Rising Threat of Dark Artificial Intelligence in Cybercrime.. How to Protect Yourself?

With the rapid advancement and widespread use of artificial intelligence tools, Egyptian security experts have warned of the transformation of these technologies into tools in the hands of cybercriminals, known today as "dark artificial intelligence".

Mohamed Mohsen Ramadan, a cybersecurity and cybercrime expert, explained that "dark artificial intelligence is no longer just a theoretical concept, but has become a reality reshaping digital crimes with sophisticated tools, from convincing phishing to deepfakes, and even self-evolving malicious software that cleverly conceals itself".

Ramadan further added that "these attacks have become more complex and professional, where hackers use artificial intelligence models to create highly convincing phishing emails, clone official websites to deceive victims, manipulate voice and image by impersonating known personalities. All of this happens rapidly and accurately, without the need for advanced technical skills, escalating the threat significantly".

The expert pointed out the proliferation of malicious tools based on artificial intelligence in the "dark web", such as WormGPT for generating ransomware, FraudGPT for creating phishing messages and breaches, AutoGPT for autonomously executing malicious tasks, and FreedomGPT which operates without any control to produce dangerous content offline.

Ramadan warned that these tools are no longer limited to professional hackers but have become accessible to amateurs and beginners, making cybercrime a widespread daily phenomenon.

He emphasized that global security reports from companies like CrowdStrike, Gartner, and Acronis have recorded a concerning rise in AI-supported attacks, with a 200% increase in phishing and deepfake attacks.

On the other hand, Khaled Hamdi, former Assistant Minister of Interior and security expert, stressed that "what we are facing today is an unprecedented surge in digital threats driven by conscienceless artificial intelligence, making it difficult to predict or counter".

He explained that the solution lies in "building comprehensive cyber awareness, adopting proactive defense tools, and intensifying control over the development and use of artificial intelligence technologies".

Hamdi advised, saying: "Before opening any email or clicking on links, ask yourself: Am I the target?", also warning against skillfully manipulated fake content through voice and image.

He concluded by affirming that "dark artificial intelligence is not a future threat, but a reality we are living, and the solution lies in knowledge, vigilance, and building a smart and integrated digital defense".