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What Does Future-Proof Security Mean in the Age of AI and AGI?
Traditionally, “future-proof” means building solutions that won’t become obsolete, particularly in security—where newly discovered vulnerabilities can be exploited within hours. However, AI is advancing at breakneck speed, and the potential emergence of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) promises to upend our expectations even further. One telling sign of how rapidly AI is evolving—and how little we fully understand it—is that some large language models, originally designed just for text, can now achieve a chess ELO rating of around 1750. This is remarkable given they were never explicitly trained for chess, raising questions about how such models acquire and apply knowledge in unexpected domains. As AI progresses toward AGI, it won’t just mean faster, more efficient chatbots—it could mean systems that learn, reason, and adapt at scale, hunting for weaknesses or automating massive, intricate attacks far beyond anything a human team could match.
The High-Stakes Payment Market
Over a billion people rely on smartphones to make payments, representing a trillion-dollar global marketplace. Cybercriminals have always focused on high-reward targets, but AI changes the game by enabling attacks on a massive scale. Instead of robbing a physical bank, criminals can unleash self-learning AI to find zero-day exploits in payment systems, generating sophisticated intrusion methods almost in real time.
A Look at the Past
Not long ago, security measures involved using mobile phones for second-factor authentication—paying on a PC, then verifying via SMS. This was adequate then, but SMS-based codes are vulnerable to interception and malware today. As we shifted authentication into mobile banking apps, the user experience improved, thanks to biometric sensors and streamlined payment flows. Security and fraud rates also improved, much due to regulation such as the PSD2 in Europe. But AI-driven malware now poses new threats, capable of bypassing these measures by making it simpler to find holes in apps and security mechanisms, and by creating much more clever phishing campaigns.
The Dangers of Emerging AI - and AGI
One of the most pressing concerns is the rapid shift toward near-instant payments, especially here in Europe. Traditional bank transfers, which used to take days, now occur in mere seconds. While this boosts efficiency for customers, it also leaves security teams with almost no time to detect and halt fraudulent transactions. An AI—or in the near future, AGI—could identify and exploit a vulnerability faster than any human, draining accounts before alarm bells even start to ring.
Another challenge lies in the widespread use of older, unpatched devices. Smartphones that have long passed their manufacturer’s support window can present security holes ripe for exploitation. If an attacker has any form of access to a group of devices, an AI-driven attack can quickly scan vast numbers of these devices, pinpointing those without current patches. With AGI in the mix, the speed and autonomy of these scans could be unparalleled—effectively running 24/7 without human oversight. For instance, a single AGI-powered malware campaign could detect thousands of vulnerable phones overnight, infiltrate their payment apps, and drain stored credit card data, leaving financial institutions scrambling to contain the breach.
Equally alarming is the limitless creativity that AI brings to the table. From deepfakes that fool biometric systems to automated hacking scripts, AI has already raised the bar for cyberattacks in terms of sophistication and scale. An AGI, with its ability to continuously learn, adapt, and innovate, could push this threat to unprecedented levels—constantly evolving to find new entry points or exploit recently disclosed vulnerabilities before patches are deployed. Imagine an AGI orchestrating simultaneous, multi-pronged attacks on different financial apps, each using a distinct infiltration method and adjusting tactics in real time based on the target’s defensive measures.
Finally, social engineering is poised to undergo a radical transformation in an era of advanced AI. Today’s AI tools can already impersonate voices and generate believable, context-specific messages; an AGI could take this further, engaging targets in dynamic, real-time conversations to extract sensitive information. Picture a phone call in which you hear the convincing voice of your bank’s executive, complete with an authentic speech pattern and tone. Meanwhile, the AGI is analyzing every word you say, tailoring its responses to erode your skepticism and persuade you to reveal account details. In another example, AI-generated deepfake videos might show a trusted colleague or family member in a “financial emergency,” creating an almost irresistible sense of urgency. Such tactics could render many current fraud detection methods obsolete, underscoring the urgent need for more agile and adaptive security solutions.
Five Recommendations for Future-Proofing Security
- Adopt a Zero-Trust Strategy
Never assume that any part of your infrastructure or user base is safe. Secure your core authentication and transaction flows with the understanding that an attacker can slip through any unprotected back door. - Align Technology with Real Needs
Compliance and regulations set a baseline, but AGI moves faster than policymakers can. Understand your specific risk profile and choose adaptive security tools that can evolve in response to novel AI-driven threats. - Invest in Reusable, Adaptive Solutions
Future attacks may shift overnight. Ensure your authentication and risk detection solutions can be updated or repurposed quickly—whether for digital payments, in-app verifications, or new financial products yet to be imagined. - Stay Vigilant Beyond Compliance
Paperwork won’t stop an AI with limitless time and creativity. Regularly test and challenge your systems—simulate attacks using today’s penetration testing, and ensure your security posture responds dynamically to new tactics.' - Partner with Security Innovators
Avoid generic “all-in-one” providers and look for specialized vendors prepared to tackle advanced AI threats. With deep expertise, they can pivot rapidly as new exploits emerge, giving you a critical edge against AGI-level adversaries.
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Conclusion
As AI capabilities accelerate toward AGI, the nature of cyber threats changes faster than most organizations can imagine. Future-proof security isn’t just about solid code or meeting regulations: it’s a proactive mindset that anticipates entirely new forms of attacks. By embracing zero trust, staying nimble with your technology, and partnering with security experts, you stand the best chance of keeping your payments and data safe. If you’d like to explore how to fortify your services against tomorrow’s AI- and AGI-driven threats, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@okaythis.com.