The Register: Infosec experts divided on AI’s potential to assist red teams

Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/12/20/gen_ai_red_teaming/
Source: The Register
Title: Infosec experts divided on AI’s potential to assist red teams

Feedly Summary: Yes, LLMs can do the heavy lifting. But good luck getting one to give evidence
CANALYS FORUMS APAC Generative AI is being enthusiastically adopted in almost every field, but infosec experts are divided on whether it is truly helpful for red team raiders who test enterprise systems.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

**Summary:**
The text discusses the evolving role of generative AI in red teaming within cybersecurity, highlighting both its potential benefits and legal implications. Key figures from the Canalys APAC Forum expressed optimism about AI’s ability to enhance threat detection and vulnerability analysis while cautioning against over-reliance and the lack of transparency in AI-generated outputs. The discussion also pointed to the need for regulations governing AI usage in cybersecurity contexts.

**Detailed Description:**
The article covers insights from the Canalys APAC Forum regarding the adoption of generative AI in cybersecurity, particularly in red teaming, which simulates attacks to identify vulnerabilities in systems. Key points include:

– **Red Teaming and Generative AI:**
– Infosec professionals debate the efficacy of generative AI in red teaming.
– Red teams utilize AI, as evidenced by IBM’s red team discovering a flaw in an HR portal using AI analysis, significantly reducing detection time.

– **Panel Insights:**
– AI’s role in red teaming can enhance ethical hacking practices, allowing faster vulnerability detection.
– However, experts caution about the risks of over-dependence on AI solutions.

– **Transparency and Legal Concerns:**
– Concerns were raised about the opacity of generative AI processes, making it difficult for red teams to justify actions or decisions to regulatory bodies.
– The potential for misuse by criminals who may employ AI in cyberattacks emphasizes the need for accountability.

– **Regulatory Discussions:**
– The need for regulations and policies governing the use of AI in cybersecurity was strongly advocated, aiming to mitigate risks associated with over-consumption of AI technologies.
– There are unresolved questions regarding who holds liability for actions taken by AI systems during penetration testing.

– **Maturity and Suitability:**
– Opinions were divided on whether generative AI is ready for red teaming tasks, with some experts suggesting it is more suited for penetration testing, where the tasks are more straightforward.

– **Future Considerations:**
– The text hints at the evolving landscape of AI in cybersecurity, with the potential for new use cases to emerge.
– Current regulations surrounding penetration testing may evolve as AI tools become more prevalent in these contexts.

In conclusion, while the discussions at the Canalys APAC Forum underline the transformative potential of AI in cybersecurity, they also warn of the risks and legal ramifications that come with its integration, specifically within the domain of red teaming. These insights are critical for professionals in security and compliance to consider as they navigate the complexities of adopting AI technologies in their practices.