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Evidence over alarm
THE EXPLAINER DESK

Less jargon.
More understanding.

The same few mechanisms appear across many incidents. Start here to recognize them, without needing to become a security expert.

First, ask what role AI played.

01

A tool for an attacker

A person directs the operation. AI helps with some of the work.

02

An agent outside its task

During a test, AI takes actions beyond the permission it was given.

03

A target or a lure

AI services themselves can be attacked, impersonated, or used to attract victims.

LEARN THE MECHANISMS

A field guide to the language.

10 short, shareable explainers
01

Supply chain

Attacking the things other people depend on.

Understand it
02

Stolen credentials

Getting hold of someone else’s digital keys.

Understand it
03

Unauthorized access

Entering a system without permission.

Understand it
04

Data theft

Taking information that should stay private.

Understand it
05

Extortion

Using a threat to demand something.

Understand it
06

Automated discovery

Using software to look for weaknesses at scale.

Understand it
07

Failed boundaries

A safety limit did not hold.

Understand it
08

Social engineering

Tricking a person into helping an attack.

Understand it
09

AI-assisted fraud

Using deception to obtain money or access.

Understand it
10

Prompt injection

An instruction hidden in material the AI is supposed to read.

Understand it

A mechanism is not a motive. The same tools can support legitimate security research. Authorization, intent, and observed behavior determine how a case should be understood.