Our culture could be substantially changed by artificial intelligence (AI) and there is a lot to look forward to if the AI tools we already have are any indication of what is to come.
A number of things are also worrying us. AI is specifically being weaponized by cybercriminals and other threat actors. AI picture generators are not impervious to misuse, and this is not just a theoretical worry. We have covered the top 4 ways threat actors use AI image generators to their advantage in this article, which can pose a severe security risk.
Social engineering
Social engineering, including making phoney social media profiles, is one clear way threat actors use AI image generators. A scammer might create fake social media profiles using some of these tools that produce incredibly realistic photos that exactly resemble real photographs of actual individuals.
Unlike real people's photos, AI-generated photos cannot be located via reverse image search, and the cybercriminal need not rely on a small number of images to trick their target—by utilising AI, they may manufacture as many as they want, building a credible online identity from scratch.
Charity fraud
Millions of people all across the world gave clothing, food, and money to the victims of the deadly earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria in February 2023.
A BBC investigation claims that scammers took advantage of this by utilising AI to produce convincing photos and request money. One con artist used AI to create images of ruins on TikTok Live and asked viewers for money. Another posted an AI-generated image of a Greek firefighter rescuing a hurt child from ruins and requested his followers to donate Bitcoin.
Disinformation and deepfakes
Governments, activist organisations, and think tanks have long issued warnings about deepfakes. AI picture producers add another element to this issue with how realistic their works are. Deep Fake Neighbour Wars is a comedy programme from the UK that pokes fun at strange celebrity pairings.
This may have consequences in the real world, as it almost did in March 2022 when an internet hoax video purporting to be Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered Ukrainians to surrender spread, according to NPR. But that's just one instance; there are innumerable other ways a threat actor may use AI to distribute fake news, advance a false narrative, or ruin someone's reputation.
Advertising fraud
In 2022, researchers at TrendMicro found that con artists were utilising AI-generated material to produce deceptive adverts and peddle dubious goods. They produced photos that implied well-known celebrities were using particular goods, and they then employed those photos in advertising campaigns.
One advertisement for a "financial advicement opportunity," for instance, featured Tesla's creator and CEO, billionaire Elon Musk. The AI-generated footage featured made it appear as though Musk was endorsing the product, which is likely what convinced unwary viewers to click the ads. Of course, Musk never actually did.
Looking forward
Government regulators and cybersecurity specialists will likely need to collaborate in the future to combat the threat of AI-powered crimes. But, how can we control AI and safeguard common people without impeding innovation and limiting online freedoms? For many years to come, that issue will be a major concern.
Do all you can to safeguard yourself while you wait for a response, such as thoroughly checking any information you find online, avoiding dubious websites, using safe software, keeping your gadgets up to date, and learning how to make the most of artificial intelligence.