The rapid evolution of digital technology has ushered in an era of unprecedented connectivity and innovation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is central to this transformation, a field that seeks to imbue machines with human-like intelligence and problem-solving abilities. AI has the potential to revolutionize various industries, from healthcare to finance, and has already shown promising results in automating tasks, making predictions, and assisting decision-making processes. However, as the power and capabilities of AI grow, so do concerns about its impact on cyber security.
Cyber security protects computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, theft, and damage. It is a critical concern in the modern digital landscape, where cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and pervasive. Today’s PKI systems, digital certificates, and anti-malware software may not be enough to combat future threats. The integration of AI in cyber security has elicited optimism and apprehension, raising questions about whether AI will ultimately help or compromise cyber security efforts.
Let’s dive into each side of AI’s impact on technology and answer: Will Artificial Intelligence Help or Compromise Cyber Security?
AI as a Tool for Security Compromise
Many experts warn against the use of AI, and reasonably so. Sci-fi stories caution about the role of AI ushering in an apocalyptic future, which may sound farfetched. Still, over a thousand tech leaders today, including Steve Wozniak and Elon Musk, have warned that AI has profound risks to society. In the digital space.
here are the significant causes of concern for AI:
AI Has The Potential to Inflict Extensive Damage
One of the most significant concerns regarding AI in cyber security is its potential to amplify cyberattack impact. AI-driven malware and hacking tools can adapt, learn, and modify themselves, making them incredibly challenging to detect and defend against. This adaptability could lead to more powerful and destructive attacks that cause extensive damage to individuals, businesses, and even critical infrastructure.
An example scenario is a malicious software that can use AI to generate deepfake voices that mimic top-level executives. By achieving a convincing deepfake, these attackers could dupe employees into approving hefty, unauthorized financial transactions, capitalizing on the human inclination to trust, and bypassing security protocols. Another possible scenario involves AI manipulating a system’s data, fabricating an attractive but entirely fake investment portfolio. The attackers can profit from this fraudulent information before the deceit is uncovered.
Easier Manipulation of Digital Vulnerabilities with AI
AI can analyze massive volumes of data and identify weaknesses in software, networks, and applications. As a result, cyber attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities with greater precision and speed. AI-generated attacks can be stealthier and more targeted, leading to more successful breaches even to the most robust firewalls.
According to a survey conducted by cybersecurity firm Webroot, over 90% of cybersecurity professionals in the US and Japan anticipate that their employers will be targeted by cybercriminals who use AI to attack their AI-controlled customer recognition software or AI pricing algorithms. This could include anything from a shady competitor attacking another company’s algorithm to cyber-thieves targeting a financial institution’s customer recognition software.
Exponential Growth and Sophistication of Cyber Threats
AI empowers cybercriminals to create more sophisticated and diversified threats. For instance, AI-generated phishing attacks can craft personalized messages that mimic human-like language and behavior, making them highly convincing and difficult to identify.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that cyber threats are becoming more advanced, highlighting the crucial role that skilled cybersecurity professionals play. Unfortunately, the global demand for these experts exceeds the supply. According to the 2022 Cybersecurity Workforce Study by (ISC), we currently face a shortage of 3.4 million cybersecurity professionals globally.
With these precautions come with the optimistic view that AI can also be a valuable asset in enhancing cyber security and technology.
AI as an Asset to Strengthen Cyber Security
Any technology, when used properly, can be a force for enhancing people’s quality of life. Other technological titans such as Mark Zuckerberg and Eric Schmidt have taken a more optimistic vision of AI, expressing the great benefits of AI. The World Economic Forum has taken into account a highly positive change that AI can bring.
Regarding Cyber Security, AI can be a significant force against attackers, improving current systems:
AI Can Help Bolster Industrial Cybersecurity
Critical infrastructure, such as power plants and transportation systems, faces unique cyber threats. AI-driven solutions can monitor these systems continuously, detecting real-time anomalies and preventing potential disasters.
Various data center processes can be optimized and monitored using AI-assisted technology, such as power backup, temperature control, and bandwidth usage. This technology can provide valuable insights into enhancing the effectiveness and security of hardware and infrastructure.
Additionally, it can reduce maintenance costs by alerting users to potential issues before they become severe. Google have reported significant reductions in cooling and power costs after implementing this technology in their data centers in 2016.
Faster Threat Identification
AI-powered security systems can analyze vast amounts of data rapidly, allowing for quicker and more accurate identification of potential threats. This speed enables organizations to respond proactively, minimizing the impact of cyber incidents.
AI-based systems, such as machine learning, can detect unusual or potential weaknesses during regular activities and alert users of possible threats before any crucial data is compromised. If the appropriate systems are implemented, it is possible to detect the presence of hackers without them knowing, allowing for immediate action to ensure the security of your digital infrastructure.
Immediate and More Accurate Response to Threats
AI can automate incident response processes, reducing response times and human errors. Real-time threat detection and automated responses can thwart attacks before they cause significant damage.
AI can assist significantly in cybersecurity by quickly responding to potential threats. For instance, in 2016, Google detected around 20,000 sites that contained malware within their system. Due to the vast number of websites on the internet, humans can only inspect some of them manually. However, with the help of machine learning, it becomes feasible to analyze every visit to a site, identify visitors based on their threat level, and address them accordingly. Using appropriate AI solutions, cybersecurity can be strengthened and maintained more effectively.
Where We Are Now in AI Technology and How Can We Protect Our Data and Assets?
Presently, AI is in the development stage. There are various practical uses of AI while exponential upgrades are being made. The trajectory of technology seems unanimously going towards AI development, and we must understand the current challenges and solutions facing cyber security in the coming AI revolution.
Main Challenges of Cybersecurity Today Regarding AI
Multiple Threats Can Now Attack Simultaneously Better
The use of AI by cyber attackers has made it possible to carry out numerous attacks on different targets simultaneously, posing a significant challenge to cybersecurity teams.
For instance, attackers can employ AI to launch a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack on a target’s website while simultaneously sending phishing emails to the organization’s employees. The DDoS attack can render the website inaccessible. At the same time, phishing emails try to trick employees into clicking on malicious links, potentially infecting their computers with malware.
When these attacks are launched in unison, it can be even more challenging for the cybersecurity team to detect and respond to them, thereby increasing the chances of a successful breach.
Identifying and Tracking Threats Are Costly
AI-driven attacks are highly sophisticated and constantly evolving. These mutating threats require great teams of experts to detect and predict their trajectory across the internet. With the attackers using a relatively inexpensive resource to corrupt or steal company data, while detecting and tracing these threats require substantial resources, expertise, and collaboration between the public and private sectors, preventing the said attack could be financially crippling to a company.
Cybersecurity Is Highly Reactive
Conventional cybersecurity measures rely on known attack patterns, which means their capacity to recognize and block attacks is limited to what has been seen before. The emergence of AI-generated threats that are constantly evolving and changing makes it even more challenging for these traditional security solutions to keep up.
For instance, AI can produce phishing emails that appear genuine and can deceive even experts. Another example of an AI-generated threat is ransomware, which uses AI to encrypt files on a victim’s computer.
Traditional security solutions aren’t equipped to handle such threats because they only detect known attack patterns and must be more agile to adapt to the ever-changing nature of AI-generated threats. As a result, organizations need to embrace new cybersecurity approaches incorporating AI and proactive defense mechanisms.
What’s Currently Lacking and Abused by Digital Threats
Operational Technology Lacking Security
Operational technology (OT) is the software and hardware that controls physical devices and systems in critical infrastructure, such as power grids, water treatment plants, and manufacturing facilities. OT systems are often isolated from the internet, which makes them more challenging to hack. However, this isolation also makes them more vulnerable to attacks within the organization.
AI-driven attacks can exploit the vulnerabilities in OT systems to cause widespread disruption. For example, an AI-driven attack could target a power grid and cause a blackout. Or, an AI-driven attack could target a water treatment plant and contaminate the water supply.
Absent Updates and Patches
Software and systems are constantly updated with security patches to fix known vulnerabilities. However, many organizations need to apply these updates and patches promptly. This leaves them vulnerable to AI-driven attacks that exploit known vulnerabilities.
For example, an AI-driven attack could target a web application running an outdated software version. The attack could exploit a known vulnerability in the software to gain access to the application and steal data.
Non-Preventive Use of Cybersecurity
Many organizations still adopt a reactive approach to cybersecurity. This means that they focus on remediation after an attack has occurred rather than proactively preventing attacks from happening in the first place.
This approach is not sustainable in the face of AI-driven attacks. AI-driven attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and it is becoming more challenging to detect and respond to them after they have occurred.
Organizations need to adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity. This means that they need to use AI to identify and prevent attacks before they happen.
Solutions to Prepare Data and Tech With The Coming of AI
Acquiring high-end digital securities such as TLS and PKI certificates
Organizations should invest in robust digital security protocols like Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificates to ensure data integrity and confidentiality. These protocols can protect data from unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. They can also help to authenticate users and devices and to encrypt communications.
To learn more about TLS and PKI Certificates
Investing in trusted AI-powered security solutions
Organizations should collaborate with reputable vendors and partners to ensure that AI solutions and tools are thoroughly vetted for security and integrity. This will help to ensure that the AI solutions are not used to harm organizations or their data. AI can be used to automate security tasks, identify and respond to threats, and predict future attacks.
See AI-ready security solutions Acmetek trusts and recommends.
Keeping an eye out for digitally secure methodologies for data and IoT
Organizations should employ secure data transmission methods and adopt best practices for securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
This will help to protect data from unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. It will also help to prevent IoT devices from being used to launch attacks.
See the latest IoT systems and securities you can check here at Acmetek.
Conclusion
Integrating AI in cyber security presents a complex landscape where the advantages and risks are intertwined. While AI can empower cyber attackers with more sophisticated and damaging tools, it also equips defenders with the capability to detect and respond to threats with unprecedented speed and accuracy.
To ensure that AI enhances rather than compromises cyber security efforts, organizations must invest in robust digital security measures, collaborate with trusted partners, and adopt proactive strategies to defend against emerging AI-driven threats. We can navigate the evolving digital landscape and build a safer and more secure digital future by staying vigilant and proactive.
To learn more about AI, Cybersecurity, and other tech-related topics, check out our blogs and whitepapers from experts here at Acmetek.