Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming our world. From ChatGPT to Copilot in Microsoft 365, AI is revolutionizing how we do business. But with great power comes great responsibility, and AI is no exception. A recent study revealed a worrying trend: AI security breaches are on the rise.

The study by HiddenLayer titled AI Threat Landscape Report 2024 found that 77% of businesses said they’d experienced a breach to AI systems in the last year. With the excitement of AI, you can’t forget the security that needs to go along with its use. Here's a closer look at this growing threat and what you need to know to stay secure.

The AI Advantage for Attackers

Imagine a hacker who can manipulate a stock market algorithm, trick a self-driving car off course, or create deepfakes so realistic they can sway public opinion. Unfortunately, with advancements in AI, these scenarios aren't science fiction anymore.

AI's ability to learn and adapt makes it a powerful tool, but also a double-edged sword. Here's how AI can be exploited by malicious actors.

Adversarial Attacks

These attacks aim to manipulate AI algorithms by feeding them skewed data or exploiting weaknesses in their training process. Imagine an attacker feeding an AI-powered customer service chatbot with manipulated data, causing it to provide inaccurate information or even engage in unacceptable behavior.

Data Poisoning

AI systems rely on clean data to function properly. Hackers can poison an AI system with manipulated data, causing it to make biased or erroneous decisions. Data can be poisoned in several ways:

• Injecting false or misleading information
• Modifying the existing dataset
• Deleting part of the existing dataset

Data poisoning can lead to new vulnerabilities in an AI system and cause it to give inaccurate or misleading information to decision-makers.

Supply Chain Attacks

AI systems are often built on third-party software and libraries. If a vulnerability exists in one of these components, it can be exploited to gain access to the entire AI system. Supply chain attacks can often take you completely off-guard if you’re not vetting the security systems of your hardware and software suppliers.

The Human Cost of AI Breaches

The consequences of an AI security breach can be severe:

• Financial Losses: A compromised AI system could be used to manipulate financial markets, steal confidential data, or disrupt critical infrastructure.
• Safety Risks: Imagine a hacked manufacturing robot causing an accident or an AI-powered medical device making a critical error. The safety implications of AI breaches are vast and potentially devastating.
• Reputational Damage: A high-profile AI breach can erode trust in your company, hindering your growth and possibly causing your bottom line to take a huge hit.

Protecting Your AI Systems: Building a Defense

While the rise of AI security threats is concerning, there are steps you can take to protect your systems:

• Security by Design: Integrate security considerations into the entire AI development process, from data collection to model deployment.
• Data Security is Paramount: Ensure the data used to train your AI systems is clean, secure, and free from bias.
• Vulnerability Testing: Regularly test your AI systems for vulnerabilities and patch them promptly.
• Threat Modeling: Identify potential attack vectors and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Continuous Monitoring: Monitor your AI systems for suspicious activity and continuously update them with the latest security patches.
• Invest in AI Security Expertise: Consider partnering with cybersecurity professionals, like Digital Crisis, who specialize in end-to-end network security.

The Future of AI Security: A Shared Responsibility

Securing AI is a shared responsibility. Here's what different stakeholders can do:

• Tech Companies: Developers need to build security into AI systems from the ground up and prioritize responsible development practices. You can look for systems that use best practices.
• Governments: Governments should establish regulations for AI development and deployment, focusing on security, privacy, and ethical considerations.
• Users: Businesses and individuals using AI systems need to be aware of the security risks and take steps to mitigate them.

By working together, we can ensure that AI is a force for good, not a source of vulnerability. AI has the potential to improve many business processes, but only if used securely and responsibly.

Assess Your Risk Today 

The rise of AI security breaches is a serious concern, but it doesn't have to be a deterrent. By understanding the threats and taking proactive measures, you can build out your workflows with secure and trustworthy AI solutions.

Remember, AI security is an ongoing process. As AI technology evolves, so too must your security strategies. Digital Crisis can help your Houston area business ensure that new technology incorporated into your network is done so securely. 

If you’re interested in conducting a cybersecurity risk assessment for your organization, contact Digital Crisis today to learn more about our services.