January 29, 2024 Cybersecurity Knowledge Center

AI for Cybersecurity: Can Artificial Intelligence Help Improve Security Posture?

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With the rapid emergence and availability of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, we’re sure you have a lot of questions, possibly including, Can AI help my business? If so, how?  Or, alternatively, Can AI hurt my business? Does it make my business more vulnerable to cyber threats?  

And while the latter is valid because, if you’re not careful, data could potentially be disclosed to users without authorized access, AI can also be used to help identify potential problems more quickly and, in some cases, even take automated action to resolve security problems.  

So, while it’s okay to be cautious when considering the role AI plays at your organization, (we, in fact, recommend it), you should also consider the ways artificial intelligence can be used to actually improve your cybersecurity posture and make it more difficult for your business to fall victim to cyber threats. 

Before we dive into the ways AI can potentially do that, however, we want to remind you what good cybersecurity even looks like. You can view a full explanation of each security measure we recommend in our article, Cybersecurity Awareness: What are the basics of a good security framework, but, at minimum, your organization should have the following practices and procedures in place: 

  • Access Control and Authentication 
  • Data Classification 
  • Data Encryption 
  • Network Perimeter Security 
  • Email Security 
  • Endpoint Security 
  • Backup Disaster & Recovery 
  • Employee Training & Awareness 
  • Regulatory Compliance 
  • Cybersecurity Insurance 
  • Real-time Monitoring of SaaS Applications 

So, in what ways can AI and machine learning help strengthen and improve the basic requirements of your security framework? There are several, so the SUCCESS team has outlined a few of the key practices and procedures that can be enhanced with AI tools and systems:    

1. Threat Detection and Analysis 

Because AI algorithms can analyze patterns of user behavior, network traffic, and system activities, any changes in these patterns are flagged as potential threats. Additionally, AI tools can help to detect compromised accounts by identifying irregular behavior within a network or on individual devices.   

2. Automated Incident Response 

Incident response can be automated with AI tools, as they are able to rapidly analyze and prioritize security incidents. These responses could include isolating affected systems, blocking malicious activities, or sending alerts to security teams for further investigation.  

3. Malware Detection 

Some antivirus solutions are powered by AI and use machine learning to recognize patterns associated with malware. These solutions can detect new and/or previously unknown malware by learning from past data and adapting to evolving threats. 

4. Predictive Analysis and Risk Assessments 

Leveraging the predictive analysis capabilities of AI allows for the proactive identification of potential vulnerabilities and specific cyber threats. These capabilities allow organizations to more easily mitigate risks before they can be exploited.   

5. Phishing Detection 

AI can analyze patterns in emails and other communication channels to detect potentially malicious behavior, such as phishing attempts. Users are less likely to fall victim to these attacks through the identification of suspicious patterns, URLs, or content in the messages they receive when they are flagged by AI.  

6. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) and Password Management Automation 

MFA is a security measure that you’re hopefully already using, which means that you’re already employing a tool powered by machine learning and AI. Authentication systems driven by AI can enhance user verification processes by ensuring that only authorized users have access to sensitive data. In addition to MFA, they can also improve password management by automatically flagging weak passwords and requiring users select a stronger one.  

Keep Up with Evolving Threats and Emerging Technologies 

While it’s important to remain vigilant when it comes to implementing and using artificial intelligence at your organization, especially when it comes to your sensitive data, it’s also good to remember that AI can help to identify problems faster, and, in some cases, even take automated action. Contact our team to learn more about the rise of AI and how to safely integrate it into your organization.

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