Redefining Cybercrimes in light of Artificial Intelligence: Emerging Threats and Challenges

Abstract

In today's environment, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has changed the game. It has the potential to greatly advance humankind increasing productivity, efficiency and cost savings. However, it has equal potential to pose threats and challenges concerning cyber security. Recent security lapses, such as the 2018 Facebook’s user data compromise and phishing attempts powered by generative AI in 2023, have resurrected discussions about the connection between artificial intelligence and cybercrimes.

Apart from conventional phishing strategies AI tools have empowered malevolent actors to come up with new and advanced form of cybercrimes such as, AI-enabled voice and video cloning (deepfakes).  These adversaries create and manipulate audio and visual content with unparalleled realism in an attempt to trick gullible targets into disclosing private information or approving fraudulent transactions. Thus, this paper attempts to discuss about the newly emerging technology of Artificial Intelligence and the threats it is raising endangering the cyber security in different ways. There is also discussion and analysis of underlying laws concerning these advanced cybercrimes and enhancing cybersecurity.  Although, the other side of the coin is that the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to cybersecurity problems is quite beneficial as well. It facilitates the development of intelligent agents, which might be software or hardware. However, the paper majorly focuses upon the legal aspect of AI and the challenges being imposed by it hampering cyber security.