Artificial intelligence (AI) is a double-edged sword when it comes to cybersecurity. On the one hand, cybercriminals can use Generative AI to create malware viruses without the need to know how to code. In fact, the 2024 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community listed GenAI as one of the disruptive technologies that can be used by terrorists and repressive governments to stage cyberattacks and spread misinformation.
On the other hand, your business can use AI as a defense against advanced security threats. The deep analytics performed by AI are what is needed to keep up with emerging and increasingly sophisticated threats. By integrating AI and machine learning (ML) into your cybersecurity tools and strategies, your company can detect, identify, and prevent cyberattacks.
Understanding the Role of AI in Cybersecurity
Artificial intelligence can help companies overcome the cybersecurity skills gap by leveraging deep insights into how to identify and detect threats. AI uses algorithms to analyze massive amounts of data and uncover patterns that signal the presence of malware or malicious behavior. AI can monitor the network and other systems in real time to detect threats so they can be blocked before they cause any damage.
Using AI, companies can set and automate security policies for a uniform approach to cybersecurity across the network. AI-powered automation can also be used to analyze alerts and security event logs, as well as to triage incidents, eliminating the need for many of the manual tasks associated with cybersecurity.
Trends in AI for Cybersecurity
Using AI for cybersecurity is an emerging field. Some of the current trends in AI for cybersecurity include:
Predictive Analytics
Predictive analytics enable companies to stay ahead of cybercrime by using mathematical modeling to forecast which types of attacks may occur in the future. With predictive analytics, organizations can prepare for and prevent cyberattacks. Security strategies can be adjusted to accommodate future risks.
Behavioral Analytics
Behavioral analytics empower companies to detect deviations in user or network behavior that are indicative of foul play. Based on an understanding of normal behavior, AI can learn how to identify anomalies and suspicious behavior to avoid false positives when alerts are sent.
Automated Threat Intelligence
Automated threat intelligence defends against advanced threats through autonomous detection and response. Large language models (LLMs) can be used to meet today’s cybersecurity challenges, including alert burnout and the security skills gap. AI can transform data into threat intelligence that creates a picture of the risk landscape and provides actionable insights to respond to changes.
Future developments and innovations in AI that could further transform cybersecurity practices are on the horizon, such as deep learning models that can potentially predict and neutralize zero-day attacks before they occur. Likely, part of the future mission of AI in cybersecurity will be ensuring that GenAI is secure.
AI-Driven Security Solutions
Many of today’s leading security solutions are powered by AI. Automated monitoring systems, AI-based intrusion detection systems, and real-time threat analysis tools can detect anomalies and respond to threats autonomously. Some examples of AI-powered security tools include:
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
AI can provide useful context for identity and access management to protect users, devices, and applications more accurately.
Managed Detection and Response (MDR)
MDR augments human detection and response by using automation to stop threats to the network all the way to the edge and accelerate remediation of attacks.
Data Security Platforms
With AI, data security platforms can provide visibility throughout the data lifecycle with the ability to detect anomalies based on threat intelligence.
Making AI Part of Your Company’s Security Strategy
AI-powered cybersecurity requires specialized expertise. Working with the right managed security service provider (MSSP) will give you access to the experience and know-how you need to take advantage of the deep insights AI provides.
Pegasus Technology Solutions offers Managed Security Services that leverage AI-powered capabilities. For example, our security operations center capabilities include:
- Network Inspection
- Log Analysis & Search
- Advanced Threat Detection
- 24/7 Monitoring
At Pegasus, we use the latest threat intelligence to deliver an improved security posture based on information about the latest threats.
See how AI fits into your security strategy. Ask for a proposal for managed security services from Pegasus.
