AI in cyberattacks – the NCSC's focus during European Cyber Security Month
Bern, 30.09.2024 - Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in cyberattacks, particularly social engineering attacks. For this year's European Cyber Security Month (ECSM), the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will be raising public awareness of this cyberthreat. The ECSM takes place every October and is organised by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) together with the European member states.
The use of AI is becoming increasingly important – even in the world of cybercrime. In particular, we are seeing a trend in social engineering attacks where AI is being used by criminals to impersonate someone else. For example, AI can easily be used to write authentic-looking emails, mimic voices or fake images. These fake identities give the cybercriminals more credibility and make it easier for them to gain the trust of their victims. In light of these developments, the NCSC is focusing on the influence of artificial intelligence in social engineering attacks as part of this year's ECSM.
A spotlight on deepfake videos
From 1 October, the NCSC will run a campaign to raise public awareness of the risks of social engineering attacks using deepfake technology. Together with Youth and Media and Ralph Landolt, partner of Seniorweb.ch, the NCSC has developed targeted content for young people, professionals and seniors. The campaign includes a short video that shows how easy it is for cyber criminals to use AI to create deepfake videos. There will also be an online lunch meeting to discuss the issue, an explanatory video for older people and more information on the NCSC website. The campaign will run until 31 October.
The European Cyber Security Month
The ECSM is organised by ENISA together with the European member states. As a cooperation partner of ENISA, the NCSC plays an active role in the campaign. Social engineering was already the focus of ECSM 2023: the NCSC's campaign was built around a dance video, which generated a lot of interest from the public. Because it is still so relevant today, the 2024 campaign will once again address the issue of social engineering in the context of cyberattacks.
Address for enquiries
NCSC Communication
+41 58 465 04 64
media@ncsc.admin.ch
Publisher
National Cyber Security Centre
https://www.ncsc.admin.ch/ncsc/en/home.html
General Secretariat DDPS
https://www.vbs.admin.ch/
