AI news ·
Fortinet Reveals How AI-Powered Cybercrime Fuels New Threats and Drives Next-Gen AI Defenses
AI-driven cybercrime is evolving with targeted, automated attacks. Fortinet advises using agentic AI and deception tech for smarter, proactive defense.
Fortinet Details Emerging Cyber Threats and AI-Driven Defense Strategies
Cybersecurity threats are shifting as AI tools like FraudGPT and WormGPT escalate cybercrime-as-a-service. Attackers no longer rely on brute force; instead, they automate reconnaissance, craft targeted phishing campaigns, and execute complex, layered attacks with precision.
To keep up, security teams are adopting agentic automation, intelligent orchestration, and integrating security with network operations, according to Derek Manky, Chief Security Strategist and VP of Threat Intelligence at Fortinet Inc.
How AI is Changing the Cybercrime Playbook
Cybercrime is becoming a commercial enterprise powered by affordable services and AI weaponization. Attackers can now buy stolen credentials, rent DDoS attacks, or subscribe to AI-driven reconnaissance platforms without coding skills.
Manky highlights a trend toward more targeted attacks, particularly against manufacturing, aiming to disrupt operations and bleed revenue instead of just demanding ransom.
- Ransomware volume is dropping, but attacks are more focused and aggressive.
- Manufacturing sectors face increased risks due to operational disruption tactics.
Additionally, stolen credentials are surging, with a 42% increase in dark web postings driven by info stealers like RedLine Stealer, which make up over 60% of such activity. This lowers the barrier to entry for cybercriminals, enabling them to gain access through pre-stolen logins rather than new exploits.
Agentic AI Powers Smarter Cyber Defense
Defense teams use both generative and discriminative AI models. Generative AI helps reduce analyst fatigue by triaging alerts and synthesizing threat data. Meanwhile, machine learning spots anomalies and zero-day threats in real time, speeding up response and improving SOC and NOC collaboration.
The agentic AI approach goes beyond incident management by automating routine tasks autonomously, with guardrails in place to ensure safe execution.
Advanced Deception Techniques Boost Security Posture
Deception tactics are evolving with modern honeypots designed as interactive, high-fidelity decoys. These traps lure attackers into fake environments, allowing teams to gather intelligence and respond proactively.
Unlike traditional honeypots, which only detect intrusions, these interactive traps actively engage and contain attackers, providing early warnings and actionable insights.
What Operations Professionals Should Focus On
- Adopt AI-based tools that automate routine security tasks to free up analyst time.
- Integrate security operations with network operations for faster incident response.
- Use deception technologies like interactive honeypots to gain early threat detection.
- Monitor credential theft trends and employ multi-factor authentication to reduce risk.
Staying ahead means recognizing the shift from generic attacks to targeted operational disruptions. Leveraging AI-powered defense and deception will be critical in this evolving landscape.
For those interested in deepening skills on AI and automation in cybersecurity operations, consider exploring specialized courses here.