Name a better duo: Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become increasingly popular over the last few years and has dramatically benefited industries, including healthcare, education, marketing, e-commerce, and cybersecurity. Often, we think of AI as human-like robots created to take over the world; however, it serves an even greater purpose in the tech world. Specifically, the cybersecurity industry has been transforming and finding ways to implement new features to protect the public. Integrating AI with cybersecurity platforms is useful and resourceful for both sectors and others looking for inspiration regarding service upgrades. Now, the question remains: what exactly are the benefits of this dynamic duo?

How Artificial Intelligence Works

AI is a form of software; it is the mastermind behind machines performing human-like tasks. According to an article by SAS.com, “AI works by combining large amounts of data with fast, iterative processing and intelligent algorithms, allowing the software to learn automatically from patterns or features in the data. AI is a broad field of study that includes many theories, methods, and technologies.” 

AI consists of subfields such as deep learning, machine learning, natural learning processes, and more. These subfields help create software that is powerful, multilayered and has a wide range of capabilities. Although AI is often interchanged with these subfields, they are completely separate components. It’s like peeling back an onion layer: Artificial intelligence is the onion, while deep learning, machine learning, and natural language processes are all the layers within the onion. For the onion (AI) to remain stable, it requires the existence and support of these inside layers.

AI aims to make our lives easier by analyzing data deeper than the human mind can collect, understand, and process. While in-depth analyzation is beneficial, there are still things a human can do better than a machine. This is why AI is such a helpful tool and is not a threat to replacing the human element.

How Artificial Intelligence Transforms Cybersecurity

The relationship between Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity continues to expand as the digital world’s demands transform our experiences. Regarding cybersecurity, artificial intelligence plays a significant role in optimizing data and helping security platforms investigate vulnerabilities, patch networks, and eliminate false positives. An article published by CPO Magazine stated that cybersecurity companies and platforms teach artificial intelligence to detect viruses and malware by using complex algorithms. 

In return, AI can run pattern recognition in the software. This happens at a more convenient speed because AI systems use predictive functions that are faster and more responsive than all traditional approaches. 

Next Generation SIEMs with AI & Machine Learning

One of the critical advances in AI and Machine Learning related to Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms over the last five years is User & Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA). UEBA learning algorithms analyze account-based threats and write SIEM rules with the ability to re-write those rules over time.

UEBA data science will identify, detect, analyze, and prioritize anomalous behavior—without any input from your cybersecurity team—that will likely present a risk to your network’s security in real-time. UEBA lays down a behavior pattern for every account and every system on the network and continuously monitors the entire network for anomalous and malicious behavior.

What Next’s for the Dynamic Duo?

The prediction for 2021 and beyond is that artificial intelligence and cybersecurity will only continue to expand and strengthen their bond. However, for this relationship to reach its full potential, all IT workers must be familiar with AI’s functionalities and capabilities to remain protected from cyberattacks, hackers, and other security concerns. 

To ensure that your team members are fully equipped to handle this duo’s demands, schedule a training session on AI or, if available, provide access to tools and platforms necessary to succeed. Cybersecurity companies and platforms have already started implementing AI within their software and products, and we imagine the trend will quickly continue.