Step up your cybersecurity with NordVPN 💻 Get an exclusive deal here:https://content.nordvpn.com/3lvRA0V AI in cybersecurity — will it help us, or destroy us? Artificial intelligence and machine learning could greatly benefit the cybersecurity industry. However, they both could also pose threats. Check out this video for a quick overview of what AI could do for cybersecurity and what challenges it might bring.
00:00 Intro 00:38 What is artificial intelligence? 00:45 What is machine learning? 00:57 AI in cybersecurity 01:57 AI challenges 03:02 Can criminals use AI? 03:53 Outro
AI is intelligence displayed by machines rather than living creatures. Machine learning is a subcategory of AI that enables programs to identify patterns and apply them in problem-solving.
Artificial intelligence in cybersecurity
AI can predict and fend off cyberattacks more accurately than people since it can process enormous amounts of data fast. It also frees up employees to focus on other, more complex tasks.
Machine learning can be very effective against malware. It can scan massive databases of existing malicious software and block an attack if a new, modified version of it surfaces. AI is also great at network monitoring. Machine learning can determine typical user behaviors and, when something out of the ordinary happens, flag it as a potential threat.
AI also plays a significant role in biometric authentication, which can eliminate the need for passwords. That can be good news since a staggering 80% of data breaches are linked to weak passwords. Most importantly, it detects potential threats immediately, enabling cybersecurity experts to react fast. AI can help deal with critical vulnerabilities 40% more quickly.
AI and cybersecurity: Benefits and challenges
Artificial intelligence is not invincible. Some tasks performed by AI can be manipulated if hackers get access to them. So, an AI program could be tricked into labeling dangerous software or user behavior as safe — or the other way around.
Biometric authentication can also be dangerous. Biometric information in the wrong hands can be used for surveillance and other infringements of our privacy. And unlike passwords, you can’t change your biometric data.
This brings us to another problem. AI technology has enabled companies to collect and process more data than ever before. It will probably contribute to further deterioration of digital privacy and security.
Another challenge AI poses is expensive implementation. Since a lot of AI technology is still experimental, the cost currently may be too high for many companies. And what if criminals use AI? The powerful technology can enable hackers to carry out bigger and more sophisticated attacks quickly.
Like network monitoring and learning patterns of user behavior, criminals can also apply machine learning to determine why certain cyberattacks were unsuccessful and create more powerful and effective attack models.
AI can also be used to create malware that resembles trusted software. It can be used to learn about the target network’s patterns and execute dangerous attacks without ever being detected.
Hackers can also exploit AI for more powerful brute force attacks with deep learning. When researchers gave AI millions of leaked passwords and tasked it to generate new ones, the program had an alarming 26% success rate.
