New Delhi: Amid growing concerns over the potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) for hacking and misinformation, Canada's top cybersecurity official, Sami Khoury, has issued a warning about the escalating threat. In an interview with Reuters, Khoury, head of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, expressed his apprehension about AI's exploitation in creating malicious software, crafting convincing phishing emails, and disseminating disinformation across the digital landscape.

Emphasizing the seriousness of the situation, Khoury cited a recent instance where hackers employed AI to fabricate a counterfeit version of a legitimate website. This deceptive ploy aimed to dupe unsuspecting individuals into disclosing their sensitive personal information.

The potential for AI to be harnessed as a tool for spreading misinformation is another worrisome aspect highlighted by Khoury. He warned that AI-generated fake news articles, social media posts, and other deceptive content pose a significant challenge in maintaining information integrity.

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"We're seeing AI being used in a lot of different ways to try to compromise systems and networks," Khoury stated, stressing the need for vigilance in combating such threats. "It's a very powerful tool, and it's something that we need to be very aware of."

Canada, like many other nations, is grappling with the dual nature of AI, which can be harnessed for both constructive and malicious purposes. In the cybersecurity realm, AI is being increasingly employed to develop innovative tools for detecting and preventing cyberattacks while also training personnel on best practices in cybersecurity.

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Yet, the dark side of AI has become more pronounced, with hackers leveraging its capabilities to orchestrate sophisticated cyberattacks and propagate misinformation campaigns.

To confront these challenges head-on, the Canadian government has rolled out a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. Among its key components are initiatives aimed at enhancing cybersecurity, including the creation of AI-driven tools to bolster cyberattack detection and prevention measures.

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Raising public awareness regarding the potential risks of AI misuse remains a priority for the government. Educational campaigns are being launched to educate citizens about cybersecurity best practices, while efforts are also underway to develop tools empowering individuals to identify and report malicious content circulating online.

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As Canada strengthens its defense against AI-driven cyber threats, it seeks to strike a delicate balance, acknowledging the potential of AI as a transformative technology, while simultaneously taking proactive steps to mitigate its harmful consequences.