India’s cybersecurity agency CERT-In has issued a strong warning about the growing danger of AI-powered cyberattacks, saying artificial intelligence is rapidly shrinking the gap between a simple software flaw and a full-scale cyberattack. The agency believes AI tools are helping attackers discover and exploit vulnerabilities far faster than traditional security systems can respond.
The warning comes as generative AI and autonomous systems become increasingly accessible to both businesses and cybercriminals. According to CERT-In, AI-enabled tools are now capable of scanning systems for weaknesses, generating phishing campaigns, adapting malware in real time, and automating attacks at a scale that was previously difficult to achieve. (cert-in.org.in)
CERT-In Calls for Faster Cybersecurity Response
In its latest cybersecurity blueprint, CERT-In urged organizations to patch or isolate critical internet-facing vulnerabilities within 12 hours whenever possible. The agency warned that traditional cybersecurity approaches based on periodic reviews and delayed responses are no longer enough in an era of AI-assisted cyber exploitation. (cert-in.org.in)
The report emphasized the need for continuous monitoring, rapid threat detection, and constant exposure management. CERT-In also recommended that organizations fix known exploited vulnerabilities affecting internal systems within a day unless other security controls are already in place.
Cybersecurity experts say the biggest concern is the speed at which AI can now identify weaknesses and launch attacks. Previously, attackers often required advanced technical expertise and long preparation periods.
With AI automation, even less-skilled hackers may gain access to sophisticated cyberattack capabilities.
AI Is Reshaping the Global Cybersecurity Battle
The report also highlighted how AI-driven attacks are pushing companies toward stronger security frameworks such as Zero Trust Security models and behavioral analytics systems.
These approaches focus on continuous verification rather than assuming internal networks are automatically safe.
Experts believe AI could significantly increase the volume and complexity of cyber threats over the next few years.
From phishing scams to ransomware and automated malware, artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a tool for both defenders and attackers in the digital security race. (forbes.com)
CERT-In also linked its recommendations to India’s broader cyber compliance framework, including mandatory incident reporting obligations and regular security audits.
The agency says organizations must prepare for a future where AI-driven cyberattacks evolve continuously and spread much faster than conventional threats.
