AI aids ransomware attacks, cybersecurity centre warns

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security says malicious actors are increasingly using artificial intelligence to identify vulnerabilities and carry out ransomware attacks, and the number of known incidents in Canada rose from 2021 to 2024.

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security released an outlook report warning that malicious actors are increasingly using artificial intelligence to support ransomware activity. The report says the known number of ransomware incidents in Canada rose between 2021 and 2024. It describes attackers adopting tactics such as using AI to find vulnerabilities, develop malware, produce deepfake images and automate negotiations. The centre frames ransomware as a persistent and costly challenge for organizations of all sizes. Key points: - The centre reports an increase in known ransomware incidents in Canada from 2021 to 2024. - The report states AI is being used to identify vulnerabilities, develop malware, generate deepfake images and automate negotiations with victims. - Affected targets include businesses, hospitals, universities and critical infrastructure, and the report states that no organization is immune. - The centre recommends continued collaboration among police, the private sector and international allies and highlights tools such as Assemblyline for malware detection and analysis. Summary: The centre says ransomware remains a significant, evolving threat as attackers adopt AI, creating greater disruption and cost for public and private organizations. The report recommends ongoing collaboration among law enforcement, the private sector and international partners to bolster understanding and responses.