AI will redefine security (and it has to)
The world of cybersecurity is simultaneously being transformed and disrupted by the promise of Artificial intelligence (AI).
As new technologies emerge, so do new threats. Artificial intelligence (AI) is arguably the most hyped advancement in the quest for human amplification and augmentation, with the dark side of AI even being heralded as apocalyptic. AI applied to cybersecurity forebodes superpowers for cyber defenders, malicious actors – and a security transformation for those of us caught in the middle of the action.
In this blog post, we will explore how AI is relentlessly redefining security and discuss the following topics:
- What aspects of security AI is positioned to disrupt
- How AI empowers adversaries - and challenges security professionals
- How AI is being used to protect the world’s most valuable content
- How to monitor the advances of AI through the lens of cybersecurity
AI as a Security Disruptor
The practice of cybersecurity has been plagued by escalating attacks, lofty technology requirements, ever more costly resource needs and a scarcity of qualified cybersecurity professionals. Cybersecurity is ripe for disruption – let’s explore how AI is integral to the transformation of cybersecurity.
AI is being used to detect and prevent cyberattacks, correlating and analyzing massive amounts of data for anomalies and signs of malicious activity. Increasingly, organizations can identify potential threats against technologies and business practices before they become a problem. Think of AI as an early-warning system.
How many disparate security technologies do you have across your organization that are underutilized and not delivering their full value potential? Consider the applications and tools used for a single purpose or in a single department that could be better leveraged – if there was just a way to tie everything together. Enter AI to determine integrations, recommend technology rationalization, identify gaps and uncover business value. Point AI at your security infrastructure and configurations to optimize resource allocations and manage costs.
Perhaps the strongest use of AI is to empower the people that assure cybersecurity. AI can analyze security team dynamics, prioritize activities based on risk and threat velocity and even assist in hiring. With AI as a coach and a superpower, you can consider your workforce as your competitive security advantage.
AI as the Ultimate Bad Actor
Adversarial AI is here and only getting more threatening. AI that determines and empowers attacks, prescribes social engineering, excels at phishing, and is constantly seeking security weakness is aiding malicious actors in their nefarious quest. The ability for AI to identify complex and multi-faceted vulnerabilities, develop unique targeted and effective attacks, and morph and evade detection by developing custom attack code is daunting. Interactive attacks and phased campaigns are designed to exhaust resources across human and financial targets. Adversarial AI is after your data, your people – and your money.
The principal challenge for security professionals is keeping up with a constantly evolving AI. This means that security professionals need to have the skills and knowledge necessary to implement AI more effectively than their adversaries.
AI’s role in Protecting the World’s Most Valuable Content
Protecting content is different from just securing data. Content has meaning, value and purpose. Understanding the nature of the content (is it a contract, a resume or a video?), how the content is to be securely shared and collaborated on (internal, external, multi-party) and managing appropriate usage across the content security lifecycle [image: wheel] is key.
Performing all of the checks and balances necessary to attest to security, compliance and privacy requirements and regulations is a great use case for AI. AI that’s focused on both the business and technical aspects of the content security lifecycle assures your content never leaves your governance environment.
Also remember that much of the context for content comes from the business: be sure to involve Human Resources, Legal, Finance, Sales and Marketing along with other essential business units in developing your AI-infused content protection strategy.
Keeping up with the Security Advances of AI
AI is used for automating security functions – and it’s also great for automating security intelligence. Consider AI for advancing your security culture and delivering tailored insights for the evolving usage of AI. These can even be bundled into a compelling storyline that outlines the business problem, use cases, and value proposition in an impactful and entertaining way.
As a security professional, use AI to streamline and automate your daily security routine from observability to deep insights. Think of AI as not just another security tool, but as your security team.
And ensure AI is a foundational component of your content management platform, with deep Integrations into all the applications, services and processes that protect your organization’s most valuable content.