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The Benefits of Using AI in Cybersecurity

AI tech has boomed in the past year. We’ve seen the rise of ChatGPT, but there are so many other useful AI tools out there. 

Have you tried any of them? If not, we recommend exploring AI programs like Godmode, Fireflies AI, or Tripnotes. 

The rapid evolution and prevalence of these AI technologies is rapidly transforming numerous industries, including cybersecurity. With the increasing threat of cyber attacks, it’s crucial for you and your business to deep dive into how AI can help mitigate these risks.

We’re here to discuss just that! In this blog, you’ll learn some of the benefits of using AI in cybersecurity for businesses, as well as potential drawbacks.

5 Benefits of AI in Cybersecurity

1. Eases Pressure on the Workforce and Avoids Human Error

According to a study by Positive Technologies, in 93% of all hacking cases, external attackers can breach security defences and access local network files. Based on the findings of this study, businesses need to use every available tool to protect your information.

While hiring more IT security staff has been the traditional solution, we’re suggesting that you consider providing existing staff with AI tools that can reduce their workload, increase productivity, and improve working conditions.

In 2021, IBM’s Cyber Security Intelligence Index Report found that “human error was a major contributing cause in 95% of all breaches.” 

By allowing data collection and analysis to be carried out by AI, or at least supported by, your company can reallocate security personnel to tasks that require highly skilled human intervention.

2. Able to Utilize Huge Amounts of Data

Being able to act quickly and efficiently to cyber attacks is essential to protecting your company’s sensitive data. 

Human staff can monitor vast amounts of data, but it’s a time-consuming process. AI can achieve this much faster and more thoroughly by sifting through massive amounts of information and identifying threats that would be otherwise impossible to detect. 

For example, Microsoft’s Cyber Signals analyzes 24 trillion security signals, 40 nation-state groups, and 140 hacker groups. Those numbers are unattainable for a human!

Both human personnel and AI can lead to false positives during the data sorting process. However, AI can learn from its mistakes over time, becoming more accurate in identifying patterns and unusual practices, which can help prevent future breaches.

3. Identifies Possible Vulnerabilities Around the Clock

Believe it or not, hackers don’t run on a regular working schedule. They won’t only try to breach your company’s security measures during the 9-5 work day! 

However, employing staff overnight in shifts to monitor cyber security is not a cost-effective use of company resources. Cue AI. 

AI can protect businesses’ sensitive data 24/7, without tiring, identifying threats as they occur and not delaying until the next working day.

Using AI to strengthen security enables software to identify areas of weakness before a breach has occurred. Predictive models mean AI can highlight potential weak spots in security and efficiently spot anomalies, such as phishing scams and malware.

4. Improved User Authentication and Access Control

Another benefit of using AI for cybersecurity in your business is improved user authentication and access control. 

AI-powered systems can analyze user behavior and determine if it’s consistent with their known patterns of activity. This can help detect when someone is attempting to log in using stolen credentials or is behaving in a way that is out of the ordinary.

In addition, AI can use biometric data, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, to authenticate users and grant them access to sensitive systems and data. This can be particularly effective in preventing insider threats, where a rogue employee may attempt to gain access to sensitive information or systems.

5. Improved Incident Response Planning

Aside from all of these other helpful instances of using AI, it can also help your organization improve your incident response planning. Use AI to provide insights into potential threats and vulnerabilities.

How do you do this? AI can help you simulate different scenarios of hacking attacks, coming up with weaknesses in the company’s cybersecurity. Then your team can take steps to address these weaknesses before an actual attack occurs. 

Potential Drawbacks of AI in Cybersecurity

While the benefits of AI in cybersecurity are clear, it’s crucial to note that companies shouldn’t view it as a complete solution to the security problem. Cybercrime is constantly evolving, resulting in new threats daily, and hackers are always improving their malware and viruses.

Hackers Can Use AI to Improve Too!

For instance, it’s important to note that hackers can also use AI to launch cyber attacks on a larger scale. As AI becomes increasingly available to everyone, criminals can learn how these programs work to adjust their attacks and avoid detection. 

Additionally, it’s possible to use AI to disguise malware, leading to potential breaches.

AI Struggles with Smaller Amounts of Data

AI learns and adapts by analyzing large amounts of data to spot patterns and anomalies.

Unfortunately, that means smaller companies are sometimes unable to leverage AI to its full potential. This would apply to you if you’re a smaller business with fewer customers, and therefore are more likely to have less data to work with. 

Ultimately, smaller amounts of data reduces the effectiveness of AI software in spotting unusual activity.

Important: AI Doesn’t Replace the Need for Humans

While AI is a powerful tool, it’s not foolproof. Building a holistic approach using both human analysts and AI software is essential. 

Delegating time-consuming activities posed by low-level security risks to AI software leaves skilled personnel free to focus on aspects of security that require a human touch. A successful relationship between AI and skilled staff can make a significant difference in guarding against cybercrime.

If you want to learn more about building a cybersecurity system that works for you and your unique company, talk to Swift Chip now!