How AI Impacts Cybersecurity In 2024?

Last updated: March 18, 2024 Reading time: 5 minutes
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AI Impacts Cybersecurity In 2023?

Since its advent, AI has been the core fantasy of many technologists and tech geeks. There have been various works done to work upon its advancements.

It’s obvious. The human brain itself is a very complex structure. The concept of merging human cognition with technology will stir some leaves.

People have portrayed various aspects of AI with sky-high expectations. The fuel behind its development is the hope that AI would create the world to be something out of a sci-fi movie.

However, the main question here is whether AI would be a revolutionary breakthrough in the technological world or if it would be a nightmare version of Terminator’s “judgment day.”

In this article, we have managed to grasp that very idea and have given up insight on:

  • What artificial intelligence is
  • Types of artificial intelligence
  • Positive impacts of AI on cybersecurity
  • Effect of AI in a negative light.

Let’s proceed by clearing the air regarding Artificial Intelligence.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence refers to the simulations carried out by computers or technological devices to mimic human intelligence.

It is the work that allows computers to work on paths that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, etc.

In other words, it is the mimicry of human cognition and uses computers to do so. Its work includes learning, reasoning, and self-correction.

You can put it up as computers trying to be more like humans! Much like Sonny in iRobot!

Types of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence comprises two distinct main branches, which are as follows:

Weak Artificial Intelligence

This type is also termed narrow AI. It works on intelligence systems that are developed and designed for specific purposes.

They mimic human intelligence and work on the set of tasks that are fed to them. One such example is Apple’s Siri.

Strong Artificial Intelligence

General artificial intelligence is another name for artificial solid intelligence. The system works in the same way as human cognition works.

The artificial solid intelligence developed system can learn and grow. It means that an unfamiliar task can find a solution through self-cognition.

Role AI Would Play In Cybersecurity

AI has already stepped up the security games. Devices like biometric scanners contribute to general security. The world is indeed becoming somewhat secure.

AI has sure made a vast amount of contributions to the world. With the world technologically revolutionized, cybersecurity threats are also increasing.

As AI is still somewhat new in the market, most companies consider it a double-edged sword. People are still somewhat skeptical about the usage and authenticity of AI.

There is a profound impact of AI on cybersecurity. However, the critical focus here is whether the effect will be positive or negative.

AI and Cybersecurity – The Positive Aspect

Over the years, there has been much hype regarding artificial intelligence and its role in cybersecurity. Many large-scale companies, as well as the government, are investing in developing AI in cybersecurity.

With its rapid advancements, AI emerges as a powerful tool against cybersecurity. As it can analyze large amounts of data, it can be used to find required derivations and patterns. It can identify and work against malicious content such as:

  • DNS infiltration
  • Credentials misuse
  • Identity theft
  • Social engineering attacks

Furthermore, AI algorithms are designed to be much more complex and can be applied to mimic network and user behaviors. We can utilize it against highly skilled hackers as AI can work to step up the security of the defenders.

Apart from that, AI also plays a significant role in retrospection and prognostication. It is when a relatively new attack or vulnerability is introduced to a system. Now reverting to old logs to look for a defense mechanism is tedious if done manually.

AI, however, vouches for a change. AI can quickly complete manual tasks that take up loads of time in a few minutes. Also, if the attack is new in the system, AI is smart enough to develop a new defense technique.

AI and Cybersecurity – The Negative Perspective:

AI is undoubtedly one of the best things that have ever happened to the world of technology. However, there is a fat chance that despite all the positivity, it can be used against us too.

Whereas AI can be a great asset in cybersecurity. It can be used as a tool against it. First off, where AI can be used to come up with new defensive ways against attacks. In the same way, it can also come up with new malware or viruses.

As hackers will learn and have a far more firm grasp on this technology, they can surely use it to engineer more powerful attacks. AI algorithms are used to create a defense against malware and viruses; they can also be used to create even more dangerous versions of attacks.

AI also has the potential to contribute actively to social engineering attacks. Finding victims for a phishing or spear-phishing attack has become a far easier than it used to be.

Previously, a social engineer spent days and weeks planning and gathering information on the target. Now, information collection is a straightforward task with AI due to its various tools.

At first, AI can be used to go through massive amounts of data to filter out the perfect victim for an attack. Furthermore, AI can craft emails and sites that can effectively carry out the attack after selecting victims.

Conclusion

AI is undoubtedly the hot, reasonably new thing in the market. It has massive impacts on all aspects of our life, considering it is a significant breakthrough.

However, as everything has pros and cons, it is better to let the technology be developed. As far as it is in the process is concerned, it is better to keep your hands together and hope it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

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