To simplify and automate some processes, many fields of business, like marketing and customer service, are taking advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to make their daily work processes easier and smoother.  

But there’s another crucial industry that’s heavily impacted by artificial intelligence: cyber security.  

With the array of IT security solutions that utilize AI becoming more readily available, you can expect small and medium-sized businesses to have access to these advanced methods of threat detection and even prevention.  

How is AI used in cyber security? 

AI can help threat detection and prevention in numerous ways, including:  

• Biometric logins 
• Natural language processing 
• Dynamic multifactor authentication 
• Spam detection & phishing prevention 
• Incident detection and prevention 

Biometric Logins 

You may already be using biometric logins and not even putting much thought toward it. Many of today’s smartphones and mobile devices are equipped with thumbprint scanners—and some even have facial recognition, too.  

Biometrics can be used alone or along with a password or PIN, But, without long, complex passwords, the dual layers of security offered by a biometric/password combination is rendered somewhat ineffective. 

Natural Language Processing 

When discussing artificial intelligence, machine learning often arises, too, and these capabilities to collect and analyze data offer the ability for AI to process and comprehend information written in human language.  

This includes items like articles, news reports, and academic studies. Your personally curated Google news feed on your smartphone is one example of this, but it relates to cyber security, too. 

If there were information about particular cyber security threats, an AI could analyze that information and notify an individual. It’s one way for managed IT security service providers to stay informed on the latest threat vectors without scouring the web for articles themselves. This saves them time and further helps them stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing field. 

Dynamic Multifactor Authentication 

Not everyone in an organization will have access to all data—access privileges differ based on the user, the job position, and even the location they are trying to access certain data from.  

When AI is used with MFA, authentication can be a lot more varied and dynamic, adapting privileges in real time. AI-integrated MFA will collect user information and analyze behavior patterns to determine if access should be granted to a particular area of a system.  

Spam Detection & Phishing Prevention 

Businesses across the world send and receive enormous amounts of emails throughout the day, and to keep inboxes from becoming overrun with spam and phishing attempts, there are spam filters in place.  

These filters actually use a form of controlled machine learning, meaning that humans set the parameters, and then the machines do the work to keep inboxes clear of spam messages.  

So, the next time you mark a message as spam in your inbox, you’re actually providing training information for the machine learning filter to do an even better job the next time.  

Incident Detection & Prevention 

Intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) are two important AI-powered tools that are playing an even greater role in cyber security. And, fortunately, they are starting to become more readily available for small and medium-sized businesses.  

What is an IDS? 

An IDS is a passive device that monitors a network or system for suspected malicious activity. Any intrusion or violation of predetermined protocols will be scanned and collected for later examination. They can also alert an administrator. 

What is an IPS? 

An IPS is placed in the direct pathway of network traffic. It will actively analyze that pathway network to detect and prevent possible exploits, such as a user trying to gain control of an application or machine. 

Depending on the threat found, the IPS can take several automated actions:  

• Send an administrator alert  
• Drop the malicious data  
• Block traffic from that source  
• Reset the connection 
  

Artificial intelligence will continue to play a large role in cyber security, especially as businesses continue to become more digital.  

Cyber security, especially where AI is concerned, is a complex facet of your organization’s IT infrastructure. But, it is an essential one, and it’s important to maintain optimal levels of security for your devices, data, networks, systems and transmissions.  

A lot of effort goes into an adequate IT security strategy; in addition, time and expertise is necessary to keep it working effectively.  

Our managed IT security experts can take care of it all for you, providing a custom, comprehensive solution to secure your business.  

Contact CoreTech today to get started.