ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI)  systems have increased frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks, a cybersecurity expert said.

Speaking at the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) Alan Reyes, country manager of Fortinet Philippines, warned that the rise of AI tools became a playground for cybercriminals to create modifications to their malware and breach systems.

"It's very easy now for the attacker to tweak a few codes with the help of AI," Reyes said in the interview.

Reyes underscored that while there is a need to digitalize the country, the rush being made during the pandemic opened up new opportunities for cybercriminals.

That is because cybersecurity was "an afterthought" then. 

He also said that compared to its peers in the region, he said "Philippines is up there as a target."