What Is Artificial Intelligence Cyber Security?

We all know about the boom in artificial intelligence (AI). Over the last few years, AI, machine learning and deep learning have displayed almost unlimited potential to improve and enhance processes, functions and technology across a huge variety of industries and sectors.

“AI will change all jobs once it is in the workflow” - Gina Rometty, CEO, IBM

AI is increasingly common in modern businesses, and new applications for this surge in technology are being found every day. Quicker and better credit scoring for banks, better diagnosis and care in the health sector, and huge improvements in production, engineering, and manufacturing. Across industry, tech, and the business world, AI is playing an increasingly significant role.

One area where companies in all sectors and across the globe are under pressure is cybersecurity. Increasingly sophisticated hackers and continued data breaches, coupled with the sheer amount and sensitivity of data that is now available online, make this a huge priority.

“If people are running digital businesses in big companies, and even small businesses, the message is you’ve got to assume you’re going to get hit by a cyberattack” - Ben Russell, Head of Cyber Threat Response, National Crime Agency UK

So, the obvious question is, can we harness the power and potential of AI to strengthen our defences and improve our ability to guard against malware and cybercrime?

The answer is, “of course!” While there are inevitable issues and caveats, AI has the potential to make a huge difference in a company’s cybersecurity. We’re going to take a little look at what AI cybersecurity actually is, what it can be, and how it can help to make business operations safer.

What is artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence is the process of machine learning - allowing machines to learn from experiences and adapt and change as a result of previous outcomes and stimuli. Practically speaking, it means that with enough data, machines can be trained to accomplish complex tasks and produce human-like responses to situations and issues.

Artificial intelligence in cyber security

Using AI in cyber security is all about inputting data. Feeding in the huge amounts of data that a business has allows machines to learn what is ‘normal’ and what could be considered a ‘risk.’ A huge amount of cybersecurity, even without AI, is pattern spotting, and AI can, therefore, significantly enhance a system’s ability to protect itself against attack.

Detecting threats

AI is particularly valuable in threat hunting and detection. AI systems can be trained to detect malware and viruses using datasets, algorithms, and codes. Feed a system with enough normal data and abnormal processes, and the threats stand out. AI performs pattern recognition to detect malicious behaviour, follow links to discover malicious pathways or end sites and recognise malicious files faster and more effectively than a manual system.

Learning

Of course, the nature of cybersecurity means that the threat changes all the time. AI can use Natural Language Processing to collect data, stay up-to-date and learn about improvements in cybersecurity. This ability gives an AI system a unique insight into the state of play and can even be used to make predictions for the future.

Response

AI can reduce the workload for cybersecurity personnel. Part of the problem of cybersecurity is the sheer volume of data and work that is involved. Even a medium-sized business produces an extraordinary amount of information, and an AI system is far better equipped to cope with the workload and is able to respond more quickly and effectively than human personnel.

Biometric logins

AI can scan fingerprints, retina, and palm prints for safer and more effective security.

Limitations of artificial intelligence

“I expect that we’re going to see artificial intelligence used by the attackers. It’s going to become A.I. against A.I. It’s going to become a full-on war of algorithms” - Nicole Egan, CEO, Darktrace

Of course, as businesses gear up to face incoming threats and AI is used more and more in providing cybersecurity, the nature of the threat changes too. As beneficial as AI can be for defending a system, it can also be used to attack, and an artificial intelligence cybersecurity system can be particularly vulnerable to such an attack.

Building an AI system requires a large number of resources and an enormous amount of data to make it effective.

However, recognising the limitations of artificial intelligence does not mean throwing the baby out with the bath water. All it means is that AI has a way to go before it can become a standalone cybersecurity system. It can play an extremely important role. However, it remains essential to hire experienced cybersecurity professionals, test systems regularly, update hardware and software, train staff fully, and maintain an overview of outgoing traffic.

Artificial intelligence can play a huge part in defending your business from the ever-increasing threat from cybercrime. It is, of course, important to acknowledge and address its vulnerabilities when you do so, and to continue to innovate in your cybersecurity approach, but AI can keep you competitive in the cyber securityarms race!