Fortinet outlines new cyber threats and AI-powered defenses to match

Cybersecurity threats are entering a new era as artificial intelligence tools such as FraudGPT and WormGPT fuel the rapid rise of cybercrime-as-a-service. No longer reliant on brute-force tactics, attackers now use AI to automate reconnaissance, craft highly targeted phishing campaigns and execute complex, multilayered attacks with precision.

Derek Manky, chief security strategist and global vice president of threat intelligence at Fortinet Inc., spoke to theCUBE about using agentic AI in the fight against cybersecurity threats. "It's a business they're building, so we see reconnaissance services now," Manky said. "Reconnaissance services is using the GPT models, the [large language models] that cybercrime like FraudGPT, WormGPT, etc., are utilizing to build their campaigns."

Manky explained that these AI-powered tools enable attackers to gather intelligence on potential targets and then use this information to craft highly targeted phishing emails or other types of attacks.

"The attackers are using these GPT models to create very realistic emails, very convincing fake websites, and even fake phone numbers and email addresses," Manky said. "They're using these tools to make it look like the attack is coming from a trusted source."

Manky also noted that the use of AI-powered tools in cybercrime has made it much harder for defenders to keep up.

"The attackers are adapting their tactics so quickly, and they're getting better at it," Manky said. "Defenders have to adapt as well, and that's where we come in."

Fortinet is working to develop AI-powered defenses to match the threats posed by these tools.

Manky explained that Fortinet is using machine learning algorithms to identify patterns in attack data and then use this information to develop more effective defenses.

"We're not just relying on traditional security measures like firewalls and antivirus software," Manky said. "We're using AI-powered tools to analyze attack data and then develop more effective defenses."

Macky also noted that Fortinet is working closely with other companies to share threat intelligence and stay ahead of emerging threats.

"We're not just fighting the same battles as everyone else," Manky said. "We're also sharing our knowledge and expertise to help others defend against these threats."

As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, Mcky believes that AI-powered defenses will become increasingly important.

"AI is going to be a key player in this fight," Mcky said. "It's not just about using AI for defense; it's also about using AI to improve our own security measures."

Deception Techniques

Macky explained that deception techniques are also evolving as attackers become more sophisticated.

"The modern honeypot is now an interactive, high-fidelity decoy," Mcky said. "It's deployed across environments to lure, observe and trap intruders."

Macky noted that these systems provide both early warning and actionable threat intelligence, blurring the line between passive defense and active disruption.

Agent-Based Orchestration

Mcky also explained that agent-based orchestration is being used to enhance deception techniques.

"We're using agent-based orchestration to automate our defenses," Mcky said. "It's allowing us to scale our defenses more easily and respond more quickly to emerging threats."

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mcky believes that AI-powered defenses will be crucial in the fight against emerging cybersecurity threats.

"AI is not just a threat; it's also a tool," Mcky said. "It's our best chance at defending ourselves against these threats."

Resources

Watch the complete video interview with Derek Mcky, part of SiliconANGLE's and theCUBE's coverage of the RSAC 2025 Conference event: here

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