INTERPOL Warns AI Accelerates Scale of Cyber Threats

INTERPOL warns that artificial intelligence is increasing the speed and scale of cyber threats by enhancing existing criminal tactics, including fraud and scams. Bjorn R. Watne, INTERPOL's global chief information security officer, described the shift as an evolution rather than a revolution, noting that AI allows criminals to target multiple victims simultaneously through improved digital identities and translation tools.

Speaking at Tech Week Singapore, Watne urged companies to identify their most critical assets, or crown jewels, and tailor defenses based on specific threat intelligence. He noted a persistent disconnect between senior management and cybersecurity strategies in various industries, suggesting many leaders have not yet realized that every modern business is effectively an IT company.

Watne also raised concerns regarding agentic AI, which is capable of performing actions on behalf of users. He warned that when AI performs incorrect actions in the physical domain, such as in the deployment of self-driving vehicles, it could result in bodily harm to humans.