A recent Kaspersky study, titled ‘Cyber Defense and AI: Are you ready to protect your organization?’, has revealed that companies are increasingly concerned about the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cyber attacks. According to the data collected, 42% of respondents in Spain believe that the majority of cyber attacks on their companies involved the use of AI. This finding underscores how AI, which has transformed many industries, is also being used by cybercriminals to increase the complexity of threats facing businesses.
And almost half of Spanish respondents (43%) indicated that the number of cyber attacks on their companies increased in the last 12 months, and 42% believe that the majority of these attacks included the use of AI. This trend seriously worries 71% of those surveyed in Spain, who see AI as a tool that empowers cybercriminals.
The pressure of this challenge is leading companies to reevaluate their cybersecurity strategies and seek proactive and comprehensive solutions. To effectively confront threats amplified by AI, Spanish companies consider it crucial to have highly qualified personnel (89%), regular training to acquire internal knowledge (84%) and relevant external knowledge in cybersecurity (79%). Additionally, they recognize the importance of having enough staff on their IT teams (78%) and using third-party security solutions (79%).
The Resurgence of Ransomware
The current cybersecurity landscape reflects persistent challenges from the past, such as the resurgence of ransomware. This type of threat, which was once primary, has shown a dangerous rebound, leading business decision makers to question the causes of this resurgence. Although using AI to create convincing phishing messages or improve recognition can be useful, the causes are often simpler: cybercriminals have become better organized, collaborating and developing innovative attack strategies. This is according to Oleg Gorobets, expert in corporate infrastructure protection at Kaspersky.
71% of Spanish companies consider AI-powered cyberattacks a serious threat
Solid Strategies for Cyber Defense
“While it helps to keep an eye on AI advances by both attackers and defenders, there are solid strategies that companies can – and should – put into place,” says Gorobets. Companies must prioritize the security of critical IT infrastructure with robust, multi-layered solutions that deliver a unified security context. An XDR ecosystem, combined with specialized knowledge, either internally or through a managed service, can greatly improve defenses. Additionally, ongoing employee training with cybersecurity basics and safe AI practices adds another critical layer of protection for the business.
Kaspersky recommendations
To protect businesses against AI-powered cyber threats, Kaspersky experts recommend:
- Multilayer Protection: Ensure every level and element of your IT network is protected with robust, multi-layered solutions. Kaspersky solutions, such as the Kaspersky Next product line, incorporate advanced AI technologies designed to automatically block emerging threats. Its multi-layered protection not only detects and blocks threats, but also reduces your attack surface through additional hardening measures, such as application and web monitoring, as well as vulnerability and patch management.
- Solution Intercompatibility: Check that these security solutions offer intercompatibility to provide your team with a unified view of corporate security. Implementing an organic XDR ecosystem from a single vendor is always the best option, like Kaspersky Next XDR Expert.
- Attack Detection and Containment: Implement cybersecurity solutions to detect and contain complex and targeted attacks, increasingly sophisticated, thanks to AI tools that allow attackers to launch more precise attacks. Kaspersky Managed Detection & Response, along with Kaspersky online and in-person cybersecurity training, are solid options that reinforce in-house skills.
- Continuous Training: Turn your workers into an extra layer of defense with Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness Platform, to instill cybersecure behaviors in them. It includes specialized sections dedicated to AI-assisted threats and the safe use of AI tools, helping to avoid the risks associated with the growing proliferation of AI tools.
