Artificial Intelligence

Posted by mctracy On March 6, 2023

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, can be used both for and against us. AI can be used to launch cyber-attacks, but they can also be used to prevent them.

AI-launched cyber-attacks can be realistic and tricky to identify. Therefore, it is essential to implement cyber-security procedures to prevent AI cyber-attack launches from being successful.

“Hackers leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced tools to make their attacks look more authentic than ever. For organizations, it’s not just about educating employees anymore. Attacks are so convincing that even the savviest can fall victim. Cybersecurity protection is also about having an effective technology that will take this burden out of the staff's hands.” (Forbes).

AI is incredibly helpful for broadening the use of technology in infrastructure, yet the risks keep multiplying.

“The pace of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption is increasing throughout industry and society. This is because governments, civil organizations and industry all recognize greater efficiency and lower costs available from the use of AI-generated automation. The process is irreversible. What is still unknown is the degree of danger that may be introduced when adversaries start to use AI as an effective weapon of attack rather than a tool for beneficial improvement.” (Security Week).

This is not to say that AI should not be used to benefit society. The risks must be considered, and cyber-security procedures must evolve with the threats.

“Despite the growing sophistication of malicious hackers, business owners can take heart in the fact that the same level of advanced AI- and machine learning-powered tools are available to defend them against attacks. With some savvy application of these sophisticated technologies combined with strategies like the implementation of a dedicated CSS executive, an effective AIOps platform and diligent security awareness training, organizations can mount a far more thorough defense against today's emerging threats.” (Forbes).

AI is a paradox of cyber security proportions. The positives and negatives of utilizing AI, and the use of malicious AI divide the cyber security community.

“AI is ultimately a divisive subject. ‘Those in the technology, R&D, and science domain will cheer its ability to solve problems faster than humans imagined. To cure disease, to make the world safer, and ultimately saving and extending a human’s time on earth…’ says Donnie Scott, CEO at Idemia. ‘Naysayers will continue to advocate for significant limitations or prohibitions of the use of AI as the ‘rise of the machines’ could threaten humanity.’” (Security Week).

In the future, AI will continue to have an aspect of duality. It is up to companies and individuals to educate themselves on the positives and negatives of AI and act accordingly.

“Organizations looking ahead in 2023 should develop their adaptive AI cybersecurity capabilities and SecOps teams while continuing to partner with solution providers and MSSPs to prepare for AI-enabled attacks. Just as adversaries adopt AI and machine learning to target networks, defenders must leverage the same kinds of tools. Organizations should take advantage of these steps and technologies to avoid being blindsided, utilizing the most up-to-date practices to identify and thwart nefarious actors before they cause damage.” (Forbes).

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