The Cyber Why: What We Read This Week...
... and why you should too! (07/18/23)
Attention, cyber enthusiasts! Get ready to dive into a thrilling edition of The Cyber Why, where we uncover some jaw-dropping stories from the realms of technology, cybersecurity, and beyond.
Our resident expert, Tyler, is on a “well-deserved vacation” this week, so destiny has chosen me as your guide through this week’s TCW journey. From Volkswagen's deepfake drama that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, to the wild rollercoaster ride of cybersecurity funding and the emergence of a menacing AI tool in the hands of cybercriminals, we've got it all. But that's not all! We'll also explore an unexpected connection between Taylor Swift fandom and the world of cybersecurity.
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VW's Deepfake Drama: Exploiting the Dead for Car Sales…
Volkswagen's deepfake AI ad has people in tears (CreativeBloq)
Volkswagen stoops to new lows with their tear-jerking deepfake ad featuring the late Elis Regina. Using an actress and facial recognition software, they resurrect a beloved singer for profit. It's a creepy blend of fiction and reality that could traumatize kids. And let's not forget the historical irony: Elis Regina, an opponent of Brazil's dictatorship, collaborating with a brand that once colluded with it. VW's deepfake masterpiece earns them a spot in the Hall of Dubious Advertising Tactics. Bravo, folks. Bravo.
Cybersecurity Funding Takes a Tumble: Hackers Thrive While Startups Seek Spare Change
If cybersecurity isn’t recession-proof, what is? (TechCrunch+)
Cyber Leak? Cybersecurity Funding Falls 63% In Q2 (Crunchbase)
8 VCs explain why there’s good reason to be optimistic about cybersecurity (TechCrunch+)
Brace yourselves, folks, because the cybersecurity funding rollercoaster has taken a wild dip in 2023. According to Crunchbase, investment into cybersecurity startups only raised $1.6 billion in venture funding in Q2 of 2023, representing a QoQ decline and the lowest amount raised in any given quarter since Q4 2019. Investment in cybersecurity startups plummets, leaving them scratching for spare change. Q1 witnesses a gut-wrenching 58% drop in funding, with a pitiful 149 deals announced – a record low. But fear not, investors remain oddly optimistic, banking on the magic of AI and the desperate need to secure everything from clouds to toasters. So, hang on tight, prioritize customer needs, and start searching for those hidden pockets of funding. Remember, valuations have fallen faster than a hacker caught in the act, so it's the perfect time to swoop in and snag a bargain. As we navigate the uncertain terrain ahead, keep your eyes on AI augmentation and the battles against AI-fueled risks – because, in this crazy world, even hackers need a taste of their own medicine. Stay vigilant, cybersecurity warriors!
WormGPT: The Dark Side of AI Unleashed - Cybercriminals Level Up
WormGPT: New AI Tool Allows Cybercriminals to Launch Sophisticated Cyber Attacks (The Hacker News)
Speaking of vigilance… the dark side of AI continues to emerge as we continue on this AI journey. Meet WormGPT, the notorious cybercrime tool designed to give malicious actors the upper hand. With the ability to automate sophisticated phishing and business email compromise attacks, this blackhat alternative to GPT models poses a serious threat. As OpenAI and Google ramp up their defenses against model abuse, WormGPT slips through the cracks, making it easier than ever for cybercriminals to fabricate convincing emails and unleash havoc. Be prepared, for the democratization of generative AI empowers even novices to launch highly effective attacks.
The battle for cybersecurity just got a whole lot tougher. The potential for misuse and abuse is undeniable, requiring constant vigilance and adaptive strategies from the cybersecurity community. The future of AI and security will involve a constant cat-and-mouse game, with defenders striving to stay one step ahead of malicious actors. It is crucial that ethical AI practices, enhanced defenses, and proactive collaborations drive the evolution of cybersecurity to protect against the dark side of AI.
From Overwhelmed to Overwhelming: How AI Supercharges Threat Intelligence, but Humans Still Hold the Key
How AI-Augmented Threat Intelligence Solves Security Shortfalls (Dark Reading)
Remember a few paragraphs ago when I was talking about pockets of opportunity for cybersecurity? Here’s a prime example: A lack of staff, data overload, and competing demands are common challenges faced by security-operations and threat-intelligence teams. The integration of large-language-model (LLM) systems in threat intelligence has the potential to revolutionize security operations by addressing staffing shortages and data overload. While LLMs offer the capability to process and interpret vast amounts of data, it is crucial to recognize that human expertise and oversight are still indispensable. Human analysts play a vital role in confirming the accuracy of insights and detecting potential errors or false connections. The combination of AI and human intelligence offers organizations a powerful approach to enhance their security capabilities and derive meaningful insights from complex data landscapes.
From Taylor Swift to Cybersecurity: Why Swifties Are a Perfect Fit!
Why Taylor Swift fans should work in cybersecurity (Red Canary Blog)
Calling all Swifties! Did you know that being a Taylor Swift fan can actually prepare you for a career in cybersecurity? And let’s be honest she does really great marketing too. From decoding Taylor's secret messages to attention to detail, Swifties possess qualities that align perfectly with the world of InfoSec. As Taylor's Eras Tour approaches, the Red Canary team outlines 13 reasons why Swifties should consider joining the cybersecurity ranks.
Taylor Swift fans bring a unique set of skills and enthusiasm to the cybersecurity field. With the industry striving for diversity, the Swiftie fandom's feminine power can make a significant impact in closing the gender gap. Embracing new skills and defying expectations, just like Taylor herself, can lead to successful and fulfilling careers in cybersecurity. I’m am fully on board with welcoming Swifties (as is
since he’s a major Swiftie) into our infosec community and create a stronger and more inclusive industry.If you’ve made it this far, you either found our musings at least semi-entertaining, OR you enjoyed the pain and kept going regardless. No matter how you made it to this point, you should know that we appreciate you. Please do us a solid and share The Cyber Why with your friends. We would love to reach a bigger audience, and referrals are how we do it. Help us out, and we’ll see you next week!