AI Cyber Threats: Why Your Data Could Go Dark

AI-driven cyberattacks are no longer just a future possibility. They're happening right now, and the consequences are severe. Companies are finding their infrastructures left in a 'dark, dead' state after these attacks, according to Brian Brockway, Commvault's Chief Technology Officer. If your IT team isn't ready, your entire virtual machine environment could be wiped out before you even realize what's happening.

The Changing Face of Cybercrime

Brockway pointed out that the game has changed. Attackers aren't just encrypting files anymore. They're targeting entire virtual environments, destroying hypervisors, and leaving chaos in their wake. Frontier AI models like Mythos and GPT-5.5-Cyber are identifying software vulnerabilities at an alarming rate, over seven times more than traditional methods.

Why does this matter? Because attackers are exploiting these vulnerabilities within minutes. That's not hyperbole. that's the new reality. Cyber teams are stuck playing catch-up, forced to pivot from future plans to reactive damage control.

Preparation is Key

Commvault suggests a game plan that goes beyond backups. It's about asking the hard questions: Can you restore critical systems without a hitch? Are your recovery environments truly isolated from compromised systems? Do your recovery plans prioritize essential applications and dependencies?

Brockway stresses the importance of air-gapping, keeping immutable data copies isolated from production systems. This isn't just a theory. it's a necessity. Companies have learned the hard way, witnessing devastating attacks, and realizing the need to strip everything back to bare metal to rebuild.

The Role of AI in Defense

AI isn't just a tool for attackers. It's also a important ally in defense. But it's not as simple as deploying AI models to plug holes. Brockway notes that the sheer volume of potential vulnerabilities flagged by AI can be overwhelming. His team at Commvault has a fast action unit solely dedicated to rapid response and patching. Imagine dealing with 10,000 vulnerabilities at once. That's a nightmare scenario, but it's also the new normal.

Here's a question: With AI accelerating both attacks and defenses, are we prepared for this endless arms race? Brockway believes more automation and smarter AI are necessary to manage the information deluge. He emphasizes that desensitization to alerts is when real damage happens. It's not just about fixing bugs but about maintaining a proactive stance.

As AI continues to infiltrate our core operations, ignoring these threats isn't an option. Businesses must prioritize their essential systems and continuously test recovery plans. It's no longer about if an attack will happen but when. The gap between the keynote promises and the actual on-the-ground realities has never been wider. So, are you ready?