GenAI emerges as top cybersecurity threat for this year

New Delhi, Feb 25 (IANS) – Generative AI (GenAI) has emerged as the top threat this year, with cybercriminals using ChatGPT and Gemini AI models to infiltrate devices. According to Gartner, security leaders are grappling with GenAI’s evolution and exploring its potential to enhance security operations.

The rise of GenAI poses a new challenge for security leaders, who are also dealing with other external factors impacting cybersecurity resilience. More than one in four organizations have banned the use of GenAI over privacy and data security concerns.

Richard Addiscott, senior director Analyst at Gartner, emphasized the importance of strengthening contingency plans for third-party engagements with high cybersecurity risk. The ‘Cisco 2024 Data Privacy Benchmark Study’ revealed that businesses are limiting the use of Generative AI due to worries about legal and intellectual property rights.

Despite the potential of GenAI to enhance security at an operational level, security leaders need to remain vigilant against evolving cyber threats. The use of large language models like ChatGPT and Gemini AI signifies a new phase in the hacking space, requiring organizations to adapt their security strategies accordingly.

In the wake of increasing cybersecurity incidents involving third parties, security leaders are urged to prioritize resilience-oriented investments and move away from traditional due diligence practices. GenAI’s disruptive capabilities highlight the need for proactive measures to safeguard sensitive data and protect intellectual property rights.