Rise in Cyberattacks Leveraging Generative AI Technology Anticipated for 2024
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Seoul, Dec 18 (NationPress) Cyberattacks that employ generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technology are projected to experience significant growth next year, according to a government report released on Wednesday.
By 2025, it is anticipated that hacking collectives will increasingly utilize various generative AI models, including ChatGPT, to craft tailored spear phishing emails aimed at specific targets and produce fake news for political manipulation, as highlighted in the annual cybersecurity report from the Ministry of Science and ICT.
The report cautioned, "It will be challenging to ascertain the authenticity of intricate content generated with AI assistance," emphasizing that such content could quickly proliferate online, swaying public perceptions.
"The distortion of public sentiment by specific groups may incite social unrest and confusion," it added.
Furthermore, the report forewarned of an uptick in blackmail incidents utilizing deepfake technology, which has been evident in the nation earlier this year, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
South Korea encountered multiple deepfake-related sexual offenses in early 2024, with law enforcement having detained 506 suspects related to these incidents as of October.
In addition, the report indicated that the activities of state-sponsored hacking factions may surge next year due to global political instability following Donald Trump’s re-election as U.S. president.
"The United States is likely to implement policy changes aimed at relaxing regulations on technology and virtual asset sectors, alongside promoting protectionism," the report stated, cautioning that these developments could lead to a rise in attacks against cryptocurrency exchanges and firms focused on strategic technologies like AI and quantum computing.
This year, cyber authorities reported a marked increase in cyberattacks targeting software supply chains, employing advanced ransomware techniques and smishing attacks aimed at the general populace, according to the report.
--IAN
