Cyberattacks are increasing in severity and complexity at an astonishing rate. With the abundant availability of sophisticated AI, criminals can put together more devastating schemes to go undetected in your systems. According to Blackberry, 82 percent of IT decision-makers plan to invest in AI-driven cybersecurity in the next two years. Now, being diligent in your security practices is more critical than ever.

Are you prepared for a cybercriminal to take over your business accounts and hold them for ransom? Cybersecurity attacks are not a scare tactic but a real threat to be ready for.

What is AI?

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is a field of science that pushes computers and machines toward mimicking human reasoning, learning, and action. AI encompasses many disciplines, including computer science, data analytics, statistics, hardware and software engineering, linguistics, neuroscience, and even philosophy and psychology. AI won’t replace humans but is used to analyze immense amounts of data to formulate likely outcomes.

How is AI used in Cybersecurity attacks?

As with most initial uses for AI in cybersecurity, reducing repetitive tasks that don’t require the expertise of security analysts frees them up to handle more complex actions like policymaking. AI does not replace your fraud detection, data protection, or authentication tools but works together with them to make everything as secure as possible. A report from IBM states that data breaches cost businesses, on average, US $4.45 million per incident.

It must be stated that using generative AI in cybersecurity also helps it learn vulnerabilities, which makes it easier for bad actors to exploit them. This isn’t to dissuade at all but to recognize that AI, used for “good or evil,” is just one side of the same coin. Using it wisely, and with the proper intention and documentation, you can create a strong guard to protect your business.

What Are the Advantages of AI in Cybersecurity Attacks

Cybersecurity attacks can bankrupt any business that isn’t prepared. AI’s massive advantage is its ability to be “always on.” You get constant computing power, looking for areas of weakness, then pouncing to protect the system. Here are some additional advantages:

• Attack Detection: AI can scan and digest data 24/7, meaning it doesn’t stop. Your business has patterns, and AI can watch these patterns and adjust to stop threats with more accuracy and speed. 

• Analyze Incident Data: By looking at incidents well in the past or immediately after they occur, you can get a detailed analysis in a fraction of the time. Using real-world incidents, more specific remediation efforts can be suggested to reduce future attacks. 

• Strengthening Password Practices: Large language models (LLM) have been trained through password leaks to guess what passwords may be used, which puts organizations at risk. Using AI to develop password practices for your business dramatically increases security by taking human tendencies out of the equation. 

• Increase Human Efficiency: AI analyzes enormous amounts of data, and the outcomes can reveal hidden inefficiencies. By highlighting areas for improvement, human analysts can devote more time to advanced analytics not covered by AI. 

What Are the Disadvantages of AI in Cybersecurity

The reality is that nothing is perfect, and the same goes for using AI in cybersecurity. You need to be aware of limitations or areas of concern, and working with an experienced cybersecurity professional like Complete Computers can help you sidestep any unintended mistakes. A mistake can increase cybersecurity attacks, so here are some areas to be aware of:

• Data Privacy Concerns: For your specific business needs, AI would need access to data that isn’t usually public. For example, OpenAI, which created ChatGPT, pours through public data and gives responses based on that. For you to use that same power on your network, you would need to give AI access to your data, which, if not done correctly, could open you up to security breaches. 

• Lack of Transparency: Any AI is a closed ecosystem. You don’t know what it uses to reach the conclusions it suggests or how. It’s proprietary to the companies that created it and a closely guarded secret. 

• Reliability and Accuracy: You must be keenly aware that AI is only as good as the data it consumes. Flawed or incomplete info in, and inaccurate, unreliable info out. Solid data practices need to be established before entirely relying on AI.

Protect Yourself and Your Business From Cybersecurity Attacks

It’s time to take advantage of technological advancements to better secure your business’s future. By working with a partner specialized in cybersecurity attacks, you increase your chances of catching an intrusion before it happens. A recent report states that by 2025, the global damage resulting from cybercrimes will reach US $10.5 trillion.

You deserve the best chance to succeed, and working with Complete Computers will help you focus on your business, not the uncertainty of cybersecurity attacks. You need to be aware but not have sleepless nights wondering, “What if…” Contact us today for details on how we can secure your technology investments.