Is AI Impacting the Cyber Security of Your Business?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been enhancing cyber security tools for years. Utilising network security, anti-malware, and fraud-detection software by AI has proved to be faster and more cost effective than human beings. However, it is not just the good guys who benefit from AI, but also hackers, posing a risk to cyber security.
Since AI has become easily accessible to the public, the risk of AI triggering cyber security issues are expected to increase rapidly, causing ¾ of global businesses to implement a ban or consider banning the use of ChatGPT and other AI applications within the workspace.
In this blog, we will uncover what exactly Artificial Intelligence does, and what this means for your business.
What is AI:
AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence by software-coded reasoning and decision making. In 2022, AI was shared for public use. The most popular applications are OpenAI models such as DALL-E and ChatGPT. These tools being easily accessible has only revealed a small amount of how AI technology is being used today.
Machine learning (ML), computer programmes automatically adapting to new data without assistance from humans, is a subset of AI. This automatic learning is made possible by deep learning techniques, which absorb vast volumes of unstructured data, including text, photos, and video. With the right instructions, it would seem like AI can do anything you need.
Leveraging AI For Cyber Security:
Fast threat detection and response
AI can improve the understanding of your networks and identify potential threats faster. AI powered solutions can quickly sort through vast amounts of data to identify abnormal behaviour and detect malicious activity, such as a new zero-day attack. AI can also automate security processes, such as patch management, making staying on top of your cyber security needs easier and more effective.
Moreover, patterns that can be hard for the human eye to see can be recognised by AI systems, improving the accuracy of abnormal activity recognition.
While AI can and has made many people’s lives easier and more productive, it also comes with risks, some of which researchers are still trying to identify.
Risks of AI in Cyber Security:
Cyber-attacks optimisation
Like any technology, AI can be used for good or malicious purposes such as fraud, scams, and other cybercrimes.
With the use of generative AI, attackers may launch attacks at an unseen level of speed and complexity. Given the appropriate request, generative AI can discover methods to exploit geopolitical tensions for sophisticated attacks and weaken the complexity of clouds. Additionally, by refining their phishing and ransomware assault strategies through generative AI, it may be utilised to maximise their effectiveness.
Automated malware
Developers with entry-level programming skills are about to create complex automated malware, like an advanced malicious bot that can steal data, infect networks, and attack systems without human intervention.
Physical safety
AI is used by systems such as autonomous vehicles, manufacturing and construction equipment, and medical analysis systems. As it’s being used across many platforms, the risk of AI to physical safety can increase.
For example, in the manufacturing sector AI automation is used to help control heavy machinery. If manipulated, the algorithms can make incorrect predictions, perform incorrect actions, or trigger false alerts putting workers and physical assets at risk.
Reputational damage
An organisation that relies on AI can suffer reputational damage if their technology malfunctions or suffers a security/ data security breach. When this happens, organisations may face fines, civil penalties, and loss of customer relationships.
Generative AI has potential uses and risks in the field of cybersecurity. To use technology securely, businesses must have a proactive, complete strategy. The following are some suggestions: staff training, access to cutting-edge encryption, implementing access control, regular backups, automation to reduce the sharing of personal information, and audits for any AI system used.
IP Partners can help you keep safe in this ever-evolving world of AI technology. Visit our website to find out more or call us on (08) 7200 6080.
