Using AI for cybersecurity
AI is exponentially impacting the efficacy of detection and threat elimination in the business space. While there is still some uncertainty and risks associated with the irresponsible development of AI tools, the benefits of using AI for cybersecurity far outweigh them.
How is AI impacting cybersecurity?
Well, it’s a double-edged sword, really. AI is making both defences and attacks on software more intelligent. That’s why leading bodies like the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), are predicting an increase. This is across both the impact and the volume of attacks within the next two years. This is across all types of threat actors – skilled, state, non-state and non-skilled. They’re all already using AI. So, if your business has not already deployed AI, you’re a bit late to the party.
Bigger impact
Using AI for cyberattacks makes the impact more damaging. Why? Because criminals can use AI to analyse the data that they steal. This means they will find the monetisable assets faster. (And then use that data to train their models to go find more.) You’ll see larger asks from ransomware companies and greater business disruption when data is compromised. They will be certain that the data they’ve taken is worth the ransom they’re asking and that’s scary.
More cybercriminals
Plus, there’s the added impact of increasing the sheer amount of cybercriminals out there. The NCSC explains, “AI lowers the barrier for novice [cybercriminals], hackers-for-hire and hacktivists to carry out effective access and information gathering operations. This enhanced access will likely contribute to the global ransomware threat over the next two years.
Moving towards 2025 and beyond, commoditisation of AI-enabled capability in criminal and commercial markets will almost certainly make improved capability available to [cybercrime] and state actors.”
How can you protect your business?
First, make sure your business is insured against attack. Professional indemnity insurance may cover you, or you can get specific cyber and data insurance. Teach your teams to practice good cyber hygiene and make use of the cloud and all the cybersecurity tools it offers. When you have a backup, ensure that at least one copy is offsite and invest in a tech partner who can carry out AI-supported continuous monitoring and updates of your tech landscape. If they’re anything like us, they’ll support you in keeping on top of new threats, safely decommissioning your hardware and pruning unused access.
What are the risks of using AI for cybersecurity?
The risks of using AI for cybersecurity are unique to other business & human-facing deployments. They have more autonomous decision-making and access to the most sensitive of data. The NCSC explains, “AI systems are subject to novel security vulnerabilities that need to be considered alongside standard cyber security threats. When the pace of development is high – as is the case with AI – security can often be a secondary consideration. Security must be a core requirement, not just in the development phase, but throughout the life cycle of the system […] guidelines are broken down into four key areas within the AI system development life cycle: secure design, secure development, secure deployment and secure operation and maintenance.” These are all considerations that need to be made when creating and using AI tools in this space.
If you want to harness the power of tomorrow, today; let us help you launch an AI cybersecurity strategy. Talk to us about your infrastructure and website support needs in a quick, no-obligation chat.
