To what extent does the use of artificial intelligence technology carry the risk of an increase in cybercrime?

Dear Dr. Dariusz Prokopowicz ,

The links presented below provide some useful incites to your complex question.

https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Artificial_Intelligence_and_Cybersecurity_Balancing_Risks_and_Rewards_2025.pdf

https://www.researchgate.net/post/To_what_extent_does_the_use_of_artificial_intelligence_technology_carry_the_risk_of_an_increase_in_cybercrime

Timothy Ingram

The rapid growth of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), has undeniably amplified the scale and sophistication of cybercrime. AI’s dual-use nature—where it can be both a tool for defense and exploitation—has opened new avenues for malicious actors to engage in data theft, hacking attacks, and disinformation campaigns. As our dependence on digital infrastructure deepens, so too does our vulnerability.

The Rising Threat Landscape with AI and Digital Technologies

Enhanced Cyberattacks: AI has enabled more sophisticated cyberattacks. Automated tools powered by AI can conduct reconnaissance, exploit vulnerabilities, and launch large-scale attacks like Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) with minimal human intervention. AI-driven malware can adapt in real-time, making detection and mitigation increasingly difficult.

Data Theft and Privacy Invasion: With massive datasets used to train AI systems, data privacy is under heightened threat. AI can sift through vast amounts of data rapidly, identifying exploitable patterns. Moreover, techniques like deep packet inspection combined with AI algorithms can breach privacy barriers, leading to unauthorized data harvesting.

Disinformation and Deepfakes: AI-generated disinformation has emerged as a significant threat to democracies and social stability. Deepfake technology allows the creation of hyper-realistic fake videos and audio, leading to misinformation campaigns that can influence public opinion, elections, and even incite violence.

AI-Driven Phishing and Social Engineering: Traditional phishing attacks have evolved with AI. Advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) allows attackers to craft hyper-personalized phishing emails, increasing their success rates. AI bots can also mimic human behavior on social media to manipulate users or spread disinformation.

Counteracting AI-Driven Cybercrime: Strategic Approaches

Advanced AI-Driven Defense Systems: Just as AI can power cyberattacks, it can also bolster defenses. AI-based anomaly detection systems can identify unusual behaviors in networks that might indicate an intrusion. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast datasets to predict and prevent cyberattacks in real-time.

Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA): The Zero Trust model—“never trust, always verify”—is crucial in combating AI-driven threats. By strictly verifying every user and device before granting access to systems, organizations can limit the spread of breaches. Coupled with AI, ZTA can dynamically adjust trust levels based on real-time behavioral analytics.

Regulation and Ethical AI Development: Governments and international bodies must collaborate to establish clear regulations governing AI’s ethical use. Implementing “AI ethics by design”—embedding ethical considerations into AI development—can help limit malicious use. Frameworks like the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act are steps in the right direction.

Combating Disinformation: To tackle AI-generated disinformation, platforms need to invest in robust content verification tools. AI can detect deepfakes by analyzing inconsistencies in audio and video. Public awareness campaigns and digital literacy initiatives are equally vital to help users discern legitimate from fake content.

Strengthening Encryption and Privacy Standards: Enhancing encryption standards is critical to safeguard data. Quantum-resistant encryption methods are already under development to prepare for future threats. Additionally, policies like Privacy by Design ensure that data protection is embedded into the system architecture from the ground up.

Cybersecurity Workforce and Education: Bridging the cybersecurity talent gap is essential. Developing specialized training programs focused on AI and cybersecurity will create a skilled workforce capable of handling advanced threats. Public-private partnerships can further this cause, ensuring a coordinated approach to security.

International Cooperation and Threat Intelligence Sharing: Cybercrime knows no borders, and tackling it requires global collaboration. Sharing threat intelligence between governments, private sectors, and international bodies can improve collective defense. Frameworks like NATO’s Cyber Defense Pledge encourage coordinated responses to cyber threats.

A Double-Edged Sword

The growing role of AI in digital technologies is a double-edged sword—offering unprecedented advancements while simultaneously amplifying cyber risks. The challenge lies in ensuring that defensive capabilities outpace offensive ones. It requires a balanced approach, combining technological innovation, ethical frameworks, regulatory oversight, and global cooperation.

As the adage in cybersecurity goes, “Attackers only need to be right once, defenders need to be right every time.” In the era of AI, this gap can be narrowed—but only if proactive and strategic measures are taken.

Mahendra Krishnapatnam

While AI-powered threat detection and prevention models are evolving, the cyber scammers are also using more advanced threat methods.

For instance, although faceid, fingerprint and voice authentication are more popular in AI-powered threat models, these can be easily phished using deepfake methods.

It is equally important to adopt to latest AI-trends to tackle cyber threats in an organization.

William C. B. Harding

Specific to AI-enabled chatbots, there are increased cybersecurity risks associated with loss of IP (e.g., accidental disclosure) and liability for the distribution of misinformation.

Nazime Tuncay

AI can significantly increase cybercrime risks by enabling more sophisticated phishing attacks, deepfake scams, and automated hacking. Malicious actors can exploit AI to bypass security systems, making cyber threats harder to detect. However, AI can also enhance cybersecurity by detecting anomalies, preventing fraud, and improving threat intelligence.

Dariusz Prokopowicz

Dear Researchers, Scientists, Friends,

The research question concerning the increased risk of cybercrime, such as data theft, hacking attacks, and disinformation, due to the growing importance of digital technologies in recent years, including the development of artificial intelligence applications, is extremely relevant in the context of building a trusted digital environment. The presented text accurately identifies key threats, such as data theft, hacking, and disinformation, and emphasizes their global nature and the need for international cooperation. However, it is worth expanding this discussion to include new research questions, including the specific attack vectors utilizing artificial intelligence (e.g., generating sophisticated phishing attacks, deepfakes used for manipulation), the evolution of defense methods in response to these advanced threats (e.g., AI-based cybersecurity systems), the psychological aspects of human vulnerability to disinformation in the AI era, as well as the legal and ethical challenges associated with attributing responsibility for cybercrimes using AI. Future research could also focus on developing more effective models for prevention, detection, and response to cyber incidents in a rapidly changing technological landscape. I sincerely thank all researchers and scientists for their past contributions to understanding and counteracting these serious problems. I am open to further scientific cooperation in this crucial field and invite you to continue this urgent discussion, aimed at ensuring security in the digital world.

Best regards,

Dariusz Prokopowicz

Ph.D. dissertation question?

Way of #Python libraries import?

Python experts and specialists?

On - line editor?

Data Science help request?

Are there any examples (PDF) of feasibility study on pike-factory construction (pike Esox lucius spawning grounds restoration) ?

SQL task help request?

Conspect help request?

Conspect help request?

Scope of a Ph.D. dissertation?

Feedback defines the constitution of an organism?

How to learn more about SPSS and its Application?

Text-Communication from the M1 Hand Area using BCI—and then there is Elon Musk?

Handling Missing Data and Building a Predictive Model with Incomplete Information ?

Has anyone applied Python in the field of textile engineering for data analysis, automation, or smart textiles?

Can we mark 'EFL Learners shifting from general digital to AI technologies' as technological transition?

What are examples of AI for good projects a teacher can assign to students?

Self-Organizing Superorganisms—as envisaged by Nenad Sestan (2018)?

How to design human-centered classroom in the age of A.I.?

Is Galaxy.org good to use for research for analyzing data and for publication?