In September, cybercriminals were able to hit two major Las Vegas landmarks. Hackers managed to access the frequent guest database of Caesars Palace; because of this, the hotel and casino giant is facing lawsuits for negligence. Meanwhile, cybercriminals disrupted MGM’s operations, rendering ATMs, slot machines, key cards, and their check-in system nonoperational, resulting in about $100 million in costs for the resort.
Cyberthreats are getting more and more sophisticated, highlighting the need for more robust cybersecurity measures, not just for big companies but also for small- and medium-sized businesses.
Enter artificial intelligence (AI). AI is fast becoming an indispensable tool that can help fortify defenses against increasingly complex and relentless cyberthreats. These newer, modern threats can overwhelm and bypass existing cybersecurity measures, but AI can level up your cyber defenses by leveraging machine learning algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data, detect anomalies, and predict potential threats in ways that no humans are capable of doing.
What types of AI are used in cybersecurity?
The following kinds of AI play crucial roles in bolstering your business’s digital defenses.
Machine learning
This type of AI uses statistical methods that allow computer systems to “learn” (improve their performance) using the vast amounts of data gathered instead of relying on explicit programming for learning. With machine learning, your system can examine patterns, behaviors, and irregularities within network traffic, allowing it to detect potential threats that conventional security measures might overlook.
Natural language processing (NLP)
This kind of AI empowers computers to understand, interpret, and interact with human language. Applied to cybersecurity, NLP can scrutinize and make sense of textual information such as emails or messages, aiding in detecting phishing attempts and other suspicious communications.
Predictive analytics
With predictive analytics, AI-powered systems can analyze past data, foresee potential cyberthreats before they emerge, and assist in the implementation of proactive defense tactics.
How does AI improve cybersecurity?
AI can automate a myriad of cybersecurity tasks, alleviating the burden on human professionals while bolstering overall security measures. What’s more, AI augments human capabilities across the following critical aspects of threat management and prevention:
Threat detection
AI increases the effectiveness of threat detection capabilities with its capacity to process extensive amounts of data beyond human capabilities. Machine learning excels at spotting patterns and anomalies in network traffic, swiftly flagging potential risks. And because AI continuously learns from new data, it also grows more agile in identifying new and advanced attacks.
Risk mitigation
AI enables rapid and precise incident response in cyber risk mitigation. AI systems swiftly analyze and categorize threats, allowing for quick deployment of effective countermeasures. Additionally, AI provides real-time threat assessments and valuable insights so that you and your IT team are able to make well-informed security decisions.
Adaptive defense mechanisms
With AI, your cybersecurity is proactive, not reactive. Because AI is continuously learning and evolving, it can adapt to new attack patterns and adjust security protocols in real time. This adaptability is crucial in ensuring your defenses won’t become obsolete in a rapidly changing threat landscape.
Risk prediction and prevention
AI plays a pivotal role in predicting and preventing risks. By analyzing historical data, predictive analytics can forecast potential threats even before they emerge. Predictive AI models are important risk assessment tools, as they enable you to proactively bolster your defenses, patch vulnerabilities, and thwart cyberattacks.
Ethical considerations and human oversight in AI-driven cybersecurity
Amidst the advancements in and efficacy of AI-driven cybersecurity systems, concerns have been raised regarding ethical considerations and the role of human oversight.
- AI systems use algorithms and learning models based on large sets of information. Making sure the data is fair, without unfair patterns, and gathered in an ethical way will help prevent unintentional biases or discrimination in the AI’s decisions. Ethical rules are necessary to guide how AI systems are created and used.
- While AI is great at handling a lot of information and performing repetitive jobs, human guidance is still necessary. Machines still can’t quite match the way people understand situations, make ethical choices, and think critically. Human experts are still needed to offer insights, create rules, countercheck the AI’s decision, and step in if necessary to stop any unintended problems or ethical issues.
Ultimately, AI-driven cybersecurity systems should not be left completely in the hands of technology without human oversight and intervention. Human involvement is critical to ensuring ethical considerations are taken into account, especially when it comes to sensitive data and the potential impact on individuals or society as a whole.
What are the benefits of AI-driven cybersecurity?
AI-driven cybersecurity offers numerous benefits:
- It helps keep businesses safe from cyberattacks at data breaches by quickly detecting threats that may otherwise be missed.
- It ensures compliance with security regulations, allowing businesses to avoid penalties and reinforce trust with stakeholders.
- By automating tasks and reducing response times, it boosts operational efficiency and saves costs.
- Having AI-fortified cybersecurity enhances brand reputation and fosters customer trust.
Is your business in need of robust cybersecurity? Are you considering AI-powered security? Whatever the size of your Las Vegas, Henderson, or Clark County business, we at Kortek Solutions can help you with the latest technologies so you can keep your business safe and always a step ahead of your competitors. Contact our IT professionals to learn more.