Cyber Security—Advancing through AI

Cyber attacks have increased in frequency as more and more organizations adopt the Internet of Things (IoT). Risks still exist despite the rise in cyber security, which is meant to keep information and devices secure. How will artificial intelligence (AI) improve cyber security and keep data protected?

Artificial Intelligence/Cyber Security Use Cases

Network Threat Analysis

As companies become more reliant on digital services, they often have to update internal networks. The large networks require extensive security resources to ensure that all data contained within the network is protected. For any organization, this is a large investment. Cyber security combined with AI can help monitor the system by observing all incoming and outgoing traffic. This would allow for the mining of cyber criminal activity and threats.

Malware Detection

Malware, an attack that is harmful to the device, can also be detected through AI. Cyber security with AI can help expose malware before an attack takes place. It can also recognize what type of malware is being used. This ability is critical as malware can come in many different forms—from maladvertising to ransomware.

Improved Security Analysis

With multiple threats coming in at different angles, how can analysts manage the volume? AI tools allow human analysts to better manage incoming threats. By automating tasks and improving prioritization, AI can give analysts more time for higher-risk threats and strategic planning.

Threat Mitigation

Just as AI is evolving, cyber attacks are advancing in sophistication and volume. As companies train machine learning algorithms to recognize attacks, hackers are developing their own AI tools to pinpoint weak spots in networks. Smart malware is also being developed to personalize attacks with user information. These AI-based attacks show that while AI can help improve cyber security, it can also be used by cyber criminals. It is crucial for organizations to ensure that their data and information is safe—especially if they utilize legacy systems that cannot be easily updated or replaced.

AI and Cyber Security in the Future

How will AI continue to help cyber security advance in 2020?

“Keeping machines up to date is an IT management job, but it’s a security outcome. Knowing what devices should be on my network is an IT management problem, but it has a security outcome. And knowing what’s going on and what processes are running and what’s consuming network bandwidth is an IT management problem, but it’s a security outcome. I don’t see these as distinct activities so much as seeing them as multiple facets of the same problem space, accelerating in 2020 as more enterprises choose greater resiliency to secure endpoints,” says Nicko van Someren, Ph.D. and Chief Technology Officer at Absolute Software.

Cyber Security for Your Company

Having the right tools and systems in place can prevent data breaches and cyber crimes. As the world becomes more automated, it’s crucial for your organization to understand the available cyber security measures to protect its data and devices. Cyber Security Tools for Today’s Environment, an online 11-course program from IEEE, helps businesses improve their security techniques.

Contact a specialist today to get access to the course program for your organization.

Interested in learning about getting access to the course for yourself? Visit the IEEE Learning Network to learn more.

Resources

Columbus, Louis. (24 November 2019). 10 Predictions How AI Will Improve Cybersecurity In 2020. Forbes.

Groopman, Jessica. (October 2019). Understand the top 4 use cases for AI in cybersecurity. TechTarget.