If anyone out there is wondering how AI-related threats stack up against the “notorious” ransomware threats, the Mid-Market IT Priorities Report 2024 by Node4 had a few words to share in this regard. AI-related threats were highlighted in the top-two spot as emerging concerns alongside ransomware threats. While ransomware continues to be a significant threat vector for mid-market businesses, AI-related threats are increasingly gaining attention due to their potential to exploit vulnerabilities in AI systems and algorithms.
AI technologies, while offering numerous benefits and efficiencies to businesses, also introduce new cybersecurity risks. These risks could include adversarial attacks, data poisoning, and the exploitation of AI algorithms to bypass security measures or manipulate data.
While ransomware threats typically involve the encryption of data or systems for extortion purposes, AI-related threats may involve more sophisticated techniques aimed at undermining the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of data and AI systems themselves.
I highly recommend mid-market businesses adopt comprehensive cybersecurity strategies that address both traditional threats like ransomware and emerging threats related to AI and machine learning technologies. This might involve investing in AI-specific security solutions, implementing robust data governance practices, considering broad cyber insurance policies, and providing ongoing training and awareness programs for employees to recognize and mitigate AI-related risks.