Article Review 2: Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Cybercrime
Article Link: https://vc.bridgew.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1187&context=ijcic
Kirk J. Turner
Department of Cybersecurity, Old Dominion University
CYSE 201S: Cybersecurity and Social Sciences
Professor Diwakar Yalpi
November 17, 2024
Introduction:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming one of the most revolutionizing technological advancements of this generation. It has many productive uses, such as the automation of certain business and industrial systems, image and text classification, utilization of deep learning to simulate critical thinking and decision making habits, etc. On the other hand, AI is also being used as a tool by cybercriminals to aid in their criminal operations (Shetty et al., 2024). This article centers its attention on the correlation between AI and cybercriminals, and attempts to gauge the role of AI in cyber crime through quantitative and qualitative measures.
Hypotheses, Method of Research, & Data Analysis:
This study revolved around answering three key research questions: 1) What is the distribution process across the cyber realm for harmful data created by AI, and how is it used online? 2) How does media dissemination factor into the distribution of AI-centric cybercrime? 3) What are effective ways for people to strengthen cyber hygiene in order to mitigate AI-based attacks? (Shetty et al., 2024).
The researchers in this study obtained critical information through a few different methods of data collection, both qualitative and quantitative. First, the quantitative measures were obtained through a web traffic encryption browser known as The Onion Router (TOR) and archival research done through examining online web-forums. TOR was utilized to collect screenshots and evidence of malicious prompts generated by AI, such as phishing scams or malware. The archival research was done to obtain further information regarding discussions related to such AI-created prompts. Next, the qualitative data samples were obtained via survey of cybersecurity and criminal justice experts. The interviews were conducted through a cyber routine activities theory framework, so the interview questions were centered around the topics of proper cyber hygiene, online safety, and digital capable guardianship.
By using a multimethod research approach to data gathering, the researchers were able to obtain a variety of maliciously AI-generated prompts, discussions related to the prompts, and strategies from cyber experts on how to lower risk of victimization and identify cyber threats. The collection of prompts and discussions allowed the researchers to have an overview on the variations of AI produced cyber threats.
Social Science Principles:
The correlation between AI and cybercriminal activities can be applied to several social science principles. First, the researchers had to gather their data in an objective manner, meaning that they could not let their opinions or personal experiences surrounding the topic affect how they conducted studies related to AI cyber attacks. Second, the researchers implemented the principle of parsimony by explaining their theories and findings in simple terms. For example, they included the cyber routine activities theory into their research, which is a simple theory that posits the convergence of a motivated offender, suitable target, and lack of capable guardianship in the digital realm will result in cyber victimization. Lastly, the researchers remained ethically neutral when collecting their supporting data by promising to keep the identities of interviewees anonymous as well as utilizing TOR to keep users’ data and identities private.
Societal Contributions:
Those who experience limited access to educational opportunities may not understand the many cyber threats associated with using the internet. Thus, these people are at a higher risk to become victimized by AI-generated cyber attacks, as they are unable to distinguish when their personal systems or data have been compromised. Additionally, people who are part of a lower socioeconomic status might be more likely to be targeted by AI-created scam or phishing attacks. However, the information brought forth from this study may be able to assist such marginalized groups in combating cyber attacks. The findings of this research can help distinguish what information or systems can be trustworthy in the digital world. Furthermore, the researchers claimed that the combination of digital capable guardianship (firewall softwares, anti-virus programs, webcam covers, etc…) and proper cyber hygiene practices (e.g. strong passwords, updated softwares, safe online behaviors) can severely lower your risk of being targeted by cyber criminals.
Conclusion:
To conclude, AI is being utilized for hostile purposes by cyber criminals in order to produce more seemingly authentic scams and softwares with higher efficiency. In the future, AI systems will evolve and be able to produce increasingly dangerous cyber threats to be used maliciously by threat artists, and as these systems continue to develop, it will be more difficult to distinguish and combat AI generated threats. This study has aided in identifying various forms of threats created by AI, groups of people at higher risk of cyber victimization, and methods to avoid or prevent being targeted by cyber criminals.
References:
Shetty, S., Choi, K. & Park, I. (2024). Investigating the Intersection of AI and Cybercrime: Risks, Trends, and Countermeasures . International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime, 7(2), – . DOI: https://doi.org/10.52306/2578-3289.1187