Should We Trust AI with Our Cybersecurity in 2023?

Cybersecurity and AI are becoming ever more entwined as both technologies advance, but how much trust should we place in AI to protect our systems and data in 2023?

No one wants to start off the new year on a sour note, but it’s important that we remember that just because many of us are turning over new leaves, it doesn’t mean hackers are too. In fact, the threat of a devastating cyberattack is greater than ever as more and more organizations move their data, systems, and processes to the cloud or to hybrid environments. There are many advantages to this increased virtualization, but it also opens new doors for hackers and bad actors.

It should come as no surprise, then, that cyberattacks against protected systems are increasing in both size and frequency. In fact, millions of records were exposed in 2022 alone! From public ransomware attacks to phishing attacks to distributed denial of service attacks, the possibilities for cybercriminals are endless — and unfortunately, cybersecurity teams are often ill-prepared for these attacks, putting them one or two steps behind from the get-go.

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) systems, including machine learning and natural language processing, provide relief for under-resourced cybersecurity teams in 2023. Trained on a routine basis with the latest data sets on cyber threats, AI deployments in cybersecurity solutions offer a cutting-edge approach to systems and data protection. Not only are AI-driven cybersecurity solutions responsive to threats, but they’re also proactive and preventative, helping nip problems in the bud. However, as with most newer technologies, it’s natural to have questions about the efficacy of AI augmentation in traditional cybersecurity strategies. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the positive role AI can play in cybersecurity and address some common concerns.

How AI Can Alleviate Cybersecurity Shortcomings and Fill Crucial Gaps in Protection

Any cybersecurity expert will tell you that cyberthreats are constant, ever-evolving, and never-ending. And unfortunately, the bigger your organization, the bigger the target on your back — and the more resources you’ll need to protect vital data and systems from cyberattacks. Even the most attentive 24/7 IT team can miss intrusions, vulnerabilities, and exploits. To help combat this and better ensure that no attacks slip through the cracks, specialized cybersecurity firms are constantly using updated data sets to teach their AI systems to quickly identify emerging threats that might otherwise go unnoticed until it’s too late.

In addition to preventing issues from occurring in the first place, AI can also identify exploits that make it past your firewall, isolate these intrusions, and stop them from causing further damage. Once an exploit is patched and malware is removed, AI can learn how these intrusions behave within your specific network infrastructure and make adjustments. This will allow them to quickly identify and address similar techniques in the future.

However, using AI in cybersecurity doesn’t just take some of the workload off your plate — it also has plenty to offer your end-users. For example, AI can help improve the login credentials validation process by implementing biometric data. This will make passwords more secure and help keep personal data out of reach from bad actors. Sophisticated multi-factor authentication, including location verification and network security checks for external access users, can prevent unwanted access to your systems, no matter whether you’re navigating a fully in-person workforce or a remote one.

Addressing Concerns in AI-Oriented Cybersecurity

“New” isn’t always a positive word when it comes to something as sensitive as security. And while the benefits of using a capable AI-augmented cybersecurity solution are clear, adopting AI isn’t without its challenges.

Bringing AI of any type into your organization requires a lot of resources. Not only will you need adequate computing power, but you’ll also need data and memory and storage bandwidth. Scaling up these resources can be an expensive and time-consuming process that’s beyond most cybersecurity teams’ scope. Plus, you can’t successfully adopt AI in cybersecurity tactics without a full, organization-wide buy-in — and getting such widespread support is easier said than done.

Additionally, an AI system is only as sophisticated as the data sets it learns from. So, if you want to get an AI system up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity protocols, you’ll need information on the newest malware profiles, non-malicious codes, identified anomalies, and many other data sets. Ensuring your data sets are always up to date takes work. On the other hand, hackers are acutely aware that organizations are catching on and beginning to use AI systems to defeat their intrusion measures. In response, many cybercriminals have started to train their own AIs to learn systems’ defenses, so it’s all the more vital that your organization stays one step ahead.

While most cybersecurity firms have the tools and technologies required to deploy a basic layer of protection for your organization, few offer a comprehensive solution that includes up-to-date information on the latest vulnerabilities and exploits.

Stay Safe Along the Cutting Edge

It’s clear that as artificial intelligence and machine learning cybersecurity solutions become more capable and sophisticated, organizations both small and large will adopt them. With a proven track record of preventative achievements, AI-supported cybersecurity solutions can help protect your valued data and systems against threats that even the most attentive cybersecurity team can miss.

The practical solution to staying protected against ever-advancing threats online is simple: assess your cybersecurity with a team experienced in navigating the upsides and disadvantages of AI-based cybersecurity solutions in today’s modern world. When you work with Turn-key Technologies, Inc. (TTI), our experts can identify the strengths and weaknesses in your current cybersecurity strategies and solutions to customize a proven solution for your organization’s needs in 2023 and beyond.

Check out our Free Cybersecurity Assessment Tool to get an initial evaluation of your security policies, or contact one of our cybersecurity experts to get started on your personalized cybersecurity solution.