Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, on Sunday warned about the spread of unchecked artificial intelligence and said this technology is becoming a more serious threat. He predicted that AI-based cyberattacks will intensify next year.
Gates emphasized that the risk of AI getting out of human control remains a serious threat for years to come. However, he said the more immediate concern is that malicious actors will exploit existing systems without any controls or safeguards.
In an interview with ABC, he said the greatest impact of these threats is most likely to be seen in the area of cyberattacks. He believes the real problem arises when malicious individuals can completely remove the controls and safeguards built into AI models.
Dangerous combination; advanced models and malicious actors
Gates stated that when malicious actors gain access to the latest AI models without any guarantees or limits, we should expect many "negative surprises" over the next year; especially in the field of cyberattacks.
Industry warning
This warning has not been raised by Gates alone. More than 100 companies active in AI development have also warned in an open letter that AI-based cyberattacks are on the verge of becoming broader and more sophisticated.
Additional points
AI lowers the barrier to committing cybercrime: cybersecurity experts have repeatedly warned that AI tools can make it easy for even inexperienced attackers to produce convincing phishing emails, fake voice and image (deepfake) forgeries, and automate attacks.
Defense also benefits from AI: the same technology can be used to detect threats more quickly and respond to attacks, but its effectiveness depends on adherence to safety principles and oversight.
Practical advice to users and organizations: enabling two-factor authentication, regularly updating software, and exercising caution with suspicious messages and calls are among the simplest ways to reduce risk.