Bugcrowd’s annual “Inside the Mind of a Hacker” report for 2024 reveals new trends shaping the ethical hacking landscape, with an emphasis on AI’s role in transforming hacking tactics. Compiled from feedback from over 1,300 ethical hackers, the report explores how AI is rapidly becoming an integral tool in cybersecurity, shifting from simple automation to advanced data analysis. 
This year, a remarkable 71% of hackers say AI enhances the value of hacking, up from just 21% last year, highlighting its growing significance.
For ethical hackers, data analysis is now a primary AI use case, surpassing task automation. With 74% of participants agreeing that AI makes hacking more accessible, new entrants are increasingly using AI-powered tools to uncover vulnerabilities in systems and software. This is a positive shift, as these ethical hackers disclose security flaws, allowing companies to strengthen their defenses before malicious actors can exploit them.
However, it also means that criminal hackers are adopting AI in similar ways, creating both opportunities and challenges for cybersecurity.
Dave Gerry, Bugcrowd’s CEO, emphasizes that while AI-driven threats evolve rapidly, ethical hackers are equally using AI to refine their methods. This trend is reshaping traditional cybersecurity strategies as hackers move toward more sophisticated, AI-enhanced approaches. While AI offers undeniable benefits, the security risks are just as pressing, with 81% of respondents recognizing AI as a significant potential threat.
The report also underscores a key insight: while AI can complement human capabilities, it cannot fully replicate them.
For example, only a minority of hackers surveyed felt that AI could surpass their skills or creativity. These findings suggest that while AI contributes to hacking, human insight remains crucial, especially in complex problem-solving and adaptive thinking. Michael Skelton, Bugcrowd’s VP of security, further notes that AI’s role in hardware hacking, a specialized niche, has expanded as Internet of Things (IoT) devices proliferate. AI helps identify tiny vulnerabilities in hardware that human hackers might overlook, such as power fluctuations and unusual electromagnetic signals.
As AI reshapes the ethical hacking landscape, Bugcrowd’s report concludes with both a call to action and a note of caution.
While AI offers valuable tools for ethical hackers, it equally empowers cybercriminals, accelerating the development of sophisticated, AI-driven attacks. This dual use highlights the importance of responsible, proactive cybersecurity practices. By leveraging AI to protect systems while staying vigilant against AI-fueled cyber threats, the hacking community can help guide the broader industry toward safer, more secure digital environments.
