It’s no secret that Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the world – improving efficiency, enhancing productivity, and driving innovation across every industry. But as with any powerful tool, AI can be used for harm as well as good. Dark AI refers to the malicious use of AI technologies to launch more sophisticated, scalable, and evasive cyber attacks.
This isn’t a distant future scenario – it’s happening now, and it’s changing the cyber threat landscape in ways that many organisations simply aren’t prepared for.
Dark AI is the term used to describe the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning by cybercriminals to automate, accelerate, and enhance cyber attacks. Unlike traditional malware or phishing campaigns, Dark AI enables attackers to build systems that can learn, adapt, and evolve over time – often without human intervention.
With access to powerful AI models and large datasets, attackers can now:
This new generation of threats is faster, stealthier, and more damaging than ever before… and it’s forcing cyber security professionals to rethink their defences.
The rise of AI-generated malware and AI viruses has been rapid. In recent years, researchers have observed malware strains capable of rewriting their own code, mimicking legitimate user behaviour, and launching targeted attacks that bypass traditional defences. Similarly, AI-driven ransomware has been used to automate decision-making during attacks – adjusting ransom demands based on the perceived value of the victim’s data or infrastructure. These capabilities make AI-powered attacks more efficient, more personalised, and harder to predict.
As open-source AI tools and large language models become increasingly accessible, it’s expected that even low-skilled attackers will begin using Dark AI to amplify their impact.
Many organisations still rely on perimeter-based defences or rule-based detection systems. While these may be effective against conventional threats, they are largely inadequate when it comes to AI-enhanced attacks. Traditional anti-virus software struggles to keep up with constantly evolving AI malware – signature-based detection can’t identify malicious code that is different every time it’s deployed. Manual monitoring simply can’t match the speed and complexity of an AI virus that adapts in real time. To stay protected, businesses must move toward proactive, intelligence-driven security strategies that are capable of keeping up with the pace of these threats.
The good news is that the same AI technologies being exploited by attackers can also be harnessed for defence. To stay ahead of the threat curve, organisations should focus on three key pillars: AI-native security tools, Data Security Posture Management (DSPM), and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) alignment.
AI-native tools use machine learning and behavioural analytics to detect and respond to threats in real time. Unlike traditional security systems, they don’t rely solely on known patterns – they adapt to new threats, flag unusual activity, and respond autonomously. At Infotrust, we help clients deploy advanced AI-native solutions that:
These tools are essential in defending against rapidly evolving threats like AI malware and AI-driven ransomware.
Your data is a prime target for Dark AI; that’s why visibility and control over your data assets are critical. DSPM tools give you a clear understanding of:
By continuously monitoring your data landscape, DSPM helps detect anomalies, enforce data access policies, and reduce the risk of exfiltration by AI viruses or automated attackers. Infotrust offers end-to-end support in assessing and improving your data security posture, ensuring your organisation is equipped to manage risk in an AI-driven environment.
Building a resilient cyber security strategy isn’t just about technology – it’s also about aligning to best-practice frameworks that support long-term risk management. Infotrust works with organisations to implement GRC strategies based on industry-recognised standards such as:
By aligning your security initiatives to a robust framework, you can improve incident response, reduce your regulatory risk, enhance resilience, and build stakeholder confidence – all while staying ahead of emerging threats like AI-generated malware.
GRC efforts should now incorporate AI-specific governance by establishing usage policies, evaluating third-party AI tools, implementing audit trails for model accountability, and including AI risk assessments in regular compliance reviews.
As the threat of Dark AI continues to grow, Australian organisations need more than just basic protection – they need a trusted security partner with deep technical expertise and a forward-thinking approach. With AI increasingly embedded in organisational processes, simply avoiding its use is no longer realistic. Instead, organisations should focus on establishing clear guidance and policies for responsible AI usage—proactively managing risks while supporting safe and effective adoption. At Infotrust, we provide:
We understand that every business is different, which is why our cyber security solutions are designed to align with your specific risks, goals, and regulatory obligations.
Contact Infotrust today and discover how our expert team can help secure your business in an AI-driven world.
