In this overview, background information about Generative AI will be discussed.
What is Generative AI?
As defined in the homepage of this website, Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) is a type of artificial intelligence that is based on existing data and known knowledge to generate new data. This existing data may be "text to images, spoken audio, music, and even videos" that may be part of "larger datasets" (Nehorai, 2024). Gen AI keeps these datasets in memory when creating novel content. For example, in the field of drug development, the AI may "use existing chemical and biological data... [to] create new molecular structures with desired characteristics" (GAO 2024). This and various other important fields may use Generative AI as a way to simplify research.
It also plays a significant role in areas like game development, marketing, entertainment, and cybersecurity, where it can be used to simulate attacks or create deepfake content for testing detection systems. This leads to the next section of this pre-lab, which is determining the effects upon a software system's security.
How it impacts Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity may be affected from Generative AI either positively or negatively. There are some ways like Anomaly Detection, Intrusion Detection System (IDS), and Malware Analysis that may improve security. Deepfake Phishing and Polymorphic Malware are ways that may threaten security. These study cases are analyzed further in their individual modules in this website.
Key Terms:
AI (Artificial Intelligence): The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems, including learning, reasoning, and self-correction.
 Anomaly Detection: A technique used in cybersecurity to identify unusual patterns or behaviors within a dataset that may indicate a security threat.
Deepfake Phishing: A type of phishing attack that uses AI-generated content (such as videos, audio, or text) to create convincing forgeries of trusted entities.
Generative AI: A type of artificial intelligence that can generate new data that mimics the data it was trained on, often used in applications like content creation, data synthesis, and simulation.
IDS (Intrusion Detection System): A security system that monitors network traffic for suspicious activity and issues alerts when such activity is detected.
Malware: Malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.
Polymorphic Malware: Malware that changes its code structure without altering its functionality, making it harder to detect with traditional security methods.
References:
1. Nehorai, N. (2024, April 30). "Analyzing common vulnerabilities introduced by code-generative AI." JFrog. https://jfrog.com/blog/analyzing-common-vulnerabilities-introduced-by-code-generative-ai/
2. Office, U. S. G. A. (2024, September 9). "Science & Tech spotlight: Generative AI in Health Care." U.S. GAO. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-107634#:~:text=Generative%20AI%20is%20a%20machine,it%20can%20generate%20novel%20content.