Ministry of Science and ICT: "Cyber Attacks Exploiting AI Technology to Intensify Starting Next Year"

The Ministry of Science and ICT forecasts that next year, cases of cyberattacks exploiting artificial intelligence (AI) technology will become more widespread.

On the 18th, the Ministry of Science and ICT released a report analyzing this year’s cyber threats and providing forecasts for next year, prepared together with domestic and international information security experts. According to the cyber threat outlook for next year, as the use of AI services becomes widespread, propaganda, agitation, and phishing attacks using verified models like ChatGPT are expected to increase.

The report expressed concern, stating, "False content meticulously created using AI is difficult to distinguish from genuine content and spreads rapidly through fake news and social media," adding, "There is a high possibility that public opinion manipulation by specific groups will increase social conflict and confusion."

The report advised, "When generative AI is integrated with internal corporate systems, the risk of exposure and misuse of sensitive data increases," and recommended, "Companies should internalize security at the stage of adopting AI models and establish continuous monitoring systems."

In addition to generative AI, malicious AI models such as FraudGPT, designed for illegal fraud, and WormGPT, which generates malware, are also expected to spread on the dark web and other platforms.

The report noted that as digital convergence technologies such as autonomous vehicles, smart buildings, and transportation systems expand, cyber threats targeting these areas are also likely to increase.

Furthermore, it expressed concern about the potential rise in cyberattacks on government agencies and social infrastructure due to the prolonged Ukraine-Russia war and intensifying global conflicts.

The report identified this year’s major cyber threat patterns as ▲ increased public harm from spam and phishing ▲ complex attack tactics such as software supply chain attacks ▲ and the advancement of ransomware attack techniques.

Ryu Jae-myung, Director of the Network Policy Office at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "To systematically respond to advanced cyber threats, we will build a more organic cooperation system between the private and public sectors to create a safe digital environment through proactive defense and suppression of cyber threats."