The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of the UK’s GCHQ spy agency, has issued a warning that the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools is likely to lead to an increase in cyberattacks. The agency predicts that AI will lower the barrier of entry for less sophisticated hackers, enabling them to cause digital harm. This is expected to contribute to a global rise in ransomware attacks, where criminals encrypt computer systems and demand a digital ransom. The NCSC report suggests that the impact of AI on cyber threats will be uneven, with opportunistic hackers benefiting the most from the increased capability provided by AI tools.

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According to the report, generative AI tools, such as chatbots, could be used to create more convincing emails or documents for online phishing campaigns. On an advanced level, state-backed hackers are considered to be best placed to harness AI’s potential for advanced cyber operations, including the development of sophisticated malware. The use of AI in cyber operations by intelligence agencies poses new challenges and concerns, especially as large language models (LLMs) become more prevalent.

The rise of algorithms capable of generating human-like interactions, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has raised security issues globally. LLMs are increasingly being incorporated into various services, including sales and customer care. Authorities in the UK, the U.S., and Canada have already observed hackers embracing AI technology. The NCSC’s warning highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures to counter the evolving threats posed by AI-driven cyberattacks.