The Gist

‍AI impersonations have emerged as the most challenging cyberattack method to detect, according to Teleport’s 2024 State of Infrastructure Access SecurityReport. The report highlights how AI and deepfakes have made social engineering one of the primary attack vectors for data and financial theft. It’s so effective that according to several sources, 98% of cybercriminals today use social engineering techniques to exploit human vulnerability and gain access to sensitive data.

Here’s the typical process attackers follow:

Research

Attackers collect information about their target, often using sophisticated data software and social media platforms.

Trust Building

Attackers establish rapport through various means, including impersonation and fabricated narratives.

Exploitation

Attackers identify and manipulate individuals with access to valuable information and authorization.

Disengagement

Attackers erase their digital footprint and vanish as soon as they achieve their objective.

The Latest

AI impersonation now tops the list of difficult-to-defend cyber attack vectors, with 52% of senior leaders acknowledging it as a significant challenge. Phishing and smishing follow closely as the second most challenging vector (48%), with compromised privileged credentials and secrets(47%) in third place. Malicious AI tools, such as WormGPT, have significantly reduced the barriers to launching sophisticated phishing campaigns and deepfake impersonations.

Trustmi's Take

‍To combat social engineering attacks effectively, organizations should adopt a multi-faceted strategy that includes:

Deploy Behavioral AI

Integrate advanced solutions across systems for real-time analysis of patterns, documents, and transactions.

Automate Wisely

Minimize human error in critical processes while implementing Zero Trust principles.

Educate Employees

Conduct immersive training on recognizing AI-generated content and deepfakes. Foster a culture of prompt reporting.

Leverage AI-Driven Intelligence

Use predictive analytics and participate in threat-sharing networks to stay ahead of emerging  techniques.

Enhance Authentication

Implement adaptive MFA and consider continuous authentication for high-risk operations.

Why it matters

‍These strategies significantly bolster defenses against sophisticated AI impersonation threats, protecting organizational assets and reputation.

Organizations can substantially bolster their defenses against social engineering threats by combining advanced technology, automation, and comprehensive staff training.

Go deeper

Check out this webinar featuring ethical hacker Rachel Tobac and CNA Insurance CISO Mahmood Khan for practical insights on countering deepfakes and AI-driven attacks.