Artificial intelligence has ceased to be a science fiction concept and has become a tool present in the daily lives of businesses and users. However, its development is not always used for legitimate purposes. Offensive AI is already a reality and is changing the rules of the game in the world of cybersecurity.
This type of technology is used to automate and sophisticate cyberattacks,allowing attackers to work with greater speed, precision, and adaptability. From tailored phishing attacks to developing harder-to-detect malware, offensive AI multiplies the scale and impact of threats.
Before discussing how to prevent these types of risks, it is essential to emphasize that prevention and early detection are more crucial than ever today. This is where comes into play tools like Kartos, the Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) solution developed by Enthec.
Kartos enables organizations to continually monitor their level of exposure to attacks, including those driven by offensive AI, and take action before it’s too late.
What is offensive AI, and why is it so dangerous?
When we talk about offensive AI, we refer to the use of algorithms and artificial intelligence models to attack systems, networks, or users.. Unlike traditional cyberattack techniques, offensive AI can learn and improve itself with each attempt, adapting to the defenses it encounters.
Some examples of AI cyberattacks include:
- Hyper-targeted Phishing: messages tailored to each victim, with language and style that perfectly mimic real contacts.
- Vulnerability Automation: AI can analyze thousands of systems in seconds to find weaknesses.
- Malware polymorphic: Malicious programs that constantly change their code to avoid being detected by antivirus software.
- Deepfakes and content manipulation: Fake videos, audios, and images that can fool even trained professionals.
How an AI cyberattack works
Although it may seem like a highly technical process, the operation of a cyberattack with artificial intelligence follows a recognizable structure:
- Gathering information: AI crawls social media, forums, and leaked databases to gather information about the victim or the organization.
- Vulnerability analysis: Using mass scanning techniques, AI identifies potential entry points.
- Attack design: A personalized plan is developed to optimize the probability of success.
- Automated execution: The attack is launched, adjusting in real time according to the defenses it encounters.
- Further learning: AI records the results and uses them to refine future attempts.
This ability to learn and improve continuously makes offensive AI a challenge that cannot be combated with static security measures.
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Strategies to protect yourself against offensive AI
The key to protecting yourself against this threat is to anticipate and reduce the exposure.. This is where concepts such as CTEM come into play, which proposes continuous risk monitoring and management.
1. Full visibility of your digital footprint
You can’t protect what you don’t know. Maintaining an up-to-date inventory of exposed digital assets (domains, subdomains, corporate emails, etc.) is the first step. Tools like Kartos perform this monitoring continuously, alerting you to new exposures.
2. Simulation and testing of attacks
The Red Team exercises and controlled simulations allow you to understand how your organization would react to a real attack. This includes testing specific offensive AI scenarios to uncover vulnerabilities before attackers do.
4. Real-time monitoring and response
It’s not enough to have firewalls and antivirus software. You need to have detection and response systems (EDR/XDR) that analyze behaviors, not just known signatures.
The difference between protecting a company and protecting an individual
Although offensive AI techniques can affect anyone, the level of risk and the approach to protection differ.
- In companies:the main objective is to protect sensitive data and critical operations. Solutions like Kartos allow centralized and continuous control of all digital assets, minimizing exposure.
- In individuals: protection is based on preventing identity theft, impersonation, or fraudulent economic activity. To achieve this, Enthec offers Qondar, a cybersecurity tool designed for individuals who need to know if their personal data has been exposed or is being misused.
How Kartos fits into the fight against offensive AI
Kartos is not just a simple alert system. It is a platform that integrates the CTEM philosophy, providing:
- Dynamic inventory of exposed assets.
- Continuous analysis of threats and vulnerabilities.
- Early warnings of potential incidents, including those originating from offensive AI.
- Centralized panel to make quick decisions based on accurate information.
By incorporating this approach, companies not only react to attacks but also prevent risk scenarios before they occur.
The future of offensive AI and cybersecurity
Everything points to the fact that AI cyberattacks will continue to grow in number and complexity.. This doesn’t mean that defense is lost, but it does mean that it will require constant evolution in protection strategies.
The combination of advanced technology, adaptive processes, and continuous training will be the foundation for mitigating the impact of these threats. Companies like Enthec, with solutions like Kartos and Qondar, are already leading this change.
The Offensive AI is changing the way we understand cybersecurity. . Its ability to learn, adapt, and scale attacks demands a proactive and dynamic approach to defense.
Whether you are a company that manages critical information or an individual concerned about your privacy, having tools for Continuous Threat Exposure Management is a necessity.
Do you want to know how to protect your organization from cyberattacks with artificial intelligence? Find out how Kartos can give you the edge you need.