New Study Reveals Artificial Intelligence Networks Are Vulnerable to Targeted Attacks
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Artificial intelligence might be changing the world, but it’s not smart enough to outwit human manipulation, new research shows. A study out of North Carolina State University reveals that these sophisticated systems are more susceptible to targeted attacks than previously understood. It raises critical questions about the reliability and safety of AI-driven decision-making processes, and what it means for the future of our reliance on the tech.
The Hidden Threat to AI Networks
AI networks, pivotal in diverse fields like autonomous vehicles and medical image analysis, face a heightened risk of targeted attacks. The study reveals that malicious actors could manipulate these systems, compelling them to make incorrect decisions. The potential consequences of compromised decision-making extend across various domains, posing a significant threat to the integrity of AI applications.
To prove the concept, researchers developed QuadAttacK—a software aimed at testing deep neural networks for adversarial vulnerabilities. QuadAttacK conducted adversarial attacks that involve manipulating data to confuse AI systems.
Surprisingly, the study found that four widely used AI networks were highly susceptible to QuadAttacK attacks.
"What's more, we found that attackers can take advantage of these vulnerabilities to force the AI to interpret the data to be whatever they want," says Tianfu Wu, co-author of the paper and an associate professor at North Carolina State University.
AI Hacks: Ethical Concerns and the Road Ahead
The study's revelations call for proactive security measures and ongoing research to fortify the integrity of AI applications.
"If an AI system is not robust against these sorts of attacks, you don't want to put the system into practical use—particularly for applications that can affect human lives," Wu wrote. "Now that we can better identify these vulnerabilities, the next step is to find ways to minimize those vulnerabilities.”
Conclusion
The study's findings bring to light the urgent need for a collective effort to secure the future of AI. Developers, policymakers, and end-users must acknowledge the vulnerabilities in AI systems for informed decision-making. As we navigate this evolving landscape, the implications of compromised AI decision-making underscore the critical importance of proactive security measures and ongoing research. The journey toward a more secure AI landscape requires collaboration and a commitment to minimizing vulnerabilities that could impact human lives.
Sources
This article was originally published in Certainty News [link to article page]
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