eBook | A CISO's Guide to AI in 2024

INTRODUCTION

Advancements in the field of generative AI have led to an explosion of interest and hype around chatbots that can create logical paragraphs, realistic images and that can seemingly mimic the human brain. Modern chatbots rely on two branches of AI; natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML). In cyber security, advances in the aforementioned branches of AI are driving new human-machine capabilities. In short, AI is transforming the way that we approach cyber security, solving some of our most challenging problems and keeping us ahead of fast-moving threats. An essential tool in cyber crime prevention, AI can help protect businesses 24/7 in ways that were previously inaccessible. Cyber security powered by AI is at the top of IT budget priorities. Ninety-two percent of organizations intend to use AI and machine learning to support cyber security and over half of business owners already use artificial intelligence for cyber security and fraud management purposes.

As an example of AI’s utility in cyber security, blending traditional security mechanisms with AI can result in an almost 100% detection rate, while dramatically reducing false positives. At the same time, artificial intelligence based cyber security tools can be prohibitively expensive for small businesses and AI tech’s overwhelming popularity has transformed it into a target for hackers. Organizations should carefully assess the advantages and limitations of implementing AI algorithms within cyber security programs. Questions to consider include ‘Where is AI beneficial?’ ‘What are the drawbacks?’ ‘Which types of artificial intelligence based tools truly add value’? In this eBook, see what experts have to say and drive stronger cyber security outcomes for your organization. What is artificial intelligence? Artificial intelligence is an umbrella term for a variety of different technologies. The researchers who created it can’t agree on a singular definition, but artificial intelligence generally mimics human aptitudes and enables problem solving. It relies on machine learning, the process of ‘feeding’ on massive amounts of data, in order to evolve capabilities beyond what initially arrives in the box or on the screen.

CURRENT TRENDS

Every organization now manages tens, hundreds or thousands of connected devices. With 4.6 billion people surfing the web every day, the amount of data produced each day is beyond imagination and it exceeds our abilities to independently contend with it. By 2025, connected devices are expected to generate 79 zettabytes of data annually. In other words, they’ll generate a massive amount of data. Your security operations center (SOC) team is likely already overwhelmed. Poorly integrated point solutions, fragmented data insights, and a shortage of qualified talent intensifies the challenges. Due to their abilities to enhance the speed and scale at which organizations can secure digital infrastructure, autonomous cyber threat monitoring, detection and prevention solutions are growing in popularity. Leveraging AI as a ‘co-pilot’ can significantly reduce the number of days that it takes to spot trouble. AI-based tools can lower the total cost of breaches. Organizations save an average of $1.2 million if breaches are contained within 200 days or fewer, meaning that AI can be game-changing.

In 2022, organizations that used AI within cyber security programs saved an average of $3 million.

BENEFITS

AI in cyber security can make cyber security management easier, more efficient and less expensive. Here’s a snapshot of how AI might be able to enhance outcomes within your organization.

1. Upgraded threat intelligence. CISOs and cyber security teams can leverage AI to analyze threat intelligence data from a variety of sources. The AI can identify emerging threats and predict possible attacks, helping leaders stay ahead of evolving challenges and proactively protect their organization.
2. Reduction of false positives. Using AI, cyber security teams can reduce false positive rates. This conserves time and resources. While AI isn’t perfect, it can prove more accurate than humans in parsing apart genuine threats from facsimiles, limiting false alarms.
3. Increased efficiency. AI-supported cyber security programs can automate time-consuming and monotonous tasks, from monitoring logs, to scanning for vulnerabilities, to patching systems. In turn, security teams can focus their attention on more strategic activities.
4. Clear predictive analytics. AI can review and observe data patterns, predicting potential cyber threats before they become full-blown bombshells.
5. Resolution of talent gaps. There is a serious shortage of cyber security professionals. In contrast with humans, AI doesn’t get tired, it doesn’t go on vacation, and it won’t leave for a better opportunity. In substituting for a human, AI can determine root cause analysis and can orchestrate next steps based on accumulated data and intelligence.
6. Improved malware response. AI allows for rapid malware family identification and attribution (malware DNA) including first seen malware variants.
7. Augmented incident response. AI can help analysts cycle through a fast, data-driven and comprehensive incident response. It can automate workflow and remediation. Beyond that, it can enable SOC teams to review and refine incident response processes on a continuous basis.
8. Disruption of bots. Within cyber security, bots are a growing threat. They’re used for malicious purposes, from spreading malware to stealing data. Artificial intelligence tools can observe patterns and block bots. It can then create more secure captchas and honeypots in order to disrupt them.
9. Improved decision-making. AI-based tools can present CISOs with real-time insights into the security of an organization, enabling leaders to make better-informed decisions. In this way, AI-based tools can help improve resource allocation and assist with structuring the prioritization hierarchy for security initiatives.
10. Automated threat response. CISOs can configure AI-based tools so that it can independently respond to security incidents. For instance, in the event that AI detects a potential attack, it can automatically block the attack, quarantine a device as needed, and alert the security team. This cuts down on response times, prevents large-scale incidents, and enables security teams to tackle tougher problems.
11. Compliance monitoring. AI-based tools can prove useful in the context of automating compliance. This can assist CISOs with ensuring that the organization remains compliant with relevant regulations.

The benefits of leveraging AI within cyber security programs can be irrefutably compelling and advantageous. CISOs should keep these benefits in mind when assessing how to improve their organizations’ cyber security posture. Nonetheless, AI is not a panacea and cyber security programs must be designed with an eye towards the human factor and a comprehensive approach.

DRAWBACKS

As noted on the previous page, professionals can’t simply install AI-based software and presume that all threats will be negated. AI-based tools aren’t everything for everyone. In fact, there are valid reasons as to why organizations may hesitate to implement AI-based tools.

1. Expense. Incorporating AI into existing systems can be an expensive undertaking. For smaller organizations with more limited budgets, this is of particular concern.
2. Algorithmic rigidity. Algorithms require huge training data sets and are rigid after initial training. It is sometimes challenging to interpret their decisions, meaning that they are opaque.
3. Testing and validation. Ahead of deploying AI-based tools, organizations should pursue rigorous testing and validation. If the data is insufficient or deficient, it could lead to false positives.
4. Lack of explainability. AI tools vary and some are considered “black boxes.” This makes it tough to understand the root of a problem, can stifle efforts to correct errors, or can obfuscate biases in models.
5. Privacy concerns. AI-based tools may require access to sensitive data, which can result in privacy concerns.
6. Adversarial attacks. Hackers have discovered AI’s utility, as it can present opportunities to launch sophisticated attacks.

EXPERT INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHT

Yaniv Shechtman | VP Security Engineering, North America, Check Point

There is much discussion in the security community around the delivery of false positives and false negatives on the part of AI. As a CISO, it’s crucial to track accuracy as it directly impacts an organization's security, productivity and security teams' workload.

DECISION-MAKING: SELECTING SOLUTIONS

In many cases, the benefits derived through AI-based security technologies outweigh the drawbacks. AI-based tools can be a valuable addition for an organization looking to build next-generation cyber resilience.

When selecting AI-based technologies, consider:

• Vendor's proven track record in developing AI engines.
• High accuracy rates in threat prevention and detection.
• Compatibility with existing security systems.
• Transparency in decision-making processes.
• Availability of vendor support.
• Compliance with industry regulations and standards.

IN CONCLUSION

The benefits derived through AI-based security technologies can be compelling. When selecting vendors, it is critical to prioritize a proven track record in developing artificial intelligence engines, ensuring that your cyber security program is robust and up to date.