Hackers are using Artificial Intelligence

Hackers Are Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI Concerns: Hackers Are Using AI and Are You Ready to Fight Back?

Hackers and Cybercriminals using artificial intelligence AI tools has been a topic of conversation that we have seen for the past few months. It isn’t just a question anymore; it is a reality. Cybercriminals are no longer just rogue hackers sitting behind keyboards—they’re leveraging artificial intelligence to launch attacks faster, smarter, and more dangerously than ever. AI-generated phishing emails, deepfake scams, and automated hacking tools make it easier for cybercriminals to get past security controls and steal sensitive data.

If your business isn’t prepared, you could be the next target.

AI systems and AI models are driving cyberattacks right now. Here’s what we have seen in 2024 and 2025, with some simple suggestions of things you will need to know to protect your business.

How Hackers Are Using AI to Attack Businesses

AI-Generated Phishing Emails: Fooling Even the Sharpest Employees

Hackers are now using AI-powered tools to create very-realistic phishing emails. No more broken English or suspicious-looking messages—these attacks are highly personalized, perfectly written, and almost impossible to determine it wasn’t actual communications.

• Example: An employee receives an urgent email from their CEO instructing them to wire money to a “new vendor.” The email looks legitimate—because AI analyzed the CEO’s writing style and mimicked it perfectly.

Deepfake Attacks: Can You Trust That Call or Video?

Deepfake technology fakes executives, business partners, and even family members. If you haven’t seen a well-crafted video or listened to a deepfake phone message, they will surprise you, because these scams incredibly convincing.

• Example: A finance director receives a video call from their “CEO” requesting a confidential transaction. The voice, facial expressions, and mannerisms look real. The director approves the transfer, only to find out later that the CEO never made the call.

Automated Hacking (AI Hacking): AI Finds Weaknesses Before You Do

AI-powered bots scan the internet 24/7, looking for unpatched software, weak passwords, and vulnerable servers. These tools can break into systems in seconds, without any human effort or intelligence from the hackers.

• Example: A small business leaves a cloud storage bucket exposed online. Within hours, an AI-driven attack finds the potential risks, steals customer data, and demands a ransom payment.

How to Defend Against AI-Powered Attacks

Hackers are using AI technologies against you, but it is necessary to know that you can fight back. Here’s how:

• Upgrade Email Security – Phishing emails using generative AI tools require AI-powered detection tools that can spot advanced threats. Traditional spam filters aren’t enough anymore.
• Train Employees to Detect AI-Based Scams – Educate your team on deepfake threats, phishing techniques, and social engineering tricks. Awareness is your first line of defense.
• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Passwords alone won’t protect your access to private or sensitive information. MFA adds an extra layer that AI-powered attacks can’t easily bypass.
• Monitor Your Network 24/7 – AI-driven cyberattacks work around the clock, so your security should too. Automated monitoring and machine learning tools can detect unusual activity before it’s too late.
• Verify All Financial Transactions – Never approve a wire transfer based on an email, call, or voicemail. Always confirm through a trusted, secondary method.

Final Warning: AI Cyberattacks Are Only Getting Smarter

Hackers no longer need to be experts, all they need is access to the right AI-powered tools, which are widely available on the dark web. Every business, regardless of size, is a potential target.

The question isn’t if AI-driven attacks will come—it’s when you will see an attack and how sophisticated your controls are to detect them. AI models are inching closer to hacking on their own.

The Importance of a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

Conducting a cybersecurity risk assessment is crucial for several reasons:

• Proactive Risk Management: By identifying and assessing risks before they lead to incidents, companies can take proactive measures to protect their assets. This proactive work helps prevent costly breaches and minimizes damage if an attack occurs.
• Compliance: Many industries have regulatory requirements that mandate regular cybersecurity risk assessments (ISO 27001, CMMC, PCI, and HIPAA). Failing to comply with these requirements can lead to legal penalties and loss of customer trust.
• Resource Allocation: A thorough risk assessment helps organizations allocate their cybersecurity resources more effectively. By identifying the risks that pose the greatest threat, businesses can prioritize their efforts and invest in the most critical areas.
• Improved Decision-Making: By clearly understanding the risks, companies can make informed decisions about their cybersecurity strategies. This effort will lead to better protection of critical assets and more effective incident response.
• Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity through regular risk assessments can enhance a business’s reputation. Clients and partners are more likely to trust a company that actively works to protect its data.

Conclusion

A cybersecurity risk assessment is essential to any business’s security strategy. By identifying potential threats, assessing risks, and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies, companies can protect themselves from cyberattacks and ensure their digital assets remain secure. Regularly performing risk assessments or analyses are key to staying ahead of potential threats and maintaining a strong security posture in an evolving IT environment.

Contact us if you have questions or want help performing an IT risk assessment.

Tanner Security Consulting Services

Tanner Security is a trusted leader in IT security consulting, dedicated to protecting businesses from the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. With over two decades of experience, we offer a full range of security solutions tailored to the unique needs of organizations across various industries. Our expertise spans IT Risk Assessments, Compliance Audits (PCI, ISO 27001, HIPAA, CMMC), Penetration Testing (web applications and networks), Policy Authoring, Virtual CIO Consulting, Network Vulnerability Assessments, SIEM Services, and Configuration Reviews.

We work closely with businesses to identify weaknesses, implement effective security controls, and maintain compliance with industry best practices, ensuring their digital infrastructure remains protected against ever-growing cyber threats.

At Tanner Security, cybersecurity is not just about meeting compliance requirements but creating a proactive, resilient security program capable of adapting to new risks. Our CMMC audit preparation services help businesses achieve the cybersecurity maturity levels required for government contracts, ensuring they meet all security controls.

Our expertise in cloud security, internal network assessments, and customized security strategies also allows organizations to develop comprehensive risk management approaches that align with their business goals. We collaborate with clients to design and implement scalable security solutions that address immediate concerns and support long-term security and compliance objectives.

Our hands-on, consultative approach and unwavering commitment to delivering practical, results-driven security strategies set Tanner Security apart. Whether your organization needs a one-time security assessment or ongoing cybersecurity support, our team of seasoned professionals provides actionable insights that help safeguard your systems, data, and reputation.

We prioritize clear communication and tailored solutions, ensuring our clients receive expert guidance that enhances their overall security posture. By partnering with Tanner Security, businesses gain a dedicated cybersecurity ally, empowering them to stay ahead of cyber threats while maintaining compliance, operational efficiency, and long-term resilience.