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Given the recent leaps forward in AI technology and the ever increasing need for advanced cybersecurity measures, there is a clear need to leverage the power of AI in order to improve cybersecurity. And while it is true that AI offers many great advantages for enhancing cybersecurity, there are also challenges to keep in mind.
Most of us are aware that the astonishing development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will impact our future in many ways. But we might not be as clear on how these technological advancements will affect the state of cybersecurity.
At Risk Data
We find ourselves at a crucial time in this digital era, a time in which our confidential information is at an elevated risk. In the last decade, there were countless data breaches and incidents of identity fraud. Companies must be ever vigilant against cyber-criminal attacks or risk falling victim to a devastating ransomware strike.
There has never been a greater need for more thorough cybersecurity measures. Thankfully, recent AI advancement makes it possible for improved data security support to combat malicious activity.
Deciding to create an internal security operations center (SOC) versus selecting a managed security service provider (MSSP) can be a challenging and time-consuming initiative for organizations seeking to strengthen their security systems.
Keep reading to learn more about AI’s impact on cybersecurity, the ways in which improvements are being made, and the future of AI in this industry.
AI Defined
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a subset of computer science concentrated on minimizing reliance on human intelligence to automate and streamline operations. For this to succeed, AI develops intelligent machines to perform tedious tasks that would otherwise need to be done by humans.
The idea behind AI is to gather and examine data sets to authorize sound decision-making by means of machine learning absent of human interference. As decisions are made, the information collected is used to narrow down and improve future decisions and outcomes.
This is accomplished with the three principles of AI learning:
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Learning: Gathering information and making rules that govern the transformation of that data into actions implemented by the program
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Self-Correction: Refining those algorithms to clarify performance and boost outcomes
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Reasoning: Identifying the right algorithm to carry out for each desired action
As AI technology runs on those three principles, it replicates a bit of human intelligence. The ability to learn and adjust based on outcomes is a top reason why AI and machine learning are promising tools for cybersecurity.
Overview of the Cybersecurity Industry
The Internet of Things (IOT), cloud systems, smart devices, and drones are truly revolutionizing how companies operate. However, the nature of these technological advancements has made them vulnerable to bad actors and online threats. Organizations are becoming more accustomed to addressing cyber risk and prioritizing finding solutions to eliminate these threats.
IBM states that slow threat detection and response time to contain threats results in severe losses for companies. In 2022, the average cost of data breaches was $4.35 million globally. However, companies that had a fully deployed AI and automation program saved $3.05 million because of the quick threat detection and improved response times.
The Role of AI in Cybersecurity
AI is a powerful technology equipped with advanced tools to fight attacks by detecting and blocking threats and securing services and networks. In contrast to traditional cybersecurity techniques that simply detect threats, AI can prevent new attacks with autonomous systems and deep learning patterns.
Even when partially deployed, AI surpasses conventional systems, therefore substantially reducing threats. With attacks becoming more revolutionary, traditional methods can fail to effectively secure organizational services and networks. This is where AI comes into play to expand the scope of threat intelligence and amplify security.
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Top Ways AI is Improving Cybersecurity
Artificial Intelligence has been quite disruptive in the world of cybercrime. Just a few of the sectors using AI to their benefit include customer service, automation, and education.
Here are the top ways Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making a difference by giving the necessary boost to cybersecurity methods:
1. Improving Cyber Threat Detection
In cybersecurity, vigilance is critical. Anticipating cyberattacks before they occur can give organizations the time necessary to neutralize any incoming threats successfully. It has been proven that the application of machine learning to data analysis can help with reducing false positives and identifying these potential threats.
Conventional technology relies too heavily on prior results. This leaves it unable to adapt quickly enough to the latest strategies and techniques of hackers. The escalated volume of cyber threats is too intense for human-directed systems and cybersecurity experts. Alternatively, AI enables computers to be successful with improvisation by adapting quicker than ever before.
2. AI-Powered Phishing Detection and Prevention
Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending inauthentic messages. Hackers frequently practice this method, pretending to be from credible organizations to gain the trust of their victims. The goal is to trick them into revealing confidential information like passwords or to install malware or malicious code. Phishing emails are so commonly produced that one in every 99 emails is found to be an attempted attack.
Fortunately, AI and machine learning play a valuable role in alleviating phishing attacks. Besides the quicker response compared to that of human capability, these technologies can spot and keep track of more than 10,000 active phishing sources. They can also identify which websites are authentic and which are fake. Because there is employment of these technologies worldwide, AI’s understanding of phishing campaigns is not limited to a single geographic location.
3. Simplifying Vulnerability Management
Every modern business depends on information technology (IT), but it can be challenging to keep IT safe for your organization. Last year alone, more than 2,000 cybersecurity vulnerabilities were recorded. Relying on humans to manage these vulnerabilities would be an impractical solution, as manpower alone is not strong enough. Thankfully, AI allows for an easier approach to the situation.
AI and machine learning-based systems can effectively scan for flaws in corporate IT systems. By including updated information like hacking trends, dark web forums, and others, this technology makes it simple to stay ahead of the latest cybersecurity threats. With access to these insights, you can be sure to know how and when your vulnerable targets may be under attack.
4. Automated Network Security
Organization network topography and security policy development are two key components of network security. Unfortunately, both take up a considerable chunk of time and human effort to oversee and accomplish.
Fortunately, AI can automate both processes to a degree. By scrutinizing network traffic dynamics, AI can generate and suggest procedures and policies that are suitable for your distinct needs. The amount of money, energy, and time that this automation could save your businesses cannot be stressed enough.
5. Stronger Password Protection and Authentication
Passwords tend to be one of the weakest elements of security control. Indeed, they are often the only link between our identities and cyber-criminal activity. Biometric authentication is viewed as a viable alternative for the future, but presently is not the most convenient standard to follow. AI could make a difference here.
Developers are capitalizing on AI to improve biometric authentication and eradicate any weaknesses so that it is more secur To give an example, Apple’s facial recognition technology, also known as Face ID, detects a user’s facial features with infrared sensors. The AI software, following the face scan, produces an advanced rendering of the user so that it recognizes key similarities.
Apple is so successful with this technology that hackers are highly unlikely to bypass it. With the advanced nature of AI, companies like Apple could really see potential in locking down their security and being free of worry from cyber-attacks.
6. Stronger Behavioral Analytics
Like our previous examples, machine learning and AI can also be utilized to improve behavioral analytics by inspecting your patterns. With this insight, they can learn how to use your computer and alternate smart devices. The information pulled may include your usual login times, time periods of inactivity, most visited online platforms, and your texting/browsing patterns.
If an algorithm suspects any activity that is not within the range of your normal patterns, it can lock the potential offender out of your system. Any questionable activity like shipping products to strange addresses, alarming money spending, changes in your typing pace, or a sudden spike in file uploads/downloads can all alert AI to criminal behavior.
The Future of AI in Cybersecurity
According to Forbes, organizations are spending billions of dollars on AI and automation technologies. The Industrial IoT (IIoT), where AI technologies are crucial and densely integrated, alone is expected to become a $500 billion market by 2025. As companies adopt modern technologies, AI continues to help secure organizations’ systems and networks.
If the cybersecurity industry fails to develop fast enough, cyberattacks will continue to multiply and become even more dangerous. That is why it’s so clear that AI is the future of cybersecurity.
There may be a potential for cybercriminals to use AI for their own agendas, but there’s evidence that AI offers tools that will protect your networks against hostile attacks. To this point, businesses must stay consistent with technological changes in the AI world to efficiently battle cyber-attacks and prevent cyber threats from entering their systems.
Get in touch with a professional cybersecurity provider to ensure your business stays safe in the ever-changing world of cybersecurity.