DOD Cyber Crime Center Head Forecasts AI Involvement in Future Cyberattacks

Jude Sunderbruch, director of the Department of Defense’s Cyber Crime Center, is predicting that adversaries will soon begin executing cyberattacks using artificial intelligence, resulting in “AI versus AI” conflicts.

Speaking at a recent DefenseScoop event, he called on the United States and its allies to explore how to use existing AI systems to overtake China, Nextgov/FCW reported Thursday.

Sunderbruch suggested that the technology could support vulnerability analysis and system testing.

His comments follow the release of the DOD’s updated cybersecurity strategy, which indicates plans to explore how to apply automation and AI-powered capabilities in cyberspace, potentially for offensive purposes against groups threatening U.S. interests.

Sunderbruch echoes other officials who have warned of the impact AI and machine learning could have on novice and nation-state hacker operations.

Michael Rogers, former director of the National Security Agency, said in October 2023 that the technology could benefit the U.S. and its adversaries in the same way.

Rogers, a past Wash100 winner, explained that adversaries could use AI to simulate their targets’ moves.