With the rate at which artificial intelligence technology is growing, it is no surprise that its application has reached a wider audience, including malicious users. The newer AI tools and technologies like Generative AI have further helped them automate their hacking process that can work with just a single command.
On the other hand, the growth of artificial intelligence has also proved to be a great advantage in protecting the cyber world. From advanced AI algorithms that can detect fraud beforehand to AI models that can help respond to different types of cyber-attacks promptly, AI technology comes in very handy.
For all the aspiring students looking to make a career in AI or cybersecurity, this brief guide will highlight various applications of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity both in attacks, as well as defense.
Different ways in which AI is used to perform cyber-attacks
Attackers have already started using AI to develop new and more sophisticated malware such as deep-learning-based malware. They can be hard to detect, as well as criminals can use them to automate their attacks and make them more personalized. Here, let us look at how cyber criminals use this advanced technology to enhance their cyber-attacks.
1.Malicious Deep-fakes
With the use of Generative AI, realistic deep fakes of audio and video recordings can be created. This can be used to deceive people into revealing sensitive information, doing unauthorized financial transactions, or doing any other harmful actions.
2.Phishing attacks
Artificial intelligence technology can also be used to automate and create more personalized phishing emails that are more likely to trick people into clicking on harmful or infected malicious links.
3.Social engineering attacks
Social engineering attacks have become more sophisticated with the introduction of advanced AI tools. They are used to analyze social media data and identify the target individuals who are more vulnerable. This is also called social engineering attacks.
4.Vulnerability exploitation
AI technology has also been used by cyber-criminals to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in software and systems. Those vulnerabilities that are unknown to security researchers can also be identified by expert criminals.
5.Botnets
AI can be used to create and control a huge amount of botnets consisting of compromised devices that are used to launch denial-of-service attacks or distribute malware.
AI Engineers must be aware of these different types of cybercrimes using AI before they can actually work to solve or respond to such cyber-attacks.
How does AI work to combat cybercrimes?
Now, let us skip to the good part. AI has not only found applications for destructive use but is widely used in protecting the cyber-space with even more efficiency. AI professionals use the latest AI technologies for the detection and prevention of cyber threats. According to Osterman Research, around 73% of organizations have adopted security products consisting of some form of AI integrated into them. Not only that, the global AI in cybersecurity market size is also expected to grow to $38.2 billion by 2026. It is highly recommended that students enroll in the best AI certification programs to learn the art and science of protecting their organizations from cyber-attacks.
Here are some ways in which artificial intelligence is widely used to detect and prevent different types of cyber-attacks globally.
1.Intrusion detection systems (IDS)
With the help of AI-powered IDS, malicious activity on networks can be detected even if that activity is new or unknown. It can be done by analyzing large amounts of data from a variety of sources like network traffic, logs, security events, etc. Such systems are also effective in blocking malicious traffic and taking corrective measures.
2.Security information and event management (SIEM)
SIEM is used to collect and analyze security data to identify patterns and anomalies that could indicate an attack. AI-powered SIEM is also used to correlate events from different sources and provide a more complete picture of an attack. With SIEM, detection and response to threats become quickly and effectively by security teams.
3.Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
The EDR systems are used to detect and respond to malicious activity at endpoints for example in laptops, servers, etc. This is done by monitoring system activities, file changes, and other behaviors for signs of malicious activity. The AI-powered EDR helps in automatically isolating or quarantining infected endpoints or taking other corrective actions.
4.User and Entity Behaviour Analytics (UEBA)
This refers to the use of AI tools in analyzing the user behavior data that helps to identify anomalous activity indicating a compromised account or malicious insider.
5.Threat Intelligence
AI-powered threat intelligence platforms collect and analyze threat data and help provide AI professionals and security teams with the required insights into the latest threats and attack vectors.
Conclusion
As the year advances, the AI technology will grow even further. This brings in a great opportunity for both the cyber-criminals as well as the cybersecurity specialists to demonstrate their expertise in using AI for cyber-attack or defense. If you are looking to get into a career in the Artificial intelligence domain or cybersecurity field, then remaining updated with the latest advancements is highly recommended.
