The Role of AI in Cybersecurity Friend or Foe

Modern cybersecurity has an escalating dependence on AI which is driven by the need to combat constantly growing and sophisticated cyber threats. As AI is highly efficient in processing large data sets quickly this can provide enhanced threat detection and faster response time, which in the constantly evolving climate of cybersecurity could provide an extremely useful and potentially essential tool.

The utilisation of automated systems streamlines routine tasks, which in turn allows rapid incident response and helps reduce the workloads of cybersecurity professionals. In addition, with AI's adaptive learning this enables it to stay ahead of evolving attack patterns which allows proactive defences. The technology's scalability, predictive analysis, and cost-efficiency further contribute to its pivotal role in fortifying organisations against the dynamic and complex nature of modern cyber risks.

However, while AI could be used as a powerful tool against cybersecurity threats, equally understanding the risks of AI in cybersecurity is paramount for crafting effective defence strategies. Leveraging AI enhances threat detection, automates responses, and can help organisations to adapt to evolving risks. Alternatively, awareness of potential malicious uses, biases, and the risk of human complacency is crucial to combat the potentially negative consequences of reliance on AI. It is essential to utilise a balanced approach to harness the benefits of AI while at the same time mitigating vulnerabilities. As reliance on AI grows, a nuanced understanding ensures organisations can proactively address emerging threats, protect against adversarial attacks, and maintain the integrity of their cyber security posture in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

AI in Cybersecurity

AI in cybersecurity can be employed for threat detection and prevention by analysing vast datasets for patterns and anomalies in real-time. By using machine learning algorithms potential threats can be identified, routine security tasks can be automated, and behavioural analysis can be conducted to help identify abnormal/malicious activities.  In addition, AI could be used to continuously adapt defences to evolving attack methods, which would enhance proactive identification and mitigation of cybersecurity risks.

To achieve this, AI uses anomaly detection to identify unusual patterns by establishing a baseline of normal behaviour. Machine learning algorithms analyse deviations from this baseline, flagging anomalies that may indicate potential attacks. This proactive approach enhances and aids cybersecurity professionals by swiftly identifying and mitigating threats based on abnormal patterns in data and user behaviour.

AI in cybersecurity also employs behavioural analysis, which scrutinizes user activities and identifies deviations from established patterns. This proactive approach helps to detect and mitigate threats by recognising abnormal behaviours that may indicate malicious intent or unauthorised access, further highlighting the potential use of AI as a defender.

Some organisations claim to be utilising real world AI-driven cybersecurity defences which can potentially provide the following advantages for professionals using AI in cybersecurity:

• Detection and mitigation of threats by autonomously learning normal network behaviour.
• AI-based antivirus software could potentially prevent malware by analysing file characteristics.

The above examples highlight the potential for AI to be used in real-time threat detection and response.

AI in Vulnerability Management

Continuous monitoring for system weaknesses could be achieved by AI via analysing data patterns and behaviours, predicting vulnerabilities, and providing proactive insights. By using adaptive learning, continuous assessments of evolving threat landscapes could be achieved. Therefore, organisations would be provided with the ability to identify and resolve system weaknesses in real-time, leading to a stronger cybersecurity posture.

A common weakness for organisations is often due to missing security patches that would resolve vulnerabilities.  AI could help provide a solution for these issues by streamlining patching processes due to its ability to autonomously identify and prioritise system vulnerabilities.  This would help an organisation to increase the speed at which they respond to security updates – reducing the amount of work to resolve these vulnerabilities and improving the overall patch management process, as well as their security posture. However, it should be noted that using AI for vulnerability management faces challenges such as reliance on historical data, potential biases, and the risk of false positives. Adversaries can exploit AI vulnerabilities, and over-reliance may lead to missed human-context nuances. For example, an AI may only check for generic vulnerabilities in a website, such as cross-site scripting, but ignore access control vulnerabilities, such as gaining unauthorised access to another user’s data or abusing a password reset feature. In addition, the complexities required for continuous monitoring, as well as the need for skilled personnel, pose additional hurdles. Therefore, when using AI as a defence, careful consideration is required for effective implementation.

Despite some of the issues of utilising AI, some organisations claim it has improved system security in some instances and provides the following capabilities:

• Analysis of security data to identify threats.
• Detection of network anomalies in real-time.
• Autonomously responding and neutralizing threats.

Emerging Threats from AI

While AI can provide strong security measures, AI-powered cyber-attacks might also pose severe risks. Adversaries may learn to exploit AI to enhance malware and make it harder to identify, automate sophisticated phishing attempts, and attempt to bypass security features. In addition, the potential for AI to generate convincing deepfakes or manipulate data poses credibility threats. Therefore, implementing thorough checks to identify AI generated content is crucial to prevent malicious exploitation and protect against evolving cyber threats in this dynamic landscape.

A further example of emerging threats from AI is adversarial machine learning. This involves manipulating AI models by introducing subtle, often imperceptible, changes to input data. An example of this could be harvesting large quantities of emails sent by someone an attacker wishes to impersonate. The AI could then observe and recognise patterns in the way the victim phrases and generally communicates in their emails. Using this information, an AI could generate a more believable and legitimate reading of phishing emails based on the recovered information to raise the chances of a successful attack.

Distinguishing between legitimate and malicious AI use is challenging due to the evolving sophistication of attacks. Ambiguities arise from attackers leveraging AI for deception, making it difficult to discern between normal and nefarious activities, necessitating robust defence mechanisms and continuous adaptation to combat emerging threats effectively.

The above examples and some real-world incidents, such as $25 million dollars being paid to an imposter using deep fake technology, underscore the growing risk of malicious actors leveraging AI for sophisticated cyber-attacks.

Ethical Considerations

Responsible AI and cybersecurity development is vital to prevent unintended consequences, biases, and adversarial exploits. Ethical considerations ensure AI tools enhance security without compromising privacy and trust or becoming vulnerabilities themselves, fostering a robust and sustainable cyber defence landscape.

One of the many use cases for AI is in surveillance. AI can be trained to recognise the faces of the public and has been implemented in at least 75 countries. While this could result in safer streets and reduced crime, it raises ethical questions regarding consent and potentially intrusive data collection. Therefore, it is important to balance the benefits of enhanced security alongside the safeguarding of individual privacy to maintain public trust.

AI is human made, therefore regulatory frameworks can be applied, similar to how rules now exist regarding the use of computers and personal information, such as the Computer Misuse Act 1990 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Implementing regulation will enforce the ethical use of AI in cybersecurity by:

• Defining permissible AI practices.
• Enforce transparency.
• Set standards for data privacy and security.

Further benefits of robust frameworks could provide guidance to developers, organisations, and governments in navigating the ethical landscape. This would be achieved by fostering responsible AI deployment that prioritises security without compromising fundamental principles of privacy, fairness, and accountability.

Furthermore, building trust, transparency, and accountability in AI algorithms for cybersecurity is essential. Open disclosure of algorithms and decision-making processes helps identify and rectify potential biases or missing areas of consideration for data. Accountability ensures responsible development, deployment, monitoring, and ethical practices. This transparent approach not only strengthens cyber security but also upholds fundamental values, mitigating potential risks and increasing public confidence in AI applications.

Navigating the Future

It is very likely the future of cyber security will be heavily affected and governed by AI trends like autonomous threat detection, predictive analytics, and AI-driven incident response.

An example of advancements in AI could be the integration with quantum-resistant cryptography. Quantum-resistant cryptography would ensure that encryption can be performed and securely maintained even when attempted to be decrypted by a quantum computer which is 100 trillion times faster than modern supercomputers.

Further advancements could also be made regarding explainable AI, which would allow more transparency and accountability regarding cyber security operations.

For organisations to stay ahead of AI-driven threats, it is recommended to perform the following:

• Foster a cybersecurity culture, promoting continuous education on AI risks.
• Investing in advanced threat intelligence.
• Regularly updating security protocols.
• Employing AI for detection.
• Collaborating with the cyber security community to increase readiness.
• Embracing ethical AI practices.
• Engaging in red teaming exercises.

Staying informed about emerging threats ensures organisations can proactively adapt, strengthen defences, and mitigate risks posed by the evolving landscape of AI-driven cyber threats.

Collaboration between the cybersecurity community and AI developers is also essential for a collective defence against evolving threats, sharing insights, and harbouring continuous innovation to stay ahead in the dynamic cyber landscape.

Continuous learning and adaptation are critical for cybersecurity professionals dealing with AI. Staying abreast of evolving AI technologies and tactics enables effective defence against sophisticated cyber threats. As AI in cybersecurity evolves, ongoing education ensures professionals can keep up with the latest developments and leverage advanced tools and strategies, as well as staying ahead of malicious actors, enhancing the overall resilience of cybersecurity measures.

Conclusion

AI is the next big innovation in technology so being weary of its potential, like how people were weary of online shopping, is a natural response. AI is neither good nor bad but a powerful tool that can be used to either increase cyber security, or bypass existing security features.

Therefore, it is important to stay up to date with current AI developments and ensure that people are aware of its risks as well as all the benefits it can provide. Training is the best defence for keeping up to date with AI and its uses, as often is the case it’s human error that can lead to vulnerabilities within systems.