Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly common as criminals target businesses of all sizes and steal their data. A dedicated IT team has long been the best way to address threats as they arise, but unfortunately, many small and medium-sized businesses don’t have the budget to invest in that resource.
However, companies are increasingly using AI in cybersecurity, which utilizes machine learning technology to stay on top of the latest threats. The result is faster response times and a continually evolving cybersecurity presence for your business. Here’s what you should know about AI in cybersecurity.
As cybersecurity threats become more prominent, developing new ways to fight them is imperative. Using AI technology to detect and address threats automatically can help keep your business safe. Here’s a look at the current cybersecurity landscape and how AI technology can help.
The importance of a cybersecurity presence
Every business operating online or using an internal network needs a cybersecurity presence. Data breaches are widespread, and hackers are looking to steal your customer data, which could bring significant repercussions for the company.
For example, if an online retailer is hacked and a criminal steals customer addresses and credit card information, the public relations nightmare alone could be enough to sink the business. Significant expenses are also associated with repairing the network and potential lawsuits, so investing in cybersecurity could be the only thing protecting your company from financial ruin.
Cybersecurity options
Larger businesses will often employ a full-time IT team to address cybersecurity threats. A team is necessary because cybersecurity is an incredibly dynamic industry. Cybercriminals are continually evolving and developing new threats, so while a good start, cybersecurity software doesn’t provide complete protection.
Of course, hiring a full-time cybersecurity team is prohibitively expensive. You’ll need employees with experience and degrees in this in-demand field, so small and medium-sized businesses are quickly priced out of the market and left to rely on the available software. However, a new option is evolving in the form of AI machine learning technology.
What AI technology does
Artificial intelligence may be the best way for companies lacking the resource to hire a full-time security team to stay safe. This technology can spot threats to your company’s network that traditional software wouldn’t even know about yet, adding another layer of protection.
AI does this through its machine learning capabilities. This technology utilizes a sophisticated algorithm to train itself to recognize new threats and run pattern recognition. As a result, artificial intelligence can detect and react to even minor breaches before they have the opportunity to do significant damage.
This technology is predictive and has a language processor that allows it to sift through all the latest data regarding online dangers. It does this by reading online articles and studies to learn about potential cyber threats.
An artificial intelligence cybersecurity system learns as it works, becoming more robust and more intelligent over time. This ability allows it to preemptively block and isolate potential threats until a human can review them or permanently remove known threats without human intervention.
Even larger companies with cybersecurity teams can use this technology to identify hazards in real-time. The result is a more efficient security presence that lets very little slip through the cracks.
Potential issues with AI technology
Integrating AI technology into your cybersecurity strategy has plenty of benefits, but it isn’t a perfect solution. There are some downsides worth exploring before you begin.
First, there is an upfront cost associated with using AI technology. It will cost less than hiring an entire team of professionals, but it’s still a financial investment.
There’s also the chance of false positives, especially since cybercriminals can use AI to stay ahead of you. You’ll have to be confident in your algorithm because incorrect data could cause significant problems for your system.
The future of cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a critical topic in the business world because breaches are so common. However, technology like artificial intelligence should help business owners isolate and remove threats more efficiently.
Would you use AI technology to assist with your company’s cybersecurity presence? Let us know in the comment section below, and remember to share this article with the business owners in your life.