UNODC
Cybercrime training facility in Ukraine.
At first glance, a cyberattack, a fraudulent message and a manipulated image may seem unrelated. In reality, however, they are increasingly linked by a common force: artificial intelligence (AI).
As AI becomes more accessible, it is lowering the technical barriers for cybercriminals, enabling them to launch more sophisticated attacks, produce more convincing scams and amplify both the reach and impact of their activities. What once required specialized technical expertise can now be carried out more easily, quickly and at scale.
Is AI changing cybercrime?
AI can help criminals automate and enhance a wide range of malicious activities. It can be used to generate convincing phishing messages, create manipulated images, audio and video content, conduct social engineering attacks and support cyberattacks against systems and networks.
As a result, both individuals and organizations face growing risks from cybercrime that are increasingly difficult to identify and prevent.
What’s the role of cybersecurity in addressing AI-assisted cybercrime?
AI-enabled cybercrime takes many forms. Some attacks target computer systems directly, while others exploit human behaviour, trust and information ecosystems.
For this reason, addressing AI-enabled threats requires a two-pronged approach.
On the one hand, cybersecurity measures, such as stronger access controls, regular vulnerability assessments and enhanced threat monitoring, help protect systems, networks and data from AI-assisted attacks.
On the other hand, targeted prevention measures are needed to address crimes such as fraud, extortion and the dissemination of malicious AI-generated content. These measures can include safety by design, raising public awareness, improving reporting mechanisms and strengthening services for victims.
Can AI also help fight cybercrime?
Yes. While criminal actors use AI for malicious purposes, AI can also be a powerful tool for prevention and detection.
AI-powered systems can process vast amounts of data and identify suspicious patterns in network activity and financial transactions. They can help detect manipulated content, improve threat monitoring and strengthen fraud detection capabilities, often in real time.
Used responsibly, AI can significantly enhance both cybersecurity and crime prevention efforts.
Why is international cooperation essential?
Even the most effective combination of cybersecurity measures, prevention strategies and AI-powered tools face a major challenge: cross-border cybercrime.
A criminal may launch an operation from one country, target victims in another and use infrastructure located in a third jurisdiction. This means that identifying perpetrators and obtaining electronic evidence often depend on rapid and effective international cooperation.
Without cooperation among countries, cybercrime investigations are delayed or obstructed by jurisdictional and procedural barriers.
How can the UN Convention against Cybercrime help?
The United Nations Convention against Cybercrime can contribute to addressing AI-enabled cybercrime in three important ways.
First, the Convention adopts a technology-neutral approach. This means its provisions vital if we are to address the rapidly evolving criminal threats fuelled by the malicious use of AI. remain applicable regardless of the technology used to commit offences, including AI. As technologies continue to evolve, this helps ensure that international cooperation and legal frameworks remain relevant.
Second, the Convention provides a harmonized framework and procedural powers for the sharing of electronic evidence, with appropriate safeguards, to support the swift and effective investigation and prosecution of crime committed using information communication technologies. The Convention envisages a 24/7 network for this purpose.
Third, the Convention promotes a prevention-oriented approach through technical assistance and capacity-building. It highlights the importance of public awareness, security measures, legitimate security research and the development of criminal justice expertise.
Advances in AI often outpace legislative, regulatory and institutional responses. By encouraging countries to periodically review their laws, policies and practices, Article 53 helps identify emerging vulnerabilities and capability gaps before they can be exploited by criminals. This proactive approach is vital to address the rapidly evolving criminal threats fuelled by the malicious use of AI.
What is UNODC doing to combat AI-assisted cybercrime?
To address these emerging threats, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is helping countries strengthen their resilience against AI-assisted cybercrime through capacity-building, technical assistance and international cooperation.
It equips law enforcement, prosecutors and judges with the skills and tools needed to investigate technology-enabled offences, supports the development of effective legal frameworks and enhances digital forensic capabilities.
UNODC also promotes cross-border cooperation and knowledge-sharing, recognizing that cybercrime rarely respects national boundaries.
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