The world is constantly changing to make things better for human beings. One of the biggest things that has cropped up over the last few years is AI technology. These computer-generated programs will help us out with things like learning how to word certain phrasings that we are stuck on or, even better, cybersecurity. However, one thing to consider is how AI has wholly changed cybersecurity.
AI has changed cybersecurity in many different ways. It provides automation, detects threats, provides insider threats, and much more. You can protect your organization from significant threats and organize everything more efficiently.
This article discusses what AI is precisely and goes more in-depth on how it changes cybersecurity. You will not want to miss this information, especially if you are a business owner trying to maximize the security system you have in place already.
What Is AI?
AI is short for artificial intelligence. More than that, AI uses computers and machines that mimic problem-solving and human intelligence. Although this term has been broadly used more in the last few years than ever, AI has existed for many years.
For example, when you search for something on Google, and it takes seconds to show thousands, if not millions, of answers, you use AI technology. Another example is using a GPS on your cell phone, which can tell you where to go almost instantly, or when you use ChatGPT, which helps form paragraphs or sentences more efficiently.
How Is AI Changing Cybersecurity?
There are many ways AI is changing cybersecurity. For example, AI technology helps you stay ahead of the curve and helps protect your business or organization from significant cyber threats. AI technology detects threats much quicker than if you do it manually, making it much more efficient. We will review other ways AI is changing cybersecurity for the better.
1. Machine Learning
Machine learning is a form of AI that allows computers or programs to learn how things work without being programmed. In terms of cybersecurity, machine learning algorithms identify patterns by looking at data from any previous attacks you may have had. Afterward, it develops a cultivated breaching system that is harder for cybercriminals to enter.
2. Insider Threats
When an insider threat occurs, it can be challenging to find as the person accessing said information has legitimate access to a specific network. Still, AI technology can detect particular patterns and user behavior that indicate an insider threat. These patterns will be flagged for further investigation. As a business owner, it provides you peace of mind that said technology exists, especially if you are not savvy in immediately detecting cyber attacks.
3. Automation
AI is always automatic, which makes detecting cyber security a breeze. In return, it allows any cyber security professional to focus on investigating more significant threats to a corporation or business. Doing so provides you and the professionals more time and energy to work on the things that matter the most, thus not hindering you much.
4. Threat Detection
Nowadays, billions of devices connect us to the Internet. Because of this, you will need something that automatically sorts through massive volumes of data to help detect threats. It is an enormous asset for cyber security professionals as the algorithm can quickly pick up specific patterns and help identify any suspicious or unusual activity.
5. Endpoint Security
Endpoint security is essential because it protects devices like laptops, desktops, and mobile devices from being exposed to malicious activities. It secures the entry and endpoints of the objects used. Traditionally, endpoint security relies on signature-based detections, which help identify and block threats. However, this specific approach is not as effective.
AI-powered endpoint security is more effective as it can identify specific threats that will remain untouched otherwise. Its machine learns the algorithms much quicker and detects unknown threats you previously may have missed.
6. Improves Threat Intelligence
Threat intelligence works in a specific cycle: direction, collection, processing, analysis, dissemination, and feedback. It can be used to optimize cybersecurity more effectively because it analyzes large volumes of data from different sources. Using AI-powered technology offers early warnings and closes in on potential threats that can attack your devices.
What Are Some Tips for Using AI Safely?
As with every good thing, there will always be the opposite. Despite using AI technology for good, many hackers will find a way to use it to benefit themselves, which, in return, does not benefit you or your company. In this case, we will provide you with some tips on how you can use AI technology safely and effectively.
1. Use Caution
Many hackers are coming out with free AI programs, so it is imperative to make sure you do your research before jumping on an AI app or something similar that is “free.” Although it may be accessible upfront, you can lose thousands, if not millions, of dollars because you chose the wrong program. Be mindful when making these decisions, and do not make any rash ones without much thought.
It is also worth mentioning that you should never provide any personal information online without knowing for sure that it is a legitimate AI program or company. For example, if a company provides little information and you give your credit card, name, and place of residence, odds are you are being scammed.
2. No Confidential Information
Although there is a lot of Chat GPT information out there, it is essential to never feed them any personal information. For example, if your company makes over $200,000 a year, never write that down. Also, never provide social security numbers or other private information about yourself and your employees.
Also, never provide personal information such as health data, names, or photo examples from you or your customers.
3. Do Not Blindly Trust
Although AI technology is advancing and providing more accurate information, it is essential never to blindly trust precisely what was said. It would be best to continue researching from multiple sources even after an AI program provides you with responses. Another thing to consider is if you are using Chat GPT for specific information, make sure it sounds right as many times what is written does not always make sense.
4. Business Decisions
It may be tempting to have AI technology help you make crucial business decisions, but you mustn’t allow this to happen. This is because AI is essentially that: artificial intelligence.
Although it may know a lot of things, it does not mean you should allow it to make any specific decisions for you. If you are the CEO of a large brand company or just starting, the last thing you want to do is go to something that is technically not real.
5. Use Caution with Computer Codes
Many computer programmers have started using AI tools to write codes. However, there is a threat that some of these tools can carry a computer virus. In this case, it is imperative to double-check anything before putting it on your electronic device. If you can, we recommend hiring a computer programmer to go over everything in detail, assuming you may not understand how coding works.
6. Follow the Internet Safety Protocols
It goes without saying that you must use strong passwords before making an account to protect yourself from cyber threats. Not only that, but it is wise to use extreme caution in these areas as well:
- Understand how AI works before using any of their systems.
- Be mindful of your privacy; do not give any information out online.
- Keep your software up to date.
- Monitor any usage your company has been doing.
- Do not rely on AI alone to protect your corporation from any cyber threats.
- Be aware of bias.
7. Watch What is Uploaded
Do not upload specific aspects of the AI system without knowing what you are doing. For example, do not upload code snippets, network diagrams, or process flows from the software.
Conclusion
To summarize everything, there are many ways AI technology has advanced in protecting us from cyber attacks, but there are some cautions to be made as well. We hope this article has helped you become more knowledgeable about using it to better your company. We highly recommend contacting our other articles for help if you have any other questions.