As technology progresses rapidly, so too do the dangers of cyber-attacks and data breaches. With vast amounts of data being generated and processed every day, traditional cybersecurity measures may not be enough to keep up with the ever-changing threat environment. A solution to that issue, however, could well lie in the increasingly prominent technology of artificial intelligence.
Forbes reports that a whopping 76% of businesses have made AI a priority in their IT budgets already, with a significant portion of that being attributed to augmenting, improving, and perhaps even replacing existing cybersecurity measures. Nevertheless, as is often the case with new technologies, questions about the potential risks AI could pose are also being asked.
The benefits of using AI for your business’ cybersecurity
With such a large uptake in the use of AI, it’s clear that many believe in its ability to offer significant benefits to businesses that incorporate it into their security strategies. Currently, it’s very much a case of feeling this new tech out to see whether the pros outweigh the cons, and here are some of the major advantages AI provides when it comes to cybersecurity.
Faster threat detection and response
Mark West’s CV//
2022–Present // NED – Virtus Tech
2021–Present // NED – Inbeta.io
2018–Present // NED – The Stanley Gibbons Group
2002–Present // Founder – People Processes and Solutions LTD
2013–2017 // CEO – LLX Global Business Services SA
2000–2002 // Distribution Director – Harrods
AI-driven security solutions are capable of scanning large volumes of data to pinpoint suspicious activity and detect malicious behaviour at an astounding rate. This means businesses can streamline their security tasks to manage their cybersecurity demands with more speed and ease than ever before.
AI-powered cybersecurity solutions are also able to intuitively adapt to new and emerging threats by continuously analysing and updating their algorithms based on the latest threat intelligence. This can help to prevent zero-day attacks and other advanced threats that have a high chance of evading detection from traditional antivirus software.
Furthermore, IBM’s Cybersecurity Intelligence Index Report discovered that, “Human error was a major contributing cause in 95% of all breaches”, which is another aspect AI can assist with. By providing a more comprehensive security shield that identifies potentially malicious links and emails as they are shared with a business, human errors can be reduced considerably. Traditional antivirus programmes, like Norton and McAfee, already attempt to do this for their customers, but cannot do so with the same effectiveness as AI security solutions.
Better Vulnerability Management
AI is particularly potent when it comes to managing network vulnerabilities. By analysing existing security measures to identify weak points, AI enables businesses to pinpoint and reinforce the most vulnerable areas of their online security. This is a proactive, rather than reactive, solution, which negates threats before they even begin.
Round the clock protection
One of the most challenging aspects of cybersecurity is that it is a relentless game of cat and mouse. Hackers, seemingly, do not sleep, and so the threat of a cyber-attack is just as likely at midnight as it is at midday. Fortunately, AI is a 24/7 solution, which can detect digital assaults on a business’ defences around the clock, and act immediately, without tiring.
Potential risks of AI in cybersecurity
While the advantages of implementing AI in cybersecurity are evident, it’s essential that businesses are also aware of its potential risks and do not view it as a final solution to security issues – at least, not just yet.
One major concern is the possibility of AI being hacked or manipulated by cybercriminals – if AI systems are compromised, there is the potential for them to be used to perpetrate cyber-attacks or even acquire unauthorised access to sensitive data.
There is also the risk of AI making incorrect decisions which could lead to errors or false alarms that waste resources and distract from real threats. This is, after all, a brand-new form of technology, and rarely do innovations like this work as intended 100% of the time.
The debate surrounding the ethical concerns of using AI is also pertinent, with questions being raised about possible bias in decision-making or the AI’s compliance with privacy rights. As AI is responsible for analysing and collecting large amounts of data from network traffic and user behaviour to detect threats – there is a risk that this data collection could potentially infringe on individuals’ privacy rights if not managed properly.
AI-powered data breach response tools can potentially impact privacy rights if they collect or store personal data during the incident response process, so businesses must ensure that any data collected during a breach response is done so in accordance with applicable privacy laws and regulations.
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Overall, AI can enhance security, but it is not without its own risks. This leaves businesses in a tricky position: do they continue with existing, but potentially less robust security solutions, or do they implement AI before it has been properly tried and tested? To help us with this question, we contacted serial NED and Founder of People Processes and Solutions Ltd, Mark West. With expert knowledge on cybersecurity, Mark offered his Three Things advice for business leaders contemplating the leap to AI-powered cybersecurity.
Monitor and control your AI solutions
“Cyber vigilance can be enhanced by AI. However, remember to not be complacent by relying solely on AI to provide safeguards against cyber threats”, Mark warned. “Put controls in-place to regularly review and monitor what AI is doing because, in the hands of rogue actors, AI is a major threat to any business.”
Stay up to date with AI developments
“AI learns and augments as it develops”, Mark explained, “so it is therefore important to review the adaptations AI is making to ensure it is not copying, enhancing and enforcing biases.” Most AI businesses, such as OpenAI, claim they are actively working to reduce any instances of bias in their products, but seeking impartial sources of information on that subject is still advisable while AI products continue to evolve.
Think of AI as an aid rather than a threat
Mark described how the principal aim of any form of AI is to help and support, not to damage, steal, or destroy: “You should use AI’s capabilities to speed up and improve accuracy for those routine and mundane tasks that are always left on the ‘To Do’ list”, he said. But there are always those that will seek to harness the power of new technology for illegitimate purposes. AI is not, in itself, a threat, so think of it first and foremost as something to help you.
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We can’t thank Mark enough for offering his expertise and insight on a technology that many expect to have a monumental influence on life as we know it.
If you are a business leader who is struggling with decisions like whether to implement AI or to hang back, apply to All Together today for up to 5 hours of mentorship from a leading CEO.