Basil Jarrett | Law enforcement, AI and the digital battlefield

LAST WEEK’S article took a close look at aspects of Jamaica’s legislative framework, and bemoaned its inability to keep abreast with the rapidly evolving spectre of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool of choice for enterprising cybercriminals.

AI is no longer just the stuff of science fiction. In fact, it’s probably safe to say that the technology is now fully woven into the very fabric of our everyday lives. From suggesting what movie to watch next on Netflix to making business decisions in corporate boardrooms, AI is changing how we live, work, and even how we think. But like any powerful tool, there is a dark side as the technology is now being weaponised by cybercriminals in ways that even seasoned law enforcement officers couldn’t have imagined just a decade ago. The question is then, how can law enforcement stay ahead in this ever-shifting landscape?

SMARTER, FASTER, MORE DANGEROUS

Think about the last time you were targeted by your typical, garden variety scammer. Remember the telltale signs – broken English, dodgy links, and claims that a distant relative you didn’t know existed left you a fortune. Well, those days are numbered. AI is taking phishing and other forms of cybercrime to a whole new level, and the old tricks aren’t going to cut it anymore.

Today, AI can mimic human behaviour with astonishing accuracy, making phishing emails look incredibly convincing. AI-driven algorithms can analyse your social media, your emails, and even your online shopping habits to craft the perfect scam. They know who your friends are, where you’ve been on holiday, and what your favourite local restaurant is. These “smart” attacks are tailored just for you, making it increasingly difficult to spot them as fraudulent.

In fact, AI doesn’t even need to interact with humans to wreak havoc. Hackers now use AI to deploy ransomware and malware at speeds far beyond human capability. AI-powered bots can infiltrate networks, scan for vulnerabilities, and execute attacks with precision and speed, all while staying undetected for longer periods. The result? A more dangerous, sophisticated breed of cybercriminals who can adapt and evolve their tactics in real time.

AI IN CYBER DEFENCE: THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD

But there is good news. AI isn’t just a tool for the bad guys. It’s also a powerful weapon in the arsenal of law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals. While criminals are using AI to launch attacks, law enforcement agencies are using it to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats.

Let’s start with threat detection. One of the most promising applications of AI in cyber defence is its ability to analyse vast amounts of data in real time. Traditional cybersecurity systems rely on rules and signatures – if a system sees something that fits a predefined pattern of a cyberattack, it reacts. But as AI-driven attacks evolve, they often don’t fit these traditional patterns. This is where AI becomes important.

The technology can analyse data from across a network, identifying anomalies that might indicate a cyberattack, even if the attack is using a completely new method. These systems learn over time, adapting their detection capabilities as they encounter new threats. Essentially, AI is giving law enforcement the ability to fight fire with fire, responding to AI-driven attacks with AI-driven defences.

Moreover, AI can automate much of the manual work involved in cyber defence. Tasks that once required hours or even days of human effort – like scanning logs for suspicious activity or identifying vulnerabilities in a network – can now be completed by AI in a matter of minutes. This frees up cybersecurity professionals to focus on more complex tasks, while AI handles the heavy lifting.

STAYING AHEAD: WHAT LAW ENFORCEMENT IS DOING

So, how can law enforcement stay ahead of AI-driven cybercriminals? First, we need to acknowledge that the game has changed. Traditional methods of combating cybercrime are no longer enough. Law enforcement is also evolving, adopting new strategies and technologies to keep pace with the ever-growing threat landscape.

Greater investment is being made in AI-powered cybersecurity tools that can detect and respond to cyber threats in real time, providing law enforcement with the ability to counter AI-driven attacks before they cause significant damage. The investment is not just in technology, but in training officers to understand and operate these tools effectively.

Law enforcement is also building stronger partnerships, both with the private sector and other public law enforcement entities. By doing so, law enforcement agencies can gain access to the latest AI-driven tools and techniques, while private tech companies benefit from the expertise and real-world experience of law enforcement.

Another key area is predictability. Rather than waiting for an attack to happen, law enforcement can use AI-driven predictive analytics to anticipate and prevent cyberattacks by analysing historical data on cybercrime. AI can identify patterns that may indicate when and where an attack is likely to occur, allowing law enforcement to take a proactive approach, shutting down potential threats before they can cause damage.

One of the challenges of cybercrime is that it knows no borders, and AI-driven attacks can be launched from anywhere in the world. In response, law enforcement agencies are strengthen their cross-border collaborations, sharing intelligence, data, and resources to combat cybercrime on a global scale. This requires not only legal agreements between countries, as shown last week, but also the integration of AI-powered tools that can facilitate international cooperation.

Finally, law enforcement officers are involved in continuous training to keep up with the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and cybercrime. This includes understanding the basics of AI, learning how cybercriminals are using it to launch attacks, and staying up to date with the latest defensive technologies. Ongoing education is essential to ensure that law enforcement agencies remain agile and capable of responding to new and emerging threats.

THE ROAD AHEAD

The rise of AI in cybercrime is not something we can ignore. It’s happening, and it’s happening fast. But while AI is making cybercriminals smarter, it’s also giving law enforcement the tools they need to fight back. By investing in AI-powered cybersecurity tools, building stronger partnerships, and focusing on predictive analytics, law enforcement agencies can stay one step ahead of AI-driven cybercriminals. If AI has taught us anything, it’s that adaptability is key — because the future is coming, and it’s coming fast.

Major Basil Jarrett is a communications strategist and CEO of Artemis Consulting, a communications consulting firm specialising in crisis communications and reputation management. Visit him at www.thecrisismajor.com. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com