How AI is making brute-force attacks more dangerous

Artificial intelligence has completely overturned technology as we know it, and its impact on cybersecurity is profound. While organizations are using it in the name of efficiency and innovation, cybercriminals are adopting the same tools to elevate their methods: It’s no longer a question of whether an organization will experience an AI-driven attack but how ready it is to adapt to this new reality.

Brute-force attacks are subject to AI enhancements, and AI gives this attack type a huge boost. A brute-force attack is a hacking method that involves systematically trying all possible combinations of passwords or encryption keys until the correct one is found. AI amplifies the threat of brute-force attacks by enabling faster and more efficient guessing through advanced algorithms, making even complex passwords vulnerable if not properly secured.

Read on to discover how these attacks work with AI, why they matter to businesses, and the best ways to defend against AI-powered brute-force threats.

How AI is redefining brute force attacks

Brute-force attacks are based on a simple principle: trial and error. They work by systematically guessing passwords or keys until they match the proper combination. Traditionally, these have been labor-intensive, requiring a substantial amount of time and computational resources to churn through combinations methodically but slowly.

AI completely overturns this model. Trained on huge datasets of password patterns and user behaviors, AI engines bring efficiencies and accuracy never seen before in such attacks. Instead of blind guesses, AI now makes attempts based on probability and patterns. A password that once would have taken weeks to crack can now become compromised in just a matter of hours or minutes.

Another way AI is redefining brute force attacks is by enhancing targeted strategies, such as using leaked username-password pairs to refine guesses. Rather than relying solely on random combinations, AI introduces plausible variations and predicts user tendencies based on patterns in the data. This capability transforms brute force attacks into smarter, more efficient operations, exponentially increasing their success rate and rendering many traditional protections obsolete.

AI performs brute-force attacks with precision

What makes AI really powerful in cyberattacks is its capability for scaling. Linear processes and hardware bottlenecks hamper traditional brute-force efforts; AI overcomes these barriers, mounting simultaneous attacks against diverse systems, often with limited human intervention.

AI-enhanced brute force attacks leverage data to focus their efforts rather than relying on computational force. These attacks are informed by publicly available information scraped from social media, company websites, or breached databases.

For instance, an attacker might use AI to analyze a target’s online presence. Favorite hobbies, pets’ names, or significant dates can all inform password guesses. Even adherence to standard security protocols, like using a mix of characters, offers limited protection against AI’s ability to predict these combinations.

This hyper-personalized approach highlights a troubling reality: Even users who diligently follow traditional best practices can be compromised. AI’s ability to synthesize and exploit contextual data gives it a significant edge.

The business impact of AI brute-force attacks

The unprecedented rate of development and usage in cyberattacks with AI makes traditional cybersecurity tools less effective. For one, static password policies, once a traditional method for securing user accounts, are now obsolete because of computational capabilities and pattern recognition through AI-driven brute force techniques. It can deconstruct the most common patterns people use to create their passwords, predict possible combinations, and do exhaustive attacks-essentially outpacing protections imposed by character complexity or frequent password changes. Predictable human behavior, such as reusing passwords across platforms, worsens the vulnerability by opening up entry points for exploitation.

The consequences of AI-driven brute force attacks can be severe for organizations. A successful attack can grant hackers access to sensitive accounts or systems, leading to data breaches that expose confidential information. This exposure may result in regulatory penalties, such as fines for non-compliance with GDPR or similar laws, and increased costs to remediate security vulnerabilities. The breach can erode customer trust and tarnish an organization’s reputation, potentially causing long-term damage to relationships with clients and partners. For smaller businesses, even one successful brute force attack can disrupt operations to the point of threatening their viability.

How businesses can protect themselves and their customers

The sophistication of brute force attacks compels organizations to adopt advanced and proactive strategies.

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA adds other verification steps, such as biometrics or temporary codes, making it even more difficult for attackers to succeed even with compromised credentials.
• AI-powered defensive tools: The best way to defeat AI-driven attacks is to employ AI. Advanced monitoring systems can detect unusual patterns in real time and block malicious activities with much greater speed and precision than conventional defenses.
• Passwordless authentication: Giving up passwords altogether will lower the chances of vulnerability. Biometric log-in, hardware security keys, or single sign-on (SSO) systems represent secure and efficient alternatives to passwords.
• Proactive security testing: Regular penetration testing and red-teaming help identify weaknesses before attackers can exploit them. Continuous testing also ensures that defenses keep pace with emerging threats.

Collective action and innovation

Fighting back against AI-driven brute force requires collaboration within and across industries and the use of innovative technology solutions. Businesses must use automated cybersecurity systems with real-time threat detection and adaptable defenses to handle increasingly sophisticated AI threats. AI-driven security platforms like Gcore WAAP can now recognize patterns, block credential stuffing attempts, and mitigate denial-of-service attacks before they escalate.

Cybersecurity providers need to develop scalable and accessible technologies. At the same time, we hope to see governments and regulatory bodies providing ethical AI oversight and regulation to prevent misuse.

Fight fire with fire

AI-powered brute force is a challenge commanding urgent attention from every business. The new threats are smarter, faster, and more relentless than ever, and they demand an immediate shift in cybersecurity strategy. In the line of attack using advanced AI technologies, static defenses with outdated practices will fall short in front of the attackers.

Solutions like Gcore WAAP empower organizations to defend against AI-driven threats with AI-empowered cybersecurity. With its AI-based threat detection and advanced edge security, Gcore WAAP means you won’t be left behind in the ever-evolving threat landscape.

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