Experts believe that the addition of Artificial intelligence (AI) in cyber security can simplify complex processes and ensure better reliability, security and independence. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cyber security was worth over $10 billion in 2020 and can increase to $46.3 billion by 2027, as per insights from Statista. With AI-powered tools providing the capability to analyse big data in real-time, identify potential threats and reduce false positives by filtering out non-threatening activities, among others, cyber professionals can use AI to predict security challenges and recommend necessary actions or enhancements. In 2022, there were about 1,802 data compromises in the United States (US), where the average data breach cost $9.44 million. In addition to this, it takes an average of 287 days to identify and contain a major data breach, as per insights from Zippia, a career-based company. Experts believe about 82% of data breaches are at least partially caused by human error, which might be reduced with the intervention of AI.
By leveraging AI, we can improve cyber resilience and security analytics, where today’s hybrid multi-cloud environment inundated us with vast volumes of security data and infrastructure. “With generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) driven predictive analysis solution users can be one step ahead of potential threats, enhancing the security posture. Generative AI democratises AI, making it more accessible and manageable, ultimately empowering organisations to adapt and stay resilient in the face of evolving threats. As we embrace these transformative technologies, we’re not just bridging the workforce gap but also adding higher efficiency in securing a safer digital future,” Mohammad Wasim, group VP technology, Publicis Sapient, said.
In an era where interconnected ecosystems and digital transformation have expanded the threat landscape, AI-driven tools can automate threat detection and swiftly identify and neutralise threats, eventually reducing the work of cybersecurity professionals. During the first quarter of 2023, more than six million data records were exposed worldwide through data breaches, as per insights from Statista. The most targeted sectors encompass governments (24%), public services (12.5%), private services (12%), Information Technology (IT) providers (13%), banking and insurance (9%) and health (7%). “The cybersecurity industry is grappling with a perpetual shortage of skilled professionals and there’s simply no way to hire ourselves out of this problem. To address this, we need to leverage new AI and automation tools to drive faster and better outcomes and keep our defensive edge over adversaries. These tools are in the hands of your application security (AppSec) or bug bounty teams. The applications for AI go far beyond chat when considering security reviews, context around a bug or code, and report insights,” Mike Hanley, Chief Security Officer and SVP of Engineering, GitHub, explained.
According to the FBI Internet Crime Report, 847,376 complaints of internet-related crimes and financial losses exceeded $6.9 billion, a substantial increase from the previous year. “With ubiquitous connectivity and software at the heart of most of the devices that we use, cyber security is a topic on the top agenda for all organisations. There is an exponential increase in cyber threats, and breaches and consequently demand for skilled professionals is also increasing. This has led to a chronic shortage of talent and the research suggests a shortfall of 3.4 million experts. This can only be addressed by reskilling and upskilling together with new productivity-enhancing tools,” Jacob Peter, executive board, senior VP, mobility, research and development, Bosch Global Software Technologies, highlighted.
Interestingly, in India, the partnership between Google Cloud and CERT-In in the area of generative AI and cybersecurity helps advance the cybersecurity skills of learners and government officials. This includes training a ‘cyber force’ of 1,000 government officials in cyber defence best practices, including using gen AI and conducting cybersecurity AI hackathons led by front-line experts from Google Cloud and Mandiant. Google will also provide 100,000 new scholarships for Google Cybersecurity Certificates to learners in the community. “With the shortage of skilled cybersecurity talents, organisations often don’t have the budget, security technology tools, or institutional maturity to procure them. Using AI in this way can help to close the skills gap and expand the hiring pool. While there are continuous efforts to train more cybersecurity experts for security teams, adopting embedded AI and Machine Learning (ML) to automate mundane and repetitive tasks can help fill the hiring gaps in resource-constrained security operations centres,” Eric Hoh, JAPAC President, Google Cloud, Mandiant, concluded.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
