By: Dhanush Reddy Chinthaparthy Reddy, Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Madanapalle Institute of Technology and Science, Angallu(517325), Andhra Pradesh
Abstract
Again, AI technology is on the ascendance in the sense that its expansion ratio is alarming; thereby, it continues to impose widespread effects in various sectors including cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is among the significant topics as the number of data breaches increases in recent years: this paper aims at discussing the application of AI in enhancing security of cyber systems. In this regard, it talks about the aspects as well as the reasons for which the anti-cyber threat mechanisms such as machine learning, neural networks and other allied applications of AI are more effective than traditional methods. The paper explores the modern techniques and tools in AI cybersecurity to define the advantages for the usage: the nature of enhanced velocity and accuracy in threat detection and handling the new types of threats. Moreover, it also expands on the opportunities and the threats of AI in the context of cybersecurity pertaining to vulnerabilities to adversarial designs and the need for heavy computing power. Thus, this paper through the analysis of the existing literature and case studies is aimed at providing a deeper and more nuanced perspective to the present-day developments in AI-based cybersecurity and the possible directions for future research.
Keywords: Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Threats.
Introduction
Through the years AI has risen as an important technology that can support increase cybersecurity for blocking cyber risks. Because information technology has found its way into most sectors in the society, then new ways in which the hackers can exploit the sectors have also been discovered; it therefore means that organizations have the new challenge of how to protect their information and structures from such attacks. Thus, the aim of the given paper is to expose readers to the issue of AI based solutions in enhancing cybersecurity, the history behind it, the inception of AI solutions, the existing issue, and the future of AI in the cybersecurity domain.
Anyone and everyone are now for target; ransomware, phishing, zero knowledge attacks are the order of the day. While the practices described here do serve as a somewhat decent retention, they are not very efficient when it comes to the dynamic nature of computer risks. Considering the irreplaceable importance of AI in the development of classic trends in cybersecurity, it is crucial to expand the discussion on effective techniques in today’s world, including machine learning, NLP, and anonymization. That is why, to achieve it, AI solutions utilize massive datasets, exceptionally refined algorithms, and intent to utilize shorter periods in the designation of patterns, recognition of ambiguous occurrences or even possible dangers.
AI Techniques in Cybersecurity
Hence, referring to AI, it can be stated that it does positively influence the domain of cybersecurity to great extent by altering the approaches applied to both the offense and defense. Accordingly, this paper focuses on analysing the literature to understand the recent form of AI-based cyber threats and the countermeasures based on AI. It offers the basic understanding of the contemporary AI approaches in the cyber offences supported by the machine learning in malware and AI in the phishing attacks in addition to the diverse modern techniques in the protection of the AI based offences including the anomaly detection system and the automated reaction plans. Chronological real-life case studies of the past large-scale cyber security threats expose how extensive and efficient the AI approach to threats is as well as the countermeasures deployed. Consequently, while comparing the AI application in the information attack and defence, certain distinctions are observable and evident of the challenge that the cybersecurity specialists face today, despite the fact that threats are rapidly emerging. Therefore, the conclusions reveal ongoing cycles of continuity and change and the necessity of cooperation in the sphere of cybersecurity; they also depict the current tendencies of the AI cybersecurity race and provide general recommendations on how to enhance the protection against cyber threats at the global level.[1]
Benefits of AI in Cybersecurity
To say the least, as has been said before, nobody is safe from cybercrime. Myriam Dunn Cavelty (2018) in her book defines cybersecurity as “the set of initiatives and operations–technology related or otherwise–that is designed to safeguard the ‘real geography’ of cyberspace and the abovementioned devices, the software and the information materials which these devices contain and transmit, against every form of risks and threats.” As we face the future with advancing technologies,hackers are of the same decency as well and are devising smarter stunts which are one-up on the present day security systems. With reference to the proceeding of cyber criminals new cyber attacks are gradually beginning to integrate AI to complicate the process (Harel, Gal, and Elovici, 2017). AI is one of the branches of Computer Science that is based on using complex numerical operations to mimic human brain functioning (Lidestri 2018). The peak of the subject of Artificial Intelligence was initially recognized by John McCarthy together with other researchers in the year 1956 when he put forward the term Artificial Intelligence. The early approaches in AI did have games like the checkers game that indeed could learn from training. It could learn to play almost on the same level as any average or even outstanding player of the game. Since it was at the close of the first decade in Artificial Intelligence, the accomplishment was a big boost to digital computing. The question that arose was how to strive toward the application of AI to the development of solutions. The researchers had a poor amount of knowledge which in a way restrained their ability to understand some of the problems (Tecuci, 2011). Although getting to the genuine AI is still a shot in the
blue, AI has made tremendous progress and has improved most of the areas ranging from the automobile, medical, and astronomical science. Thereby, the need to combat the ever-evolving threats in cyberspace led to the enhancement of the applications of AI methods in cybersecurity practices.[2]
Challenges and Limitations
AI takes different methods of encrypting data and some protocols to form an amalgamated solution for protecting information. Such measures of encryption make it highly virtually impossible for the data to be deciphered, thus, improving security for networking firms and other organizations. The feature of AI in data security has also been effective proving that it offers better and sure protection[3]. Nevertheless, as AI was developed by human beings, it has the original sin, but with the ability to reprogram and self-evolve to take on responsibilities. This human origin means that it can be investigated why it is working and copied, something that could lead to a dangerous compromise to its security since people would be able to understand how it works. [4]
A major disadvantage of AI is that at its base it is lines of written code that need to function according to established rules and can be updated as required. Despite the fact that self-development capabilities may appear prestigious, they are only programs, therefore the system is vulnerable to manipulation[5]. In essence, by editing a few lines of code, it means that a system that has been created to protect, can in fact be used to attack its creator. This potential for misuse is one of the biggest flaws associated with AI concerning cybersecurity and is as follows. This is why developers and computer scientists must be aware of this risk because of AI’s ability to turn on its designers and assault its mechanical security roles[6].
Still, AI systems can also be trained to be able to identify cyber threats, making it a more preventive type of security.
Reference
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Cite As
Reddy D.R.C. (2024) Understanding AI-Powered Cybersecurity, Insights2Techinfo, pp.1