The US FBI warns of AI-driven "internet of things attacks" on the rise, posing significant threats to infrastructure.

The U.S. FBI and other experts have issued warnings about the increasing threat of "cyber-physical attacks," where hackers use artificial intelligence (AI) to disrupt critical infrastructure such as power plants, transportation systems, and electrical grids over the internet.

FBI Warns Congress: Chinese Hackers Have Infiltrated Infrastructure

According to a report by CNBC, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned Congress that Chinese hackers have deeply penetrated U.S. internet infrastructure.

According to FBI Director Christopher Wray, these digitally invasive actors supported by the Chinese government are targeting critical U.S. assets including water treatment facilities, power grids, and transportation systems.

The Integration of Cyber and Physical Crimes

Research by Stuart Madnick, a senior professor at MIT, delves into the intersection of digital and physical realms.

As Generative AI technology becomes more widespread, the simulated cyber attacks by Madnick and his team have shown alarming results, including explosions triggered by hacking into computer control systems. Upgrading traditional cyber attacks could lead to destruction and casualties.

Cyber Attacks Capable of Causing Physical Damage

Madnick emphasizes the catastrophic impact of these attacks.

He points out that after causing damage to physical infrastructure, the challenges of extended downtime and recovery, especially when specialized parts are involved, worsen the situation. The emergence of AI enhances the capability to carry out such destructive attacks, relying on a combination of technical skills, opportunity, and motivation.

Differing Views on the Severity of Threats

Experts have varying opinions on AI-driven cyber-physical attacks.

Tim Chase, the Chief Information Security Officer at Lacework, points out vulnerabilities in systems using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) that could be exploited by hackers using AI-generated code. "AI makes it easier for individuals lacking skills and patience to attack industrial control systems."

Meanwhile, cybersecurity expert Sivan Tehila acknowledges the threat posed by AI-driven cyber attacks but also highlights AI's ability to strengthen network defenses.

Michael Kenney, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh, believes that cybercriminals may not necessarily aim for significant damage to network infrastructure due to their interdependent nature.

The Future of Cybersecurity

Experts believe that while AI has become a powerful weapon for malicious actors, it also provides unprecedented opportunities for defense, enhancing our ability to detect, analyze, and respond to threats in real-time. The evolution of cyber-physical threats urgently requires proactive and innovative approaches to protect our digital and physical world from the potential threats of AI-driven aggression.

Web3 Already Suffering

"Cyber-physical attacks" pose further threats to the traditional world; meanwhile, in the digitized economy of Web3, encompassing digital currencies, digital infrastructure, digital identities, etc., the high level of automation and code controllability has already resulted in significant economic losses. As we enter the AI era, new threats are inevitable.

UN Report: North Korea Hacks Cryptocurrencies to Raise $3 Billion for Nuclear Development