Securing Mobile Devices Against Evolving AI Threats

Mobile devices, in particular, are vulnerable to AI threats due to factors like smaller screens, numerous applications, and a higher likelihood of users encountering phishing attempts. Social networks, commonly used on mobile devices, expose users to social engineering and phishing tactics.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as Chat GPT and Google Bard, have gained immense popularity, empowering users with increased efficiency and productivity in various tasks. However, alongside these great capabilities, lie potential risks, as these tools can be misused for nefarious purposes.

Instances of misuse have already come to light, with generative AI being harnessed to create malware that infiltrates official app stores. Additionally, AI-generated emails and messages have been deployed in phishing campaigns, while malicious AI-generated videos have appeared on platforms like YouTube.

A concerning report by the Check Point Research team reveals that Google Bard, with minimal manipulations, can be weaponized to develop malware keyloggers and phishing emails, posing significant security concerns. Companies now face the alarming possibility of sensitive data leakage and internal information theft.

To protect mobile fleets from AI threats, companies need to adopt robust security measures:

Realize that mobile device users cannot be fully trusted, as attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and challenging to detect manually.

Incorporate advanced technology for mobile security, including preventative capabilities to stop threats before they infiltrate corporate assets.

Leverage AI and machine learning technologies within the security solution to maintain an advantage against evolving AI threats.

Check Point Harmony Mobile, an industry-leading Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) solution, offers comprehensive protection against AI-generated threats. Here’s how it works:

• Behavioral engines in Harmony Mobile thoroughly analyze every application, using emulators to detect abnormal, suspicious, risky, or malicious behaviors. This ensures that malicious apps, whether created by humans or generative AI, are blocked before reaching the device.

• Harmony Mobile’s Network Protection, powered by ThreatCloud AI engines and sophisticated algorithms, blocks and reports communication between malicious apps and their command-and-control (CnC) servers.

• Organizations can opt for a stricter approach by tagging mobile apps using Generative-AI services and back-end infrastructures. This enables restricting device access to corporate resources if such apps are detected.

The rising influence of generative AI presents both opportunities and challenges in mobile security. Implementing robust AI-driven solutions like Check Point Harmony Mobile is crucial to protect against evolving AI threats and maintain a safe digital environment for organizations and their users.