The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has issued a warning about the growing interest in targeting artificial intelligence (AI) by attackers, including both individual criminals and state actors. According to a report by The Record, the FBI has specifically highlighted the increased activity of foreign forces in this area.
In a statement, FBI representatives stated that foreign “agents” are increasingly focusing on American companies, universities, and state research institutions that are actively engaged in AI development. These attackers prioritize the theft of algorithms, data, infrastructure, and even luring AI specialists.
One of the major concerns for public services is the potential for AI algorithms to be configured in a way that produces undesirable results for society or specific organizations. Another risk is the direct use of AI for hostile purposes, such as the automation or reinforcement of malicious operations like cyber attacks or disinformation campaigns.
The FBI Director, Christopher Ray, specifically pointed out that Chinese attackers are frequently targeting the intellectual property of American organizations. He stated, “Unfortunately, AI is a technology that is ideal for China to benefit from its past and current misconduct. The creation of models requires innovation and a large amount of training data.” China has been involved in several cases of illegal collection of confidential information.
Criminals are increasingly leveraging AI as a force multiplier to create harmful code and sophisticated phishing campaigns. AI also aids in the development of advanced malware, reverse engineering, and the creation of “synthetic content” like deepfakes.
In conclusion, the FBI highlighted that AI has significantly reduced technical barriers, enabling even individuals with limited experience and skills to carry out cyber attacks.