Month: February 2025

In the fast-paced world of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a crucial role in transforming various sectors, and cybersecurity is no exception. While AI’s capabilities promise enhanced protection against cyber threats, they also create new challenges as they are used as tools to perpetrate attacks. Is AI an ally in the fight against cybercriminals, or is it also driving the evolution of more sophisticated cyber threats? We will explore both sides of this coin to understand better how AI is impacting the field of cybersecurity.

AI as an Ally in Cybersecurity

Artificial intelligence is positioning itself as an indispensable tool for detecting and mitigating cyber threats. Among its most notable applications is the detection of advanced threats. AI-based systems can analyze large volumes of data in real-time, identifying anomalous patterns that may indicate the presence of malware, phishing attempts, or suspicious network activities. Additionally, thanks to machine learning, it is possible to detect unknown threats, commonly referred to as “zero-day” attacks.

Another key capability is automated response. AI systems can make quick decisions to contain attacks in real-time, such as isolating compromised devices or blocking malicious traffic. AI is also strengthening security in authentication systems through the use of biometric technologies, thereby reducing dependence on vulnerable passwords. Finally, AI offers predictive analysis, allowing organizations to anticipate malicious behaviors and prepare preventive strategies.

AI as a Weapon for Cybercriminals

While AI offers undeniable benefits for cybersecurity, it is also being exploited by malicious actors to develop more effective and harder-to-detect attacks. For example, personalized phishing attacks are becoming increasingly common. AI allows the analysis of public information from social networks and other sources to create highly targeted emails and messages, increasing the chances of success.

Moreover, cybercriminals are using AI to create next-generation malware that constantly evolves, adapting to traditional defenses and evading detection. Automated attacks have also increased, with AI-driven “bots” executing mass password-guessing attempts or exploiting vulnerabilities. Additionally, the use of deepfakes and other manipulated content can be employed for extortion, the spread of misinformation, or reputational damage.

The Balance Between Risk and Benefit

The use of AI in cybersecurity represents a constantly evolving battleground. Organizations must implement balanced strategies to harness the advantages of AI without falling victim to its potential risks. This includes investing in defensive technologies that can evolve at the pace of emerging threats, as well as educating employees and users about the risks associated with AI-enhanced attacks. Furthermore, international collaboration among companies, governments, and cybersecurity experts is essential for sharing intelligence and developing effective countermeasures.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence is redefining how we confront cyber threats. While it offers innovative solutions to protect digital assets, it also poses risks by enabling more sophisticated attacks. In this context, the key question is not whether AI is a friend or foe, but how we can leverage its capabilities while mitigating its dangers. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with organizations and cybersecurity professionals to ensure that AI remains an ally rather than becoming a weapon in the wrong hands.

In 2024, the world witnessed the largest cyber blackout in history. This critical event paralyzed infrastructures across key sectors such as air transport, financial services, media, healthcare, and electronic payment systems, resulting in estimated economic losses of $5 billion. The lesson is clear: enhanced technological resilience and a robust risk management strategy are necessary.

Technological risk encompasses the vulnerabilities associated with an organization’s information technology (IT), operational technology (OT), and communications technology (CT). Given that technology influences every aspect of an organization—from its physical and digital assets to its personnel, processes, and systems—managing these technological risks is essential.

Technological Risk Management (TRM) is a process that organizations use to identify, evaluate, mitigate, and monitor IT risks, including cybersecurity threats, system failures, data vulnerabilities, and potential compliance breaches.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report 2025, the most critical technological risks in the short and long term include misinformation, cyber espionage, and cyber warfare, highlighting the increasing complexity of today’s technological landscape. Here are several key concepts to consider:

Proactive Risk Identification

Effective risk management begins with the proactive identification of potential technological threats. This includes cyberattacks, system disruptions, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and other risks that may impact the organization. A thorough assessment of these risks is essential for an efficient and effective response.

Resilience Against Cyber Threats

Cyber threats are a constant reality. Technological risk management involves protecting against attacks and building resilience that enables quick recovery in the event of incidents.

Adoption of Emerging Technologies

The introduction of new technologies presents both opportunities and risks. Organizations must balance the adoption of emerging technologies with proper risk management, ensuring alignment with business objectives. This includes the continual updating of software and systems, as well as training and raising awareness among staff about best practices.

To prepare organizations for a disruptive future, it is vital to adopt resilience strategies. According to the World Economic Forum, companies must adapt to rapid digital advancements and climate threats through fundamental changes in structure and operations. 

Key strategies include:  

• Digital Transformation and Innovation: Embracing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, risk management platforms, and big data analytics to enhance efficiency and decision-making.
• Sustainability: Implementing sustainable practices that meet the demands of consumers and regulators.
• Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration between various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and global organizations, to ensure innovative and sustainable solutions.

In summary, to effectively manage technological risk, it is essential to understand its nature, identify the affected areas, and agree upon appropriate categorization. With this foundation, significant steps can be taken to assess and manage risks, align priorities, and allocate necessary resources. For more information on this topic, please consult our latest e-book.

A recent federal indictment exposed a wide-reaching operation by North Korean operatives and their accomplices, who infiltrated U.S. companies to generate revenue and intelligence for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) regime.

This operation began with North Korean operatives applying for remote IT jobs in the United States using stolen (American) identities. Once hired, their company-issued devices were shipped to laptop farms in the U.S. The laptop farm operators exploited weaknesses in corporate endpoint security controls. They immediately installed remote access software (e.g., AnyDesk) on the company endpoints—giving threat actors the ability to operate the devices from North Korea.

Had sufficiently hardened endpoints been delivered to these laptop farms, the North Koreans would have struggled to launch their insider threat campaign and likely would have been detected right away. For example, had these newly issued devices been issued with strict security controls that prevented end users from installing unauthorized or unmanaged software, the North Koreans would not have been able to leverage such a simple (yet extremely risky) product like AnyDesk to facilitate their malicious operations. 

Even with strict endpoint security rules and configurations, it is still critical that security teams audit what newly onboarded users are attempting to bring into the organization. End users with malicious intent are determined to bypass your security controls—they come up with creative (oftentimes simple) ways to bypass even the most sophisticated endpoint security technologies. Ensure your teams are continuously auditing endpoints for newly onboarded software, and treat findings seriously. If unmanaged software is being installed in your environment, it means that either security policies aren’t functioning or an end user has bypassed security controls. 

We should all be concerned by how such rudimentary techniques enabled a sophisticated threat actor to compromise and disrupt the U.S. private sector — there were no mind-blowing exploits used in this intrusion. The North Koreans simply took advantage of absent endpoint security controls and monitoring capabilities. Now is the time to assemble your security teams and vet your capabilities and defenses in the following areas: 

1. Device Provisioning / Device Imaging: When your organization builds a laptop for a new hire, can you audit the endpoint to ensure that all security configurations are enabled and all endpoint security software is installed? If not, it is time to meet with your IT teams and identify ways your security analysts can begin to audit endpoint security health and remediate broken controls or missing security coverage. 
2. Attack Surface Reduction: Reducing an organization’s attack surface starts on the endpoint level. Ensure your IT and Security teams are proactively working to identify redundant, outdated, or unmanaged applications. Cleaning up unnecessary programs and applications on end-user devices is a great way to improve security and privacy posture. 
3. Continuity of Coverage: Security teams should be able to quickly identify when endpoint security controls and software are missing or malfunctioning, and should have the tools to immediately re-deploy security coverage. In today’s world, it may take security teams weeks to identify and remediate misconfigured endpoints. If this is the case for your organization, it is time to start identifying ways to manage devices in real time. 
4. Metrics and Reporting: Including detailed information on your organization’s overall endpoint health and security posture is key to ensuring accountability and proactivity in your endpoint management practices. Quantify your EDR coverage across all endpoints, grade compliance with critical endpoint security controls, and report on how long it takes your teams to identify and resolve endpoint security misconfigurations.

2025 has begun with significant political upheavals that have generated uncertainty in many critical sectors of society. International markets, business leaders, and the global community anticipate the possibility of drastic and sudden changes each day. Such events highlight the resilience of organizations to adapt to change and can often result in the total failure of a company. In these scenarios, cybersecurity usually becomes a lower priority when, in reality, it should be the most important ally for companies amidst uncertainty.

The most substantial change currently facing the international system involves a trend of moving away from multilateralism and other forms of cooperation. For many, this implies imminent cybersecurity risks. In the realm of cybersecurity, some of the recommended best practices include transparency, multi-sector collaboration, and information sharing. As governments and markets around the world close, while digital threats continue to evolve, we need to reinforce our security more than ever.

Moreover, the growing polarization in international politics creates an environment where cyber espionage, cybercrime, and disinformation campaigns can flourish. These tools may become part of the strategies of relevant actors aiming to effect change in the system, but along the way, they generate negative impacts across various sectors. In this context, cybersecurity must not be sidelined. Rather, it should be considered a strategic priority. A solid cybersecurity strategy goes beyond protecting organizations from attacks; it safeguards economic stability and public trust. Organizations that fail to adapt to this new paradigm may face risks that extend beyond mere data loss; they could encounter profound impacts that threaten their long-term viability. Here, we outline several considerations for reinforcing cybersecurity in the face of instability:

Strengthening Cybersecurity Systems

Many cyber attackers exploit instability in the international landscape to enhance the execution of attacks such as phishing and ransomware. In an environment where digital coercion is used as a tool of geopolitical pressure, organizations must be prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any eventuality. This includes implementing advanced defense technologies and preparing incident response protocols. Platforms like Batuta aim to help organizations streamline their cybersecurity strategy by providing greater visibility of their assets and enabling rapid adaptation to these types of changes.

Developing an Organization-wide Cybersecurity Strategy

Increasingly, decision-making processes are influenced by misleading information and lax security controls, making it essential to foster an organizational culture that values cybersecurity. Companies should implement cybersecurity training programs that raise awareness among all employees regarding best practices and potential risks. A well-informed workforce serves as the first line of defense in the fight against cyber threats.

Fostering and Protecting Collaboration

Given the interconnected nature of global trade and the economy, cybersecurity continues to demand a collaborative approach. Advocating for the protection of multi-sector and international cooperation mechanisms is our best bet for creating a strengthened cybersecurity front. Primarily, the exchange of information between companies, states, and institutions could be crucial in anticipating and neutralizing common threats. Instead of opting for fragmented cybersecurity strategies, our main objective should be to view cybersecurity as a tool for collaboration, thereby mitigating the risks associated with a fragmented and divided world.

Ultimately, organizations must integrate cybersecurity into their strategic and operational planning. This is not just about protecting digital assets; it is about ensuring the continuity of business operations, and critical services, and fostering innovation in an uncertain environment. Companies that recognize and prioritize cybersecurity will be better prepared to face immediate challenges and establish a solid foundation for long-term growth and resilience in an uncertain future. Cybersecurity is not merely a defensive issue, it is a deliberate strategy for thriving in an ever-changing world.