Cybercrime: AI's Growing Threat

These days, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly commonplace. Companies and governments use facial recognition technology to verify our identities; virtually every smartphone on the market has mapping and translation apps; and machine learning is an indispensable tool in diverse fields including conservation, healthcare, and agriculture. As the power, influence, and reach of AI spreads, many international observers are scrutinizing the dual nature of AI technology. They're considering not only AI's positive transformative effects on human society and development -- think of medical AI applications that help diagnose cancer early -- but also its downsides, particularly in terms of the global security threats to which it can expose us all. AI as a Weapon As AI gets better and more sophisticated, it also enables cybercriminals to use deep learning and AI to breach security systems (just as cybersecurity experts use the same technology tools to detect suspicious online behavior).