The head of the UK’s cyber security agency has warned that Britons must strengthen their defences against the growing threat of AI-assisted ransomware. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has found that AI is making it easier for novice cyber criminals to carry out attacks. The technology is being used by bad actors to find and target victims more effectively, and it is expected to increase the volume and impact of cyber attacks. Ransomware has been identified as the biggest cyber threat in the UK, and the NCSC urges organizations and individuals to follow their advice to boost their resilience against cyber attacks. AI is evolving the existing threat of ransomware but not transforming the risk landscape in the near term.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Growing threat of AI-assisted ransomware | Increase in cyber threats | More advanced and targeted ransomware attacks | Advancements in AI technology |
| AI lowering the barrier for novice cyber criminals | Democratization of cyber attacks | Increased number and effectiveness of cyber attacks | Accessibility and availability of AI technology |
| AI used to find and target victims of cyber attacks | Enhanced targeting capabilities | More precise and efficient cyber attacks | Improved AI algorithms and data analysis |
| Ransomware identified as biggest cyber threat | Heightened awareness and defense measures | Improved defense systems against ransomware | Increased understanding of ransomware risks |
| Development of criminal versions of AI models | Availability of sophisticated hacking tools | Increased accessibility to hacking resources | Profit motive and demand for hacking capabilities |