Source URL: https://it.slashdot.org/story/25/08/12/2037200/sloppy-ai-defenses-take-cybersecurity-back-to-the-1990s-researchers-say
Source: Slashdot
Title: Sloppy AI Defenses Take Cybersecurity Back To the 1990s, Researchers Say
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AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses the significant security risks associated with artificial intelligence, particularly at the Black Hat USA 2025 conference. As AI technologies such as large language models become prevalent, they are increasingly susceptible to security flaws reminiscent of past vulnerabilities, stressing the importance of awareness and proactive measures in AI security.
Detailed Description: The report highlights crucial insights from various speakers at the Black Hat USA 2025 conference regarding the security challenges posed by artificial intelligence, especially large language models and AI agents. Key points include:
– **Prevalence of Security Risks**: The session emphasized that AI technologies are vulnerable and that many lessons learned from past cybersecurity events are being overlooked in the current excitement surrounding AI development.
– **Need for Proactive Measures**: There is a pressing need for all organizations employing AI to recognize these risks and to adopt strategies for mitigation before experiencing breaches caused by these vulnerabilities.
– **Analogies for Understanding AI Risks**:
– Wendy Nather likens AI agents to toddlers that require constant supervision to prevent them from making mistakes.
– Joseph Carson compares the use of AI in coding to the ‘mushroom’ power-up in Super Mario Kart, implying that while AI can accelerate tasks, it does not inherently improve skill or understanding.
– **Historical Context**: Many of the security flaws today are analogous to classic cybersecurity issues, such as SQL injection vulnerabilities from the early web era. This observation stresses that the continual repetition of past mistakes remains a critical concern.
– **Generative AI Limitations**: Nathan Hamiel raises concerns about “over-scoping” generative AI capabilities, arguing that their broad applications can lead to increased security risks. He advises treating AI agents with caution, as they are not as sophisticated as often portrayed.
– **Increased Attack Surface**: The deployment of AI tools can inadvertently create new vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for a security-conscious approach to AI integration.
In summary, professionals in security and compliance should pay close attention to these discussions on AI-related vulnerabilities, as the field is evolving rapidly and exposing systems to risks previously thought to be mitigated.