There is a lot of chatter out there around the uses of artificial intelligence (AI) for cybersecurity. For example, Applied Sciences published a paper on how AI can be used for mobile malware detection, and Gartner has published on AI Security Management.
According to an article published in Forbes, entitled “A Primer on Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity,” AI “acts as a powerful catalyst and enabler for cybersecurity in our connected ecosystem.” The article provides an infographic by Chuck Brooks which visually outlines the uses of AI in cybersecurity in a clear and concise manner.
AI can “facilitate more effective decision-making, particularly in bigger networks with numerous users and factors…, can be used to keep an eye on network anomalies, spot emerging dangers…and detect them. …, and may be able to assist identity management,” among others.
On the other hand, “while AI and machine learning might be useful tools for cyber defense, they can also be double-edged swords that criminal hackers can utilize for bad intentions.” Some of these uses are outlined in Forrester’s Research Paper “Using AI for Evil: A Guide to How Cybercriminals Will Weaponize and Exploit AI to Attack Your Business.”
Not only can AI be used for access to networks and systems, but it can also be used for deep fakes, and to “conceal malware in commonly downloaded programs.”
In using AI for cybersecurity, according to Forbes, “For the near future, AI will have a disruptive effect on operational cybersecurity models. Risk management approaches and technology implementation will have to be continually adapted at the speed of smart algorithms. In the coming years, addressing novel and increasingly complex threats will be essential to maintaining business continuity and cyber-resilience. A thorough understanding of AI’s potential uses, benefits, and drawbacks is necessary for the future of cybersecurity.”