The Rise of AI-driven “Cyber-Physical Attacks” Poses Significant Threat to Critical Infrastructure: FBI Warning
The FBI has issued a warning to Congress, stating that the threat of “cyber-physical attacks” is growing. This type of attack involves hackers using artificial intelligence (AI) to target critical infrastructure such as power plants, transportation systems, and the electrical grid.
According to CNBC, the FBI has alerted Congress that Chinese hackers have infiltrated US internet infrastructure. FBI Director Christopher Wray has stated that these digitally-supported infiltrators, backed by the Chinese government, are targeting key US assets, including water treatment facilities, the electrical grid, and transportation systems.
Stuart Madnick, a senior professor at MIT, has extensively researched the intersection of digital and physical realms. With the widespread adoption of generative AI technology, Madnick and his team have simulated network attacks with alarming results, including explosions triggered by hacking into computer control systems. Upgrading traditional network attacks could lead to destruction and casualties.
Madnick emphasizes the catastrophic consequences these attacks can bring. He points out that after causing damage to physical infrastructure, the extended downtime and recovery will pose a challenge, especially when specialized components are involved. The emergence of AI enhances the ability to execute such destructive attacks, relying on a combination of technical skills, opportunities, and motives.
Experts have differing views on AI-driven cyber-physical attacks. Tim Chase, CISO of Lacework, highlights vulnerabilities in systems that use programmable logic controllers (PLCs), which could be exploited by hackers using AI-generated code. “Artificial intelligence can make it easier for individuals lacking skills and patience to attack industrial control systems.”
At the same time, cybersecurity expert Sivan Tehila acknowledges the threat posed by AI-driven cyber-physical attacks but also points out that AI can strengthen network defenses.
Michael Kenney, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh, believes that cybercriminals may not necessarily aim to cause significant damage to network infrastructure because of their interdependent coexistence.
Experts believe that while AI has become a powerful weapon for cybercriminals, it also provides unprecedented opportunities for defense, enhancing our ability to detect, analyze, and respond to threats in real-time. The evolution of cyber-physical threats urgently requires proactive and innovative approaches to protect our digital and physical worlds from the potential threats of AI-driven aggression.
“Cyber-physical attacks” pose further threats to the traditional world, while the Web3 world, which is heavily digitized with digital currency, digital infrastructure, and digital identities, has long suffered economic losses due to its high level of automation and code controllability. With the advent of the AI era, it will inevitably face new threats.
(UN Report: North Korea Hacks Cryptocurrency to Fund Nuclear Development)
FBI
Infrastructure
Cyber-physical attacks
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