"Nation-State Actors Are Exploiting AI for Discord and Attacks, DHS Warns"

A recently released report from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warns that nation-state actors and cybercriminals are increasingly using new cyber tools, such as generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), to incite conflict in the US, exploit vulnerabilities, and attack critical infrastructure sectors. The DHS 2024 Homeland Threat Assessment report identifies financially motivated cyberattacks as a major threat to domestic economic security. It notes that emerging technologies enable adversaries to conduct larger-scale, faster, more efficient, and stealthier cyberattacks. The accumulation of accessible AI tools will likely strengthen adversaries' tactics, according to the report. Nation-states attempting to undermine trust in government institutions, social cohesion, and democratic processes are using AI to create more believable misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation campaigns. DHS reports that generative AI gives threat actors unprecedented capabilities to execute real-time malicious information campaigns. The report provided examples of Chinese and Russian news sites using generative AI platforms to enhance their operations, distribute disinformation, and conduct influence operations within the US. This article continues to discuss key findings and points from the DHS 2024 Homeland Threat Assessment report.

NextGov reports "Nation-State Actors Are Exploiting AI for Discord and Attacks, DHS Warns"