Hannibal ad portas! originates from ancient Rome during the period of the Second Punic War (218–201 BCE) and was used used to instill a sense of urgency and vigilance among the Roman populace and leaders.
The New Barbarians at the Gate
Deepfake Technology: Just as Hannibal's tactics were unexpected and devastating, deepfake technology is becoming a formidable tool for fraud and misinformation. These AI-generated videos and audio clips can impersonate individuals with unsettling accuracy, posing severe risks to both personal and organizational reputations.
IoT Vulnerabilities: The Internet of Things, much like Rome's extensive network of roads, offers incredible advantages but also opens new avenues for attack. Each connected device can be a potential gateway for malicious actors, making IoT security an urgent priority.
Identity Theft: Identity theft has become even more sinister. With advanced phishing techniques and deepfake technology, cybercriminals can craft highly convincing impersonations. Moreover, IoT vulnerabilities might allow attackers to infiltrate our networks and operate from within, making it crucial to reinforce our processes, internal guidelines, and training programs.
Adapting to the Threat
To defend against these modern-day barbarians, we must adapt our strategies and fortify our defenses:
Update Business Processes and Guidelines: Just as Rome had to adapt its strategies to counter Hannibal’s tactics, we need to reassess and update our business processes to account for these new threats. Consider classifying these processes and limiting access to only those who need it. You dont want a rogue AI on an employees phone to exfiltrating the newest map to your city.
Enhance Training Programs: Education and awareness are our best defenses. We must ensure our teams are well-versed in recognizing and responding to threats like deepfakes and phishing attacks. The new business processes should be constantly trained and set up as learning loops, enabling continuous updates and improvements. This approach will empower our employees to act as the first line of defense while ensuring our processes evolve alongside emerging threats.
Focus on Identity Protection: As identity theft becomes more sophisticated, we must enhance our protective measures. This includes using multi-factor authentication, passkeys, implementing zero trust architectures, and staying vigilant against phishing and social engineering tactics. With IoT vulnerabilities, it’s easier for actors to infiltrate and operate from within, making internal security measures even more critical.
