, its staff, and its operations to craft personalised messages. These attacks are often more difficult to detect because the content is coherent, contextually relevant, and sometimes indistinguishable from legitimate communications.
AI threats like this are not just theoretical; they represent a real AI threat to cyber security that organisations need to address urgently. From finance scams to fake supplier invoices, the potential for financial loss and reputational damage is significant.
Organisations can improve resilience to AI phishing attacks by conducting cyber security risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and implement targeted countermeasures.
Scammers can target your business with just 5 prompts
According to IBM, AI phishing attacks can be initiated with just five simple prompts, making it worryingly easy for scammers to target businesses:
- Come up with a list of concerns for a [specific group] in a [specific industry] – AI can identify pain points and tailor messages that exploit employee fears or interests.
- Write an email leveraging social engineering techniques – AI generates persuasive text designed to manipulate the recipient.
- Apply common marketing techniques to the email – Using marketing tactics such as urgency or reward, AI makes the email more likely to succeed.
- Who should we send the email to? – AI selects recipients who are most likely to engage with the email, often based on job role or access to sensitive information.
- Who should we say the email is from? – AI forges sender details, making emails appear as if they come from senior staff, trusted suppliers, or familiar contacts.
What are some examples of AI phishing?
AI phishing attacks come in various forms, exploiting the capabilities of AI to create deception at scale. Two common examples include:
AI deepfake
AI deepfake technology allows attackers to create realistic audio or video of colleagues or executives. For instance, a scammer might generate a video of a company director instructing an employee to transfer funds or share confidential data. AI deepfake scams are difficult to detect and can severely compromise trust within an organisation.
Automated emails
Automated emails generated by AI can mimic the tone and style of a legitimate sender, personalised for each recipient. This makes traditional spam filters less effective and increases the likelihood of employees falling victim. These AI scams are particularly common in finance and HR departments, where sensitive information is routinely exchanged.
For protection against automated AI phishing emails, organisations can explore email security solutions that reduce the risk of malicious content reaching employees’ inboxes.
How to protect yourself and your organisation
The rise of AI phishing attacks makes it essential for businesses to implement robust cyber security measures. Here are key steps organisations can take:
DMARC
Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC) is an email authentication protocol that helps prevent phishing emails from reaching your inbox. Implementing DMARC can significantly reduce the risk of successful AI phishing attacks.
Cyber security awareness training
Staff awareness is the first line of defence against phishing AI. Regular training helps employees recognise AI-driven scams, understand the risks, and respond appropriately. Cyber security awareness training should include simulations and real-life examples of AI threats to reinforce learning.
Multi-layered security
Relying on a single security measure is no longer sufficient. Multi-layered security, including firewalls, antivirus software, email filters, and intrusion detection systems, provides comprehensive protection against AI threats and other cyber security risks.
The importance of sender reputation
Ensuring your domain has a strong sender reputation helps prevent your emails from being mimicked in AI phishing attacks. Regular monitoring and good email hygiene practices reduce the risk of your organisation being exploited in scams.
Raise your cyber security awareness
AI phishing represents a growing AI threat to cyber security that cannot be ignored. Organisations need to combine technical defences with ongoing staff training to reduce the likelihood of falling victim to AI scams. By understanding how phishing AI works and taking proactive measures, you can safeguard sensitive information, protect finances, and maintain trust with employees and clients.
Raising cyber security awareness and implementing AI cyber security strategies today is critical to staying one step ahead of scammers and protecting your business from evolving AI threats. For organisations looking to enhance their overall cyber resilience, CSA offers valuable guidance and training to strengthen your cyber security posture. So get in touch with us today if you’re looking to improve your resilience regarding artificial threats.
