Definition
The AI Threat Landscape refers to the evolving ecosystem of cyber threats that leverage artificial intelligence or target AI systems themselves. It encompasses both malicious uses of AI, such as sophisticated phishing attacks and automated malware, and vulnerabilities within AI models that can be exploited. Understanding this landscape involves analyzing how AI capabilities are being weaponized by adversaries and how AI-powered defenses are being developed. This knowledge is crucial for cybersecurity professionals to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate emerging risks in complex digital environments. For instance, AI can be used to generate highly convincing deepfake videos for social engineering campaigns, making them difficult to detect. It differs from a general threat landscape by focusing specifically on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by AI technologies. This concept is relevant for certifications like CompTIA Security+, CySA+, and CISSP.