AI is helping hackers make new malware faster and more complex than ever - and things may only get tougher (www.techradar.com)

Recent findings from Palo Alto Networks highlight a concerning trend where Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is significantly enhancing the speed and complexity of malware development. In its Unit 42 Global Incident Response Report, the research indicates that AI has reduced data exfiltration times from five hours to just 72 minutes, representing a fourfold increase in efficiency for cybercriminals. Notably, almost 90% of cyber intrusions now involve multiple attack surfaces, with identity weaknesses and vulnerabilities in SaaS supply chains serving as primary entry points for attacks. These advancements in malware creation have prompted a shift in ransomware tactics, moving from traditional encryption methods to direct data extraction, making it increasingly difficult for cybersecurity teams to detect and respond to threats. This shift not only accelerates the rate at which cybercriminals can operate but also amplifies the pressure on organizations to protect sensitive information without the usual indicators of ransomware attacks. The implications for the AI/ML community are substantial, as the intersection of AI technology and cybersecurity poses new challenges that demand innovative defenses and strategies to safeguard against evolving threats.