87 Percent of US Critical Infrastructure Organizations Concerned About AI-Powered Cyberthreats

  • May 30, 2024

84% of the US' critical infrastructure organizations have identified the use of AI to drive cyber threats as a current security concern.

This dramatic rise in concern about how cybercriminals use AI is revealed in new research by cybersecurity services firm Bridewell, surveying 519 staff responsible for cybersecurity in US critical infrastructure organizations, in sectors such as civil aviation, telecommunications, energy, transport, media, financial services and water supply.

The research found 87% of respondents are worried about AI-powered phishing attacks in which criminals use AI to radically improve the accuracy and wording of their email lures at scale. Criminals can also employ AI to complement basic coding skills, reducing the barrier to entry for exploits and enhancing the sophistication of their malware.

These developments are also why 86% of respondents voiced concerns about automated hacking. Meanwhile, 84% of respondents say they have fears about adaptive AI cyberattacks, that constantly evolve their tactics, and 85% expressed concerns about AI-driven exploit development.

All of the AI-driven threats listed in the research are of concern to more than three-quarters (75%) of respondents - including polymorphic malware which mutates with every infection. 80% said they fear this emerging threat.

The research also explored how critical infrastructure organizations are using AI to combat the increased use of AI by cybercriminal groups. AI-driven exploits or techniques are not yet as effective as conventional cyber tactics, and businesses are able to use AI-focused tools to protect their systems and infrastructure. With its ability to analyze large datasets rapidly, AI can be a useful tool in detecting malicious activity in a system or network, spotting anomalies and suspicious behavior.

The research found current deployment of AI in cyber defenses is in its early stages. Fewer than three-in-ten respondents' organizations are using AI-enhanced endpoint protection (29%), AI-driven data-loss prevention (28%), , or AI-based phishing detection and prevention (27%). Almost all organizations (98%) are, however, using some AI tools - a trend certain to gain momentum as cyber threats escalate and become even more sophisticated.

"While we are at the early stages of AI-driven cyber-attacks, concern among organizations is not unfounded as the technology presents itself as a future threat," said Chase Richardson , Vice President of Consulting at Bridewell. "Businesses can prepare for the impending AI arms race by incorporating the technology into their cyber defense strategies. AI can be a force for good by helping critical infrastructure organizations to enhance threat intelligence capabilities and accelerate detection and response strategies."

Featured

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.