The arrival of Artificial Intelligence has proven, over and over again, how incredibly beneficial it is to our current world. Nowadays, instead of developing a certain algorithm that could help us solve a problem, we are opting to utilize AI to do that job for us and it is all because of the simplicity and efficiency that AI provides. Cybersecurity professionals (who work extremely hard to make sure the best possible protection methods are put in place) have welcomed AI with open arms for many reasons, one of them being how it greatly complements their work, and we can expect this to continue for AI has a lot more to offer to this field.
Here are three ways artificial intelligence strengthens cybersecurity.
AI has the ability to detect cyber threats (or any type of intrusion) at a very fast pace and responds to each accordingly
One of the most incredible aspects of AI, when it comes to cybersecurity, is the fact that AI is able to detect any incoming cyber threats very quickly. Machine learning for example, which is a subgroup of AI, allows for a large amount of data to be analyzed promptly to see if there is any suspicious activity taking place. When an activity that is suspicious in nature is found, AI will consider it “abnormal” and will remain on high alert as such activity can easily be an incoming threat. As AI is able to analyze and identify such unusual patterns, it will respond (if needed) to such threats right away (in real-time). AI will not only allow the effective detection of incoming cyber attacks (or any type of intrusion for that matter) but will additionally work on a meticulous analysis of such attacks as they appear. AI will automatically get all of this work done rapidly and effectively, making this ability one way AI strengthens cybersecurity.
AI enforces a more secure identification and authentication process allowing even more extra layers of protection for users
Now, more than ever, we have been able to witness how remarkable AI can be. With advancements such as facial recognition, AI is able to help greatly with the authentication of individuals in a more secure manner and such contribution is of great value. If, by any chance, there was an attempt to gain access to a service without the proper authentication, AI will ultimately not allow such an attempt to be successful. This extra layer of protection, provided by AI, will secure valuable information (such as a user’s private account information) from an attacker’s reach, making it impossible for such an attacker to ever reach that data. The use of AI, in instances such as this one, is absolutely crucial as it is our goal to fully protect our users (and their information) from an attacker’s unauthorized access.
AI provides precision which ultimately results in a major decrease in the error count (which may otherwise be common for humans)
AI has the capacity to examine large numbers of data very carefully and track any strange patterns it may encounter. By having AI be able to remember such patterns, it allows a major decrease in the number of errors that may commonly be made by humans. In the past, it was impossible to find such precision but now, thanks to AI, it has become a possibility. Machines are more precise (more accurate) and, therefore, are less inclined to make the same mistakes that humans make and such precision could not have come at a better time. This precision not only greatly complements the work of cybersecurity professionals, but it also greatly complements the work of all of the professionals who now rely on AI to achieve accuracy in the work they do.
Final Thought: Will AI take over Cybersecurity?
Artificial Intelligence has appeared in a time in which its contribution is greatly appreciated. Currently, we are witnessing how the use of AI has been incredibly beneficial for those who work within Cybersecurity (as well as other fields) and we could not be any more thankful for all it has done so far for us. But many of us cannot help but wonder what the future will look like in regard to AI. There is definitely that uncertainty in the air of what would happen if AI indeed takes over and such concern is justifiable. However, we must also understand that, no matter what we do, in the end, technology will continue to advance as it has been doing for so many years. It is bound to happen but at this very moment, we must continue to focus on the present. AI is providing the aid many of us cybersecurity professionals deeply need to protect our users and our systems and we should continue to take full advantage of this valuable tool to the best of our abilities. After all, one thing is certain, AI is here to stay.
