AI is fundamentally a tool for enhancing productivity, not a replacement for humans. Just as Microsoft Excel revolutionized accounting and reshaped the skills necessary to be a successful accountant, AI is poised to have a similar impact across various fields. This is especially true in cybersecurity, where both attackers and defenders are leveraging its power to gain an edge.
AI in Cybersecurity: A Double-Edged Sword
AI for the Attackers
Attackers are leveraging AI to increase their efficiency, enabling them to target more victims with less effort and investment. We’ve seen a drastic increase in the number of bot attacks, because threat actors are using AI to create a large number of bots that can be managed with relative ease. Threat actors are using these bots to:
- Scan your business’s public facing services (website, apps, etc.) for technical vulnerabilities, and exploiting any identified vulnerabilities to establish a foothold in your IT environment.
- Scraping your website for information about your business – your leaders, who you work with, and what you do – to create automated phishing messages that are tailored to your business.
The use of AI by attackers extends beyond entry. Once inside a target’s network, the threat actor can employ AI bots to quickly extract vast amounts of sensitive business information or to scan for internal vulnerabilities to increase their access and establish persistence in your environment.
AI for the Defenders
The good news is that defenders are also leveraging AI to fight off these AI-powered threat actors. AI helps security teams understanding what is happening in the IT environment, and detecting unusual activities that may signal a breach. You’re likely already gaining some security benefits from AI, because AI is being built into the everyday tools you use to run your business. For instance, modern email filtering systems, powered by AI, analyze the content, context, and behavior of incoming messages to determine their legitimacy, filtering out potentially harmful communications before they reach their target.
In more advanced scenarios, AI-driven tools monitor the behavior of applications and files, flagging anything that requires further investigation. At the highest level, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems aggregate security logs, utilize AI to analyze security events, and alert your security team about abnormalities. These AI-powered systems allow cybersecurity teams to respond more quickly and effectively, often stopping an attack before it can cause significant damage.
Why You Should Be Using AI in Your Business
If you’re not already using AI in your business, it’s time to start. AI can handle routine and repetitive tasks more efficiently, allowing your team to focus on high-impact work. Whether it’s through advanced email filtering, behavior analysis, or other AI-driven tools, integrating AI into your operations can enhance productivity and strengthen your cybersecurity posture.
AI is not just a futuristic concept; it’s a practical tool that can deliver real benefits today. By exploring how AI can simplify your business processes and improve your cybersecurity defenses, you position your organization to thrive in an increasingly competitive and digital world.
Are you ready to harness the power of AI?
Talk to us today to discover how AI can enhance your business, making it more efficient, secure, and prepared for the future. If you’re an Aldridge client, reach out to your Principal Consultant to begin leveraging the benefits of AI in your operations.