IT decision-makers are concerned about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by cybercriminals, especially when it comes to deepfakes. Many believe that AI could significantly increase the number of cyberattacks.
According to the findings of a survey conducted by Integrity360, among 205 cybersecurity professionals, 68% expressed concerns about the use of deepfakes for attacks on their organizations.
Brian Martin, Head of Product Development, Innovation and Strategy at Integrity360, commented: “The use of AI for cyberattacks is already a threat to businesses, but recognizing the future possibilities and impacts it can have is just the beginning.”
See also: AI & cybersecurity: Benefits, challenges and predictions
The executive also said that businesses need to be prepared on how to defend themselves against this threat. It is also important to distinguish what is real and what is not, in order to avoid falling victim to an attack.
At the same time, a significant percentage (58%) agreed that artificial intelligence is increasing the number of cyberattacks.
Integrity360 found that most respondents understand the impact that AI will have, but it also shows that CIOs seem to understand less about this impact on cybersecurity.
Additionally, 61% of respondents expressed concern about the rise of artificial intelligence in general.
See also: Traditional malware exploits interest in ChatGPT
Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity
While cybercriminals use artificial intelligence for their cyberattacks, defenders can also leverage it to enhance the security of organizations.
Most respondents to the Integrity360 survey (73%) agreed that AI is becoming an increasingly important tool for security operations. An additional 71% agreed that AI improves the speed and accuracy of incident response.
Advantages and applications of AI in cybersecurity
1. Detection of new threats
Artificial intelligence can be used to detect cyber threats. Compared to conventional techniques based on software or manual checks, the use of these technologies is more effective in dealing with attacks.
Artificial intelligence systems use sophisticated algorithms and are trained to detect malware and monitor system behavior to detect even the smallest changes that could indicate malicious activity, before a significant problem occurs.
2. Fighting Bots
AI can also help fight bots. Bots can be used to take control of accounts with stolen credentials or even create fake accounts. Artificial intelligence and machine learning help distinguish between good bots, malicious bots, and humans.
See also: AI Watermarking: Efforts to Control Misinformation
3. Breach risk prediction
Another advantage is the ability of AI to predict the risk of a breach. AI systems help determine IT asset inventory, which is an accurate and detailed record of all devices, users, and applications with different levels of access to various systems.
By taking into account asset inventory and threat exposure, AI-based systems can predict how and where a breach is most likely to occur.
4. Better endpoint protection
The next benefit includes better endpoint protection. These days, more and more devices are being used for remote work, and artificial intelligence is critical to the security of all these systems.
AI-powered endpoint protection is based on training. If something unusual happens, AI can flag it and help you react immediately.
5. Automating repetitive tasks in cybersecurity
To enhance cybersecurity, analysts need to collect, analyze, and manage large amounts of data. This process requires a lot of time and resources. However, artificial intelligence can automate these tasks, leaving analysts to focus on more important security-related challenges.
Source: www.infosecurity-magazine.com
