How AI is changing cybersecurity: Expert shares ransomware and online safety tips
How AI is changing cybersecurity: Expert shares ransomware and online safety tips
Publish Date: 2026-06-17 20:24:00
Source Domain: www.fox32chicago.com
Inside ransomware risks, AI’s role in cybersecurity
More than one week after Evanston Township High School was targeted in a ransomware attack.
The incident is highlighting the growing cyber threats facing schools and other institutions across the country.
Kasey Chronis takes a deeper look at the evolving threat of ransomware and AI’s role in cybersecurity.
EVANSTON, Ill. – More than one week after Evanston Township High School was targeted in a ransomware attack, the incident is highlighting the growing cyber threats facing schools and other institutions across the country.
Cybersecurity experts say the recent attack serves as a reminder of how disruptive ransomware can be.
More broadly, experts say artificial intelligence is changing the cybersecurity landscape — making attacks more sophisticated and convincing.
What we know:
Ten days after Evanston Township High School officials discovered the breach in their system, a notice posted on the school’s website Wednesday confirmed its phone system remains offline.
While officials have not revealed the origin of the attack, the incident comes as cybersecurity experts are closely watching how artificial intelligence is reshaping the threat landscape — changing the way organizations defend against cyber threats and the way cybercriminals carry out attacks.
“AI is super powerful and can be used safely. But people need to be aware of how they’re using it personally and how they are using it within their organization,” said Tony Sabaj, cybersecurity expert for Check Point Software Technologies. “You don’t want to stop AI. You want to be able to have people safely adopt it.”
As AI transforms the way we work, communicate and access information, experts say the technology is creating new opportunities for cybercriminals.
“AI brings in kind of a whole new attack vector and a whole new possibility for the attackers,” Sabaj said.
Tony Sabaj of Check Point Software Technologies has more than 30 years…
