The role of artificial intelligence is increasingly significant in cyberattacks targeting businesses and government agencies, according to recent assessments. Sinan Selen, the soon-to-be head of Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, highlighted the growing prevalence of AI in attacks launched by state-affiliated or state actors, noting that both meticulously crafted attacks and those leveraging AI are being observed.
Ralf Wintergerst, president of the Bitkom, a German digital association, stated that companies perceive approximately 50% of current attacks as AI-driven. These attacks are programmed to facilitate swift and repeated iterations, demonstrating the attackers’ focus on efficiency and replicable attack patterns.
However, businesses are actively exploring how to leverage AI for defensive purposes as well. Wintergerst emphasized that companies are expanding the application of AI in their cybersecurity defenses, mirroring the advancements being made by attackers.
A recently released economic security report, presented by Selen and Wintergerst, indicates a continued rise in attacks against the German economy over the past twelve months. The report identifies Russia and China as increasingly common sources of these attacks, with 87% of companies reporting incidents involving data theft, industrial espionage (both digital and analog) and sabotage – a substantial increase from 81% a year prior. A further 10% suspect attacks.
The overall damage resulting from these analog and digital attacks has risen by roughly 8% compared to the previous year, reaching €289.2 billion. This figure encompasses direct costs such as operational downtime, replacement measures, ransom demands and legal battles, alongside revenue losses stemming from compromised competitive advantages and intellectual property theft.
