Cybersecurity Experts Warn of Growing AI Threat in Cyber Attacks
A recent report from Check Point Software Technologies highlights the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in cyber attacks and urges defenders to adopt similar technologies to counter these threats. The company’s AI security report, presented at the 2025 RSAC Conference in San Francisco, reveals concerning trends in AI usage that businesses need to address.
The report found that one in 13 generative AI prompts contained potentially sensitive information, while one in every 80 prompts posed a ‘high risk of sensitive data leakage.’ These statistics underscore the growing risks associated with AI adoption in enterprises. Topping the list of AI risks are unauthorized AI tools, data loss, and AI platform vulnerabilities.
Check Point’s research serves as both a roadmap for businesses looking to develop AI tools and a warning for companies that are hesitant to adopt AI. The report emphasizes that whether AI tools are authorized or unauthorized, they can expose corporate secrets, user data, and other sensitive information. Unauthorized AI software can lead to security vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and inconsistent data management, potentially resulting in operational risk or data breaches.
Regarding data loss, the report advises businesses to ‘assess AI applications for data protection and industry best practices’ before implementation. Some AI applications store data, share it with third parties, or fail to protect it from hackers, making this assessment crucial.
The report also provides insights into hackers’ use of AI. Currently, ChatGPT and OpenAI’s API are the most popular models among cybercriminals, although other models like Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Anthropic Claude are gaining traction. The rise of open-source models and bespoke hacking-focused AI programs represents a significant development in the cybercrime ecosystem.
Check Point’s researchers conclude that defenders must begin incorporating AI into their defensive strategies to counter the growing threat of offensive AI. ‘The use of AI in cyber crime is no longer theoretical,’ they wrote. ‘It’s evolving in parallel with mainstream AI adoption, and in many cases, it’s moving faster than traditional security controls can adapt.’
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, businesses must be aware of the risks and benefits associated with AI adoption. By understanding these factors and implementing appropriate security measures, companies can better protect themselves against the growing threat of AI-powered cyber attacks.
