Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming business across every industry—improving efficiency, automating mundane tasks, and opening doors to innovation. But just as AI empowers businesses, it also equips cybercriminals with unprecedented tools to launch smarter, more convincing, and more damaging cyber attacks.
If you’re a business owner, especially one relying on digital tools and remote operations, it’s crucial to understand what you can do to stay protected against bad actors leveraging AI. This article breaks down the growing threat of AI-powered cyber attacks, real-world examples, and red flags to watch out for.
AI-Generated Phishing Emails: Too Smart to Ignore
Phishing has always been one of the most common entry points for cyberattacks. But now, thanks to AI and natural language processing tools like ChatGPT and WormGPT, these scams are becoming frighteningly sophisticated.
Instead of generic, typo-ridden emails, today’s AI-powered phishing attempts are tailored, polished, and highly convincing. Attackers can feed AI tools with information scraped from LinkedIn, company websites, or social media to generate messages that sound like they’re coming from a real executive or business partner.
In 2023, researchers from SlashNext discovered the use of WormGPT, an AI tool developed specifically for malicious use, to generate phishing emails and even write malicious code. Unlike ChatGPT, which has safeguards against harmful use, WormGPT was created with no ethical limitations and was quickly adopted on cybercrime forums.
Signs to Look For:
- Emails with urgent language requesting wire transfers, credentials, or confidential information.
- Messages from known senders, but with subtle changes to the email address (e.g., john@yourcornpany.com instead of john@yourcompany.com).
- Emails sent outside of normal business hours.
AI-Assisted Malware Creation: Smarter, Stealthier Code
Another dangerous development is the use of AI to assist in writing and evolving malware. Cybercriminals can use AI tools to write polymorphic malware: code that can change its structure to avoid detection by traditional antivirus software.
AI also helps in testing malware against multiple systems quickly, making it more refined before deployment. This means malware today can be custom-built for specific industries, systems, or even individual businesses.
In early 2024, a cybersecurity firm uncovered a variant of the BlackMamba malware, which used a language model to dynamically generate malicious code at runtime, making it extremely hard to detect using traditional methods.
Red Flags:
- Devices acting abnormally: slowing down, overheating, or accessing unknown IP addresses.
- Antivirus tools being disabled or overridden.
- Employees reporting strange behavior from their computers or mobile devices.
Deepfakes and Voice Cloning: The New Wave of Social Engineering
Deepfake technology, once a novelty on social media, has entered the world of corporate fraud and impersonation. AI can now generate realistic videos and voice recordings of executives, making it possible to trick employees into transferring money or disclosing sensitive information.
In 2019, cybercriminals used AI-based voice cloning to impersonate the CEO of a UK-based energy firm. According to the Wall Street Journal, the attackers convinced the company’s managing director to transfer $243,000 to a supplier’s account, only to realize later that the voice was faked using AI.
With even more advanced tools today, it’s not hard to imagine how far cyber criminals can take this kind of attack.
Warning Signs:
- Unusual video calls or voicemails from executives asking for sensitive actions.
- Unexpected change in tone or urgency in communication from higher-ups.
- Pressure to skip normal verification processes.
AI-Powered Credential Stuffing & Password Cracking
With the help of AI, attackers can now automate credential stuffing attacks more effectively, testing thousands of username/password combinations quickly and intelligently.
AI models can also analyze password patterns, learn from previously breached data, and predict likely combinations. That makes using the same password across multiple accounts a huge liability.
Protective Measures:
- Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all accounts.
- Encourage staff to use password managers and generate strong, unique passwords.
- Regularly audit access privileges and monitor login activity.
AI in Cyber Reconnaissance
Before launching an attack, cybercriminals often conduct “recon” (gathering information about your business). AI now allows them to scrape and analyze data faster than ever. Tools can scan public records, social media profiles, employee bios, and vendor info to build a digital profile of your company.
This data is then used to:
- Personalize phishing emails.
- Craft malware tailored to your software systems.
- Exploit gaps in your supply chain or employee awareness.
Proactive Steps:
- Limit sensitive information available publicly online.
- Educate employees about oversharing on social media (e.g., job titles, vacation plans, project details).
- Regularly monitor dark web marketplaces for company-related data breaches.
What Business Owners Can Do
Staying ahead of AI-driven cyber threats doesn’t require you to become a cybersecurity expert—but it does require awareness, preparation, and a proactive mindset.
1. Work with a Cybersecurity Partner
If you don’t have an internal IT team, partner with a managed service provider (MSP) who understands the latest threat landscape and can provide ongoing protection.
2. Invest in Employee Training
Regularly train your staff to spot phishing attempts, avoid suspicious downloads, and practice good cyber hygiene.
3. Update and Patch Systems
AI-powered malware often exploits outdated software. Keep all systems up to date with the latest security patches.
4. Use AI for Good
Consider using AI-driven cybersecurity tools for your business. Many modern solutions can detect abnormal behavior, flag anomalies, and respond to threats in real time.
The Arms Race Has Already Started
AI is now a double-edged sword in cybersecurity. As the technology becomes more accessible, the line between what’s real and what’s fake continues to blur, making it easier for criminals to launch successful attacks that once required time, expertise, and significant effort.
For business owners, awareness is step one. Don’t assume you’re too small to be targeted. Many AI-driven attacks today are automated and indiscriminate. Stay vigilant, stay educated, and use the same tools to your advantage before someone else does.
Whether you need top-tier cybersecurity talent or expert consulting, Tiro Security is here to help. Don’t wait until a breach exposes your business; consult with Kris Rides at kris.rides@tirosec.com and start protecting your data today!