Artificial Intelligence, For Better or Worse

Artificial intelligence is playing an ever more significant role in the reality of many businesses mainly to bridge the cybersecurity gap. AI is beneficial for organizations because it is better at detecting threats and protecting infrastructure and its contents. Conversely, cybercriminals are now taking advantage of this extra tool to launch more sophisticated and dangerous attacks because, even though technology is advancing and simplifying everyday tasks, cyberattacks are becoming more and more widespread and successful.

The advantages of artificial intelligence

Thanks to AI, computer systems can learn, reason and act using large sets of data that their sensors have gathered. According to Forbes, this is why 76% of the businesses surveyed will soon organize their IT budgets around prioritizing AI and machine learning. Here are some of the significant benefits of this new technology. 

• Threat detection: Because of its ability to process and analyse large amounts of data in real time, AI can help detect threats faster and more efficiently than humans. Algorithms have been developed to identify suspect patterns of behaviour and report malicious activity.
• Breach prevention: AI can help prevent attacks by identifying security vulnerabilities before cybercriminals can take advantage of them. At the same time, it can help improve system performance by identifying conceptual errors and recommending additional security measures. 
• Incident response: In the event of a cyberattack, AI can help mitigate the damage by quickly targeting the source of the attack and blocking cybercriminals from gaining access to the system. Artificial intelligence can then assist in rebuilding the damaged infrastructure. 
• Enhanced productivity: AI can also help reduce the workload for IT departments by automating certain tasks such as detecting weaknesses, classifying incidents and addressing security issues. 

The disadvantages of artificial intelligence

Despite the positive potential of this digital tool, artificial intelligence in the hands of hackers also raises its share of concerns and has drawbacks that need to be taken into account. 

First of all, it is important to understand that installing powerful AI systems for cybersecurity requires specialized skills in IT security and artificial intelligence. These skills are not readily available and can be difficult to find and the process can become costly in terms of material, programs and qualified personnel. 

Second, AI programs are fallible and can be vulnerable to cyberattacks compromising the efficiency of your security system and allowing Web hackers to access personal data. Cybercriminals can then make use of AI to target and identify applications, devices and fragile networks in order to broaden their social engineering attack. Combined with the stolen information, they have the tools required to create a large number of phishing emails for the purpose of disseminating malicious software or collecting other confidential information.  

In conclusion, the best way to fight against malicious entities using AI is to integrate AI into your security system and use it against them. It is certainly never too early to assess your company’s risk level for dealing with AI connected threats. As IT experts, we can help you to develop preventative protocols in order to mitigate the potential impact of these kinds of breaches. Contact one of our representatives today.