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Estefania Teixeira
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Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity

15
Mar
2023

Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing are essential tools for today’s cybersecurity. These are helping to catch threats more swiftly than ever! Cybersecurity analysts harness AI to enhance their work with innovative solutions, protection software, and problem detection. Undoubtedly, AI is trending in many industries, and cybersecurity is no exception. This article will cover some essential traits, but it might be just scratching the tip of the iceberg!

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Putting it simple, Artificial Intelligence is a broad term describing machines that mimic human cognitive processes. These processes include problem-solving, decision-making, and natural language processing. AI systems think like humans by using algorithms to respond in specific environments. 

Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems from digital attacks. It involves various processes such as authentication, encryption, and monitoring for malicious activity. They help to protect your organization from threats that could harm your operations. Additionally, cyber security consists in developing policies to address these threats. You must also invest in advanced tech to prevent and respond to cyber-attacks. 

One of the great uses of AI in cybersecurity is Deep Learning and Unsupervised Learning. Both terms analyze and mitigate significant levels of malicious data. They don't need human intervention to catch threats as they know how malware looks. 

Some functions of AI fall under the umbrella of identifying abnormal patterns. While it’s almost impossible for humans to verify large data networks, with AI, data analysis becomes a fast and efficient activity. Also, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) help detect anomalous network traffic. And lastly, AI-Targeted Platforms (AIOps) use Machine Learning and Big Data to see problems through Data Analysis.

On the other hand, AI serves to evaluate specific risks, influence security control recommendations, and more. In this case, automated security stands out. It's ideal for channeling an excellent organizational security posture. Another great use for it is task automation. The time and the result will no longer be a problem. Human analysts will reduce their complex tasks thanks to AI. According to an IBM study, AI reduces up to 14 weeks per detection and response time.

The Benefits of AI in Cybersecurity

Artificial Intelligence has several advantages in the field of cybersecurity. One of the most significant benefits is its ability to handle large datasets, which are becoming increasingly common in today's landscape. Additionally, AI can help protect businesses from cyberattacks by identifying and mitigating potential threats before they can cause any damage. 

Besides, it has the potential to enhance networks' security by preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data while also improving response times even after a security breach has occurred. The latter happens because Machine and Deep Learning algorithms can quickly analyze data and identify potential vulnerabilities. 

Moreover, Artificial Intelligence can enable smarter processes that are more efficient and effective than traditional cybersecurity approaches, easing faster and safer vulnerability analysis and management, thereby reducing the risk of data breaches. Finally, AI-based solutions are durable and available anytime, ensuring businesses can protect themselves against cyber threats 24/7.

The Drawbacks of AI in Cybersecurity

While AI has many benefits, it also has a downside regarding cyber security. Just like Artificial Intelligence is a powerful tool to prevent breaches, cyber attackers can also use AI to bypass the protective measures put in place. They can create large amounts of malware using AI-powered tools to enhance their attacks. For example, attackers can analyze software vulnerabilities through spyware to identify weaknesses in security systems. Another example is the use of neural networks in Face ID for iPhone. Hackers can use conflicting images to trick the system, which is the opposite of what Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) aim to achieve.

Real-Life Examples of AI in Cybersecurity

AI in cybersecurity has many use cases. While threat detection can be the most known, there are other real-life situations where it becomes helpful. For instance, Artificial Intelligence can respond to secure homes and buildings, prevent crimes through CCTV, and identify credit card fraud.

In a more big-picture scenario, the power of AI can recognize diseases, detect money laundering activities, perform military reconnaissance, and enhance sensitive data security. Overall, AI is proving to be a valuable tool in the fight against cybercrime and in making our world a safer place.

Furthermore, have you heard about phishing? It's a popular scamming system, but you can use AI to protect yourself against it! In this case, AI bases its defense system against identity theft or spear phishing. By using NLP algorithms for text development, Artificial Intelligence it's an excellent measure to combat spam by detecting suspicious phrases.

Why is AI important for Cybersecurity?

The importance of AI to cybersecurity is immense. It could help your organization to detect malicious activities quicker than other methods. Hence, you can defend your networks better. Additionally, AI can automate mundane security tasks, providing more significant insights into security. It'll allow you to understand risk exposure better and take corrective steps proactively. 

A core value of AI cyber security is building secure apps by default. In this way, the vulnerability is not a problem for users. Also, negative defaults in the industry would no longer exist. Ultimately, AI is transforming cybersecurity by ensuring accuracy in detecting problems. Speed ​​up investigative processes and automate responses. One of the AI ​​solutions is user verification through behavioral biometrics. Still, it's about more than just secure app development. It's also about safe data usage. It's equal to a secure infrastructure. Security skills seek to care for and guide users in digital transformation. The goal is to do so through increased confidentiality.

Conclusion

AI is one of the most powerful tools of digital transformation. It identifies and analyzes vulnerabilities to detect threats and any attack from cyberspace. Unfortunately, the software is also vulnerable to malicious intent. Data protection professionals work with technology to mitigate issues like data breaches. They seek to reinforce the functionality of AI ​​in a good way.