Generative Artificial Intelligence and Offensive Cyber-Operations

The rapid evolution of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has introduced new dimensions to cybersecurity, particularly in offensive cyber operations. This literature review explores how adversarial actors leverage GenAI across various stages of the cyber kill chain, including reconnaissance, weaponization, initial access, exploitation, and command and control (C2). The paper highlights how state-affiliated and criminal actors repurpose AI-driven tools to refine cyber attack strategies, automate reconnaissance, generate malware, and enhance social engineering techniques. By analyzing documented cases and theoretical advancements, this review underscores the growing role of GenAI in enabling more efficient, scalable, and evasive cyber threats. Additionally, it discusses emerging trends, including adversarial use of LLMs for polymorphic malware development, AI-assisted phishing campaigns, and AI-generated deepfakes for social engineering. The findings emphasize the urgency of proactive defense measures, regulatory considerations, and further research into countering the dual-use nature of GenAI in cyber warfare.