Building resilience in an age of increasing cyberattacks
In the digital age, the threat of cyberattacks is a growing concern for businesses. From small start-ups to multinational corporations, the risk is ever-present and evolving. The advent and rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) have opened up new opportunities for businesses, but it also poses new challenges and risks, particularly in the form of deepfake scams. These incidents are increasing on an industrial scale, causing unease among business leaders on how to mitigate these novel forms of cyberthreats. Here is a detailed look at the issue.
The double-edged sword of AI
AI has transformed the way we do business, offering unprecedented efficiencies and capabilities. However, the proliferation of AI has also opened up new avenues for cyber threats. The emergence of deepfakes, a type of AI that can create hyper-realistic fake videos or audios, has become a significant cause for concern.
According to the World Economic Forum, disinformation, including deepfakes, is the second most significant concern for global CEOs over the next two years. There have been cases where AI has inadvertently leaked confidential company data, as was the case with Meta recently. In 2025, an AI even deleted an entire database. These incidents underscore the need for robust safeguards and comprehensive employee training to mitigate these risks.
Human vulnerability in the face of cyber threats
While technology plays a crucial role in cyber threats, human beings can often be the weakest link in the security chain. Employees can be susceptible to social engineering attacks, phishing attempts, and disinformation campaigns. For instance, a finance worker at Arup Engineering lost $25m to a deepfake scammer, believing it to be a legitimate request from their CFO.
Sophisticated cyber-attacks often exploit human vulnerabilities, persuading employees to unwittingly provide access to company systems. As such, businesses must invest in robust training programs and foster a culture of safety and vigilance against such threats.
Building resilience against cyber threats
The ever-growing landscape of cyber threats can be daunting. However, there are effective measures that businesses can implement to mitigate these risks. First and foremost, fostering a supportive and psychologically safe workspace can significantly reduce the susceptibility to social engineering attacks. Employees must feel comfortable questioning unusual requests or challenging authority when something doesn’t feel right.
While deepfake technology is advancing, it’s not infallible. There are often subtle inconsistencies or anomalies that can give away a deepfake. Training employees to spot these signs and to not succumb to the pressure of immediate action can be crucial in thwarting such attacks.
Implementing multiple approval processes, especially for financial transactions, can also add an extra layer of security. It’s also essential to have robust procedures in place for handling and sharing sensitive information. Everyone in the organization should adhere to these procedures, creating a culture of collective responsibility and vigilance.
Technological advancements will continue to present new challenges and threats. However, by fostering a culture of resilience and vigilance, we can safeguard our businesses and people against these risks.
A quick summary
The rapid advancement of technology has brought along new cyber threats, such as deepfakes and social engineering attacks. While these threats can be overwhelming, there are effective measures businesses can take to mitigate these risks. From fostering a supportive work culture to implementing robust procedures for handling sensitive information, businesses can build resilience against these cyber threats.
