Artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced malicious attacks are the new top emerging risk for enterprises in the first quarter of 2024, according to research by Gartner, Inc.
"The prospect of malicious actions enabled by AI-assisted tools is concerning risk leaders worldwide," said Gamika Takkar, director of research in the Gartner Risk & Audit Practice. "The relative ease of use and quality of AI-assisted tools, such as voice and image generation, increase the ability to carry out malicious attacks with wide-ranging consequences."
AI-related risks
AI-related risks led rankings in Gartner's survey, with AI-enhanced malicious attacks (80%) and AI-assisted misinformation (66%). Other emerging risks cited were Escalating Political Polarisation (66%), Globally Consequential Elections (61%), and Misaligned Organizational Talent Profile (60%).
Takkar said that the low cost and the expanding access to the capabilities of AI expose it to users with little awareness of how it works, and find it hard to differentiate if the information it provides is valid or false/ misrepresented. Unfortunately, malicious AI enhancement can facilitate phishing, social engineering, and malicious code, enabling damaging attacks on enterprises.
AI-enhanced attacks and misinformation pose a significant threat to organisations' reputations and productivity, underscoring the need for immediate attention and action.
"The speed and quality of AI-enhanced attacks and misinformation also hinder information security teams' ability to respond and adapt to the new security landscape, further amplifying its vulnerabilities," said Takkar.