AI & Blockchain

U.S. Officials Warn of Potential in Hacking & Money Laundering

Author : Renuka K

At the recent International Conference on Cyber Security, U.S. law enforcement and intelligence officials raised alarms about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in facilitating cybercrimes such as hacking, scamming, and money laundering.

AI Lowering Technical Barriers:

Rob Joyce, director of cybersecurity at the National Security Agency, emphasized that AI could significantly reduce the technical know-how needed to commit cybercrimes, making them more effective and dangerous.

The FBI's Observations:

James Smith, the assistant director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations’ New York field office, reported an uptick in cyber breaches due to AI lowering the technical threshold. This observation underlines the growing concern among law enforcement agencies about the misuse of AI in cybercrime.

Concerns Over AI-Generated Deep Fakes:

Breon Peace, U.S. Brooklyn attorney, highlighted the rapid emergence of AI-generated “deep fakes.” These sophisticated forgeries could undermine traditional cybersecurity measures, potentially enabling criminals and terrorists to bypass established controls.

The Industry Perspective:

Jimmy Su, chief security officer of Binance, echoed these concerns in an interview with Cointelegraph, noting that AI deep fakes are increasingly capable of spoofing Know Your Customer controls. SumSub data revealed a 10x increase in deep fakes across all industries globally from 2022 to 2023.

Public Figures and Deep Fakes:

Prominent public figures, including Tom Hanks and the YouTuber MrBeast, have been targets of unauthorized deep fakes used to sell products, raising awareness about the potential misuse of AI technology.

AI's Dual Role:

While AI poses significant challenges in cyber security, it is also recognized as a valuable tool for authorities to efficiently hunt down illegal activities.

Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this article is based on the referenced research articles. It is essential to conduct further research and analysis before making any investment decisions. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, and investors should exercise caution and consult with financial professionals before engaging in cryptocurrency trading or investment activities.