The Use of AI in Cybersecurity
Written by Ronda Payne
The cybersecurity battle is a constant one. Because technology continues to advance, the abilities of cyber criminals grow in power with it. Artificial intelligence (AI) has become more commonplace in this area and while it is being used in this growing advancement of cyber attacks, those in cybersecurity are also making use of it to combat those attackers.
AI is able to learn, somewhat like a human does, through experience. Plus, the relative ease with which AI tools can be created, trained, modified and let loose makes them particularly dangerous. Combine that with the fact that they are constantly working and never take a day off means there is a much higher likelihood that criminals will be successful in their nefarious aims.
Ways Cyber Criminals are Using AI
There are numerous ways attackers are incorporating AI into their tools. One place is in scanning for vulnerabilities and weaknesses. This could be websites, networks, devices or other electronic assets. Because AI easily spots patterns of behaviour, it will find entry into personal, business, government and other sources of information.
Another way AI is being used is through manipulation. Organizations that use AI to capture data for AI training can end up having that same AI tool hacked and tricked to follow small changes that may seem insignificant but could lead to incorrect operation and vulnerabilities in the future. With the ability to “control” the AI in an organization, hackers would then be able to use the AI to capture the data used to train it to their own criminal goals.
Additionally, all kinds of communication from social media to emails, robocalls to fake websites can be created with AI. Consider some of the spam emails you’ve received lately. With the help of AI, you may be seeing higher quality phishing emails with very little that gives them away as fraudulent. Plus, AI can be used to publish erroneous content through online channels causing an eruption of misinformation.
AI makes the job of the hacker easier and definitely more dangerous.
Using AI for Good
Fortunately, BOTH sides of the battle can use AI. Individuals who have taken cybersecurity courses like CySA+ certification will learn a few ways to stop, block and prevent hacker access. Those with CompTIA Network+ certification will be pleased to have the help in keeping networks and other organizational assets safe. Here’s how AI is making a difference on the positive side of the fight:
- Those who have earned their Security+ certification, or their Arcitura Certified AI Specialist, will be aware of the benefits of incorporating AI into security systems. Software tools are able to analyze threats and determine solutions. Threat hunting grows better as data is continually supplied to AI tools making for a robust independent solution.
- AI can keep team members up to speed on the latest threats because it is able to comb through vast amounts of information and collate it into insightful current documentation.
- As devices are monitored and managed, those with CompTIA A+ certification will appreciate the assistance AI can provide by checking all of an organization’s systems without human input.
Helping Fill the Gap
Perhaps one of the biggest ways AI is making a difference in cybersecurity is in supporting the industry as it deals with a lack of skilled labour. While people are always needed to operate systems and check the work done by AI and other tools, the various ways that AI supports them helps take a little bit of the pressure off of all the to dos that abound the IT front. With speed and single-tasking, AI can do things that humans can’t, while the reverse is also true. But together they accomplish more than either could do on their own.
AI isn’t just harmful online bots and malicious systems created by hackers. There are a lot of benefits to having it on the good side of the cybersecurity world.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this post is considered true and accurate as of the publication date. However, the accuracy of this information may be impacted by changes in circumstances that occur after the time of publication. TechnoEdge Learning assumes no liability for any error or omissions in the information contained in this post or any other post in our blog.