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September 28, 2023
AI and machine learning is becoming increasingly important for information security, as they can quickly analyse millions of datasets and identify a wide range of cyber risks – from malware to suspicious behaviour that could lead to a phishing attack. These technologies continuously learn and improve by using data from past and present attacks to detect new threats that could emerge today or in the future.
AI offers numerous benefits and applications across various fields, including cybersecurity. Given the rapid evolution of cyberattacks and the increasing proliferation of connected devices, AI and machine learning can help keep pace with cyber criminals, automate threat detection, and respond more efficiently than traditional software-based or manual methods.
Below are some of the key benefits and applications of AI in cybersecurity:
Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to detect cyber threats and potentially dangerous behaviour. Traditional software systems cannot keep up with the vast amount of new malware developed each week, and this is where AI can truly help. AI systems are trained to recognise malware, detect patterns, and use sophisticated algorithms to identify even the most miniature characteristics of malware or ransomware attacks before infiltrating a system.
Through natural language processing, AI can provide higher predictive intelligence by scanning articles, news, and research on cyber threats and autonomously curating the material. This can provide real-time information about new anomalies, cyberattacks, and countermeasures. Ultimately, hackers follow trends just like the general public, meaning their areas of interest change over time. AI-powered cybersecurity solutions can provide the latest knowledge about global and industry-specific threats, enabling organisations to make better-informed prioritisation decisions based on what is most likely to be used in an attack rather than just what could be used.
Bots make up a significant portion of today’s internet traffic and can pose serious threats. From account takeovers with stolen passwords to fraudulent account creation and data fraud, bots can be a real security risk. Automated threats cannot be countered solely with manual defence measures. AI and machine learning help distinguish good bots (such as search engine crawlers) from malicious bots and human users, creating a comprehensive understanding of website traffic. AI enables the analysis of large datasets, allowing cybersecurity teams to adapt their strategies to an ever-changing environment.
AI systems assist in identifying IT assets, meaning a complete and accurate inventory of all devices, users, and applications accessing various systems. Taking this inventory into account, along with the threat landscape, AI-powered systems can now predict how and where you are most likely to be hacked, allowing you to allocate resources to the most vulnerable areas. These systems enable organisations to establish and adjust policies and procedures to strengthen cyber resilience using AI-based prescriptive insights.
The number of devices used for remote work is rapidly increasing, and AI will play a crucial role in protecting all these endpoints. Antivirus software and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) help defend against malware and ransomware attacks remotely but often rely on signature-based detection. Keeping signature definitions up to date is critical for protection against current threats.
However, if antivirus definitions are outdated due to delayed updates or the software provider failing to detect new threats, this can become a significant problem. When a new type of malware emerges, signature-based protection may become ineffective. AI-powered security analyses behavioural patterns, detecting potential threats before they manifest into attacks, making it a powerful preventive tool in cybersecurity.
A typical mid-sized company generates high volumes of data daily. Large amounts of data are exchanged between customers and businesses, all needing protection from malicious actors and software threats. However, cybersecurity experts cannot manually analyse all network traffic for potential threats.
AI is the best solution for identifying threats disguised as regular activity. Due to its automation, AI can scan through massive amounts of data and network traffic efficiently. AI-powered technology, such as home proxies, can enhance data security during transmission. Additionally, AI can detect and identify hidden risks in the chaotic flow of digital information.
The benefits mentioned above represent just a tiny fraction of AI’s potential in improving cybersecurity. However, as with any field, the use of AI in cybersecurity comes with significant challenges.
Despite its drawbacks, AI is becoming an essential tool for IT security teams. Human professionals alone can no longer adequately secure enterprise-wide attack surfaces. AI offers much-needed analysis and threat detection, enabling security experts to reduce security breach risks and improve overall security posture.
Furthermore, AI helps organisations identify and prioritise risks, respond to incidents in real-time, and detect malware attacks before they occur. Despite its challenges, AI is transforming cybersecurity and will continue to be a vital component in protecting digital environments.
