Cybersecurity experts warn of AI-driven fraud and basic security lapses

Cybersecurity experts are highlighting a shift in digital threats, noting that while artificial intelligence provides criminals with advanced tools to automate attacks and create convincing fake content, basic security failures remain a primary vulnerability.

Jens Myrup Pedersen, a professor at Aarhus University and coach for the Danish cyber national team, identifies social engineering as a major threat. He notes that scammers use AI to imitate voices and write persuasive messages, making it harder for individuals to distinguish between legitimate requests and fraud. Pedersen emphasizes the importance of immediate software and app updates to patch vulnerabilities.

Leif Jensen, Country Manager Nordic at ESET, observes that despite the technical sophistication brought by AI, many corporate breaches are still caused by simple mistakes such as weak password management, poor access controls, and inadequate monitoring. He also points out that cybercriminals are increasingly focusing on stealing sensitive data, such as customer registries and business information, rather than just deploying ransomware, as stolen data can be more lucrative for long-term extortion and resale.