What's the Future of AI in Cybersecurity and Hacking (are we doomed)?

Embracing AI in Cybersecurity and Continuous Learning

The Role of AI in Code Generation

• AI can generate visually appealing code, but it often contains vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.

• Embracing artificial intelligence is crucial; it's not cheating but a necessary tool for enhancing capabilities, especially during ransomware attacks.

Importance of Continuous Learning

• Many people forget what they learned in school or university, highlighting the need for continuous education.

• Brilliant is introduced as an effective platform for ongoing learning, particularly in computer science, emphasizing the importance of daily knowledge acquisition.

Features of Brilliant

• Brilliant offers interactive and visual learning experiences that are more engaging than traditional methods like reading or watching videos.

• The platform covers a wide range of topics from beginner to expert levels, including AI and basic math skills.

Partnership with Brilliant

• A special offer from Brilliant includes a 30-day trial with a 20% discount when signing up through a specific link.

Insights from OccupyTheWeb on Hacking and Cybersecurity

Introduction to OccupyTheWeb

• OccupyTheWeb is recognized as a leading guest on the channel, known for his expertise in IT and cybersecurity.

• He has authored several books focused on Linux and networking from a hacker's perspective.

Experience in Hacking

• OccupyTheWeb shares over 20 years of experience in hacking since transitioning from teaching at the university level around the year 2000.

Audience Engagement on Topics

• A recent poll revealed high interest in learning about AI's role in cybersecurity among audiences across social media platforms.

Future of Cybersecurity with AI

• There’s widespread curiosity about whether careers in cybersecurity will exist if AI takes over tasks; the answer is affirmative—AI will change how we work rather than eliminate jobs.

Efficiency Gains Through AI Tools

• The integration of AI into coding practices mirrors past shifts like using Google for code searches; it enhances efficiency by providing readily available solutions without reinventing processes.

Embracing AI: The Future of Work

The Importance of Adopting AI

• Emphasizes the necessity to adopt and embrace artificial intelligence (AI) in professional settings to avoid being left behind.

• Highlights that using resources like Google for coding is not cheating but a means of efficiency, paralleling this with the use of AI.

• Argues that leveraging AI can enhance productivity across various fields, not just cybersecurity.

Understanding AI's Limitations

• Cautions listeners about the current inaccuracies in AI outputs; it’s still in early development stages.

• Shares a personal anecdote where ChatGPT provided inconsistent information about "OccupyTheWeb," illustrating potential pitfalls in relying on AI for accurate data.

• Reminds users that while AI can improve work processes, it is not infallible or inherently smarter than humans at present.

Defensive vs. Offensive Applications of AI

• Suggests that AI may benefit defensive strategies more than offensive ones, as it often refuses to provide unethical hacking advice.

• Discusses an experiment with ChatGPT and Bard generating quiz questions, revealing how adjusting parameters can lead to unreliable outputs from these AIs.

Job Security in Cybersecurity

• Assures those entering cybersecurity careers that there will still be job opportunities despite advancements in AI technology.

• Notes concerns regarding AI's ability to craft convincing phishing emails, which could pose risks for security professionals.

Practical Examples of Phishing Emails

• Describes how effective AIs are at writing spear phishing emails by utilizing specific information about targets.

• Provides an example where ChatGPT generated varying identities for "OccupyTheWeb," showcasing its capability to create tailored content based on user prompts.

Understanding AI in Cybersecurity Communications

The Context of Cybersecurity Requests

• The discussion begins with a focus on how well-crafted requests for translation rights can resonate with Polish readers interested in cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of context in communication.

• A personal anecdote is shared about persistent emails from a Korean company, highlighting the challenge of distinguishing genuine inquiries from phishing attempts.

• The speaker notes that many phishing emails are poorly written, suggesting that some may be generated by AI tools like ChatGPT.

Comparing AI Tools: ChatGPT vs. Bard

• The conversation shifts to comparing the writing quality of phishing emails generated by different AI models, specifically ChatGPT and Bard.

• An example is provided where Bard accurately describes "OccupyTheWeb," showcasing its ability to present balanced views on controversial figures in hacking.

• The speaker points out inaccuracies found in ChatGPT's responses regarding authorship of books, contrasting it with Bard's more accurate portrayal.

Implications of Improved AI Writing

• There’s an acknowledgment that while Bard performs better than ChatGPT in certain aspects, both AIs still have imperfections that can lead to misinformation.

• The discussion highlights how rapidly evolving AI technology impacts user experiences and perceptions, noting improvements over time but also inconsistencies.

Crafting Phishing Emails with AI

• An example email crafted by Bard illustrates a concise approach to requesting translation rights without excessive flattery or puffery common in other communications.

• This email reflects a shift towards offering translation services rather than seeking publishing rights, indicating a strategic change in approach.

Concerns About Scams and Phishing Techniques

• A significant concern is raised about the vulnerability of less tech-savvy individuals (e.g., parents and grandparents), who may easily fall victim to sophisticated scams enabled by advanced AI-generated content.

• Emphasis is placed on the need for awareness regarding scams; viewers are cautioned against falling for fraudulent schemes often disguised as legitimate offers.

Phishing Emails: How Scammers Craft Believable Messages

The Art of Targeted Phishing

• Scammers create thousands of targeted phishing emails to increase their believability, encouraging recipients to click on malicious links.

• A notable example includes emails impersonating the IRS, claiming that individuals are owed tax refunds, complete with official-looking formatting and symbols.

Personal Experiences with Phishing

• The speaker recounts nearly falling for a phishing email disguised as a phone bill, which was unusually high and prompted urgent action.

• Caution is emphasized; even trusted sources like students can send potentially harmful links. The speaker prefers receiving information in text files to avoid embedded code risks.

Data Leaks and Cybersecurity Concerns

• Increasing data leaks from companies heighten fears about personal information being exploited by scammers on the Dark Web.

• Many email addresses and passwords are available on the Dark Web, allowing hackers to take over accounts and send tailored phishing emails to contacts.

Real-Life Examples of Email Compromise

• An anecdote illustrates how a wealthy individual's compromised Gmail account led to fraudulent requests for money from friends, highlighting the effectiveness of such scams when they leverage personal data.

The Role of AI in Phishing Tactics

• Combining personal data with realistic-looking emails enhances the success rate of phishing attempts.

• AI tools like ChatGPT can generate convincing spear-phishing emails tailored to individuals, making them more believable.

Defensive Measures Using Technology

• Tools like Snort IDS can be programmed using AI-generated rules to detect specific exploits such as EternalBlue, showcasing how technology can aid cybersecurity efforts.

AI in Cybersecurity: Evaluating Performance and Limitations

Analyzing Splunk's Rule Generation

• The discussion begins with an evaluation of AI's ability to generate rules for Splunk, a log analysis tool. The speaker expresses dissatisfaction with the initial output regarding password brute force detection.

• A comparison is made between different AI models, noting that while one model provides a better answer than another, inconsistencies in responses remain a challenge during video demonstrations.

• Concerns are raised about the quality of code generated by AI, which may introduce vulnerabilities despite appearing correct at first glance.

Risks of Inaccurate Information

• The speaker highlights the danger of misleading outputs from AI tools, particularly when they provide incorrect information that could mislead users unfamiliar with specific products or codes.

• Emphasis is placed on the importance of subject matter expertise to discern inaccuracies in AI-generated content, as it may seem valid to those without adequate knowledge.

Job Security and AI Limitations

• Viewers are reassured that AI will not replace jobs overnight due to its current limitations in generating accurate cybersecurity solutions.

• Variability in response quality is acknowledged; sometimes the AI performs well (e.g., in Snort), but other times it fails to meet expectations.

Ethical Boundaries and Guardrails

• When prompted for potentially harmful requests (like hacking techniques), some AIs refuse assistance citing ethical guidelines. This raises questions about their effectiveness for research purposes.

• Attempts are made to bypass these guardrails by framing questions within a research context, indicating ongoing challenges with obtaining useful information from AIs.

Exploring Ransomware Development

• The conversation shifts towards creating ransomware, specifically focusing on encryption methods like AES. This highlights practical applications where understanding coding can be crucial.

• The need for effective coding practices is reiterated as essential for developing secure systems against attacks.

Evaluation of Code Quality

• Positive feedback is given regarding improved outputs from ChatGPT related to Splunk filters compared to previous attempts. However, critical elements such as event codes were still missing.

Understanding AI's Role in Cybersecurity

AI and Code Generation

• The speaker discusses an attempt to generate a C# encryption algorithm using a 512-bit key, noting that the output appeared as gibberish or random information.

• The AI was able to generate code segments effectively, although the speaker emphasizes that this code is generic and not unique, merely replicating existing AES algorithms.

• The generated code can enhance productivity by allowing users to test and tweak it for their specific needs.

Limitations of AI in Malware Creation

• Despite its capabilities, the AI struggles with generating new malware, leading to frustration when users attempt such tasks.

• Concerns about AI leading to increased cyber attacks are deemed overblown; the technology currently aids defensive measures rather than replacing penetration testers.

Embracing Technology for Career Growth

• The speaker reassures aspiring cybersecurity professionals that AI will not replace them but rather improve their efficiency and productivity.

• Historical context is provided, comparing current fears about technology replacing jobs with past technological advancements that required adaptation for survival.

Adapting to Change in Technology

• Examples from history illustrate how those who adapt to new technologies thrive while those who resist change may face job loss.

• The discussion highlights the importance of adapting skills alongside technological advancements to remain valuable in one's career.

Learning from Historical Innovations

• Historical examples like carriage makers during the automobile revolution demonstrate how innovation can lead to job displacement if one does not adapt.

• The Wright brothers' transition from bicycle manufacturing to aviation serves as a metaphor for leveraging existing skills into new fields through adaptation.

Understanding Cybersecurity and AI Integration

The Nature of Cybersecurity

• Cybersecurity requires a unique mindset, akin to playing chess rather than following a simple recipe. This complexity is an advantage for human practitioners.

• Continuous adaptation is crucial in cybersecurity; professionals must constantly learn and adjust to the evolving landscape to avoid obsolescence.

Upcoming Class on AI in Cybersecurity

• A new class focusing on the intersection of AI and cybersecurity will be offered in September, emphasizing how AI can enhance cybersecurity skills.

• The course will cover practical applications of AI for security engineers and hackers, exploring its capabilities and limitations over three days.

Discussion on Pegasus Spyware

• Future discussions may include insights into Pegasus spyware, developed by the NSO Group, which has been used globally for surveillance purposes.

• Understanding how Pegasus operates is essential, as it raises significant concerns regarding privacy violations against journalists and human rights advocates.

Security Measures Against Spyware

• Apple has introduced lockdown mode on iPhones as a countermeasure against spyware like Pegasus, highlighting ongoing efforts to protect user data.

Closing Remarks