Peter Warmka, Founder, Counterintelligence Institute tells SJA what’s needed to combat the cyber-threats facing the world today.

The next year

In the next 12 months, AI will continue to reshape cybersecurity, both as a tool for innovation and a weapon for cyber-criminals.

While AI enhances operational efficiency and productivity, it is also empowering cyber-criminals to create increasingly sophisticated and dangerous threats.

The rapid rise of AI-driven cyber-attacks is outpacing traditional defenses, leaving individuals and organizations at greater risk.

AI-driven attacks on the rise

AI has fundamentally transformed the landscape of cyber-crime.

Cyber-criminals are using machine learning to automate attacks, craft more convincing phishing campaigns and develop adaptive malware.

Additionally, the rise of deepfakes has made it easier for attackers to impersonate trusted individuals – whether through video, audio or even text – to manipulate targets.

One of the most concerning developments in AI-driven cyber-crime is voice cloning.

Criminals can now use AI to replicate someone’s voice with alarming accuracy, enabling them to impersonate executives, colleagues or trusted contacts.

This opens the door to fraud, such as initiating wire transfers or manipulating employees into disclosing sensitive information.

Similarly, live video chats are now vulnerable to manipulation through AI, where attackers can alter or fabricate video feeds in real time to deceive individuals into taking unsafe actions.

These threats, combined with more traditional methods like phishing, present a formidable challenge for cybersecurity professionals.

The security gap for the public

While large enterprises with deep pockets can afford AI-powered security tools, individuals and smaller organizations are often left without adequate protection.

The lack of affordable, accessible security solutions for the public creates a dangerous gap in defense.

As AI-enabled attacks become more sophisticated, those without the resources or knowledge to protect themselves are increasingly at risk of falling victim to these advanced tactics.

Critical thinking and verification

In the face of these emerging threats, critical thinking must be embedded into all communication channels.

As voice cloning and video manipulation become more convincing, individuals need to be trained to question and verify messages before taking action.

Whether it’s a financial request, a sudden change in instructions, or an urgent message from a “trusted” colleague, verification procedures must be adopted at every level.

By developing a culture of healthy skepticism and validation, individuals can better defend themselves against AI-driven deception.

Shifting the focus of training

Cybersecurity training must evolve beyond simple compliance and focus on practical skills that protect both professional and personal security.

When employees understand how these skills can help safeguard their own financial information and online identities, they are more likely to embrace security practices and carry them forward in the workplace.

Bridging the gap

To keep pace with the rising tide of AI-driven threats, we must develop accessible, affordable security tools for individuals and smaller businesses.

At the same time, cybersecurity training must be reimagined to prioritize critical thinking and practical knowledge.

By raising awareness and fostering better defenses, we can help protect ourselves from the increasingly sophisticated AI-powered threats that lie ahead.

Peter Warmka

Peter is a former Senior Intelligence Officer with the CIA having over 20 years of experience in breaching the security of target organizations overseas.

He is an Adjunct Professor at Webster University’s Masters in Cybersecurity Program, Founder of Orlando, Florida-based firm Counterintelligence Institute and author of the non-fiction books “Confessions of a CIA Spy – The Art of Human Hacking” and “Why Are You Messing with Me? – A Senior Survival Guide on Fraud, Privacy, and Security.”

He is passionate about using his expertise to help city, state and federal government entities, non-profits, academic institutes, private companies and individuals to safeguard their sensitive proprietary and personal data.

This article was originally published in the special February Influencers Edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.