AI security is becoming increasingly important. In recent years, AI has become increasingly relevant in countless areas. This also applies to the security of companies and their data.
What is AI safety?
AI security describes all security measures that are based on or supported by artificial intelligence.
Modern security systems use artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and recognize new threats and develop measures against them.
However, there are certain challenges, because AI cannot only be used for the “good”.
Artificial intelligence for IT security?
Even the Roman poet Juvenal posed the question in the second century: “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?” Loosely translated: “Who watches over the watchmen?”
A similar question arises in the context of AI in the area of IT security. Who actually monitors the security of the AI that is supposed to ensure security?
This is why the use of AI is still not entirely uncontroversial. While AI can be used specifically for IT security, it is also possible to use it to circumvent security precautions.
However, artificial intelligence has the great advantage that it can learn faster than humans – especially as there are nowhere near enough staff to cover all IT departments in all companies. The help of AI is therefore unavoidable.
Machine learning enables an AI to react quickly to new threats and neutralize them before they can cause any damage. This is also urgently needed, as fast learning naturally also applies to the attackers. With the help of AI, cyber criminals are developing new attack methods and discovering new security loopholes in systems ever faster. Humans alone can no longer cope with this.
Artificial intelligence can be used in IT security for these measures, among others:
- Detection of malware patterns
- Recording and analysis of intrusion detection mechanisms
- Detecting bot networks
- Optimization of security codes
Detecting cyberattacks with AI
Due to the rapid development of AI, it is almost impossible to keep up with all the innovations. This is why AI is also an important factor in being able to react to developments.
Cyber attacks happen at any time. Not necessarily in your company, but there is a one hundred percent probability that attacks on companies in Germany and the rest of the world are taking place at this very moment.
If it is a large, successful attack, we hear about it in the news. However, the numerous smaller attacks take place away from the public eye. But that doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
The positive news is that most attacks are repelled and cause no or only minimal damage. One reason for this is the integration of AI into IT security.
Measures for the use of AI safety
For AI to reach its full potential, you need to use it correctly and stay up to date. It is best to follow the points below to increase cyber security in your company with the support of AI:
- Keep all AI systems up to date: Install all updates and, if in doubt, have experts check your systems if they are no longer state of the art.
- Use all the usual security measures: The best system is no good if the basics aren’t adhered to, so don’t forget firewalls, two-factor authentication (2FA) and strong passwords.
- Pay attention to data protection: Limit the use of data and comply with data protection guidelines.
- Have your employees trained: Provide your employees with the training and further education necessary to learn how to handle data and systems correctly.
- Identify vulnerabilities: By investing in vulnerability management, the internal systems in your company are checked and potential security risks are discovered. This makes it easier to eliminate or monitor them.
Last but not least, you should also be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Develop a plan for attacks. How should employees behave? Who is responsible for what? How will your company react to a successful cyber attack? Put measures in place to contain attacks immediately and minimize the damage. Cover all possibilities, from response to investigation to remediation of an incident, so that in the worst-case scenario you can still get back to work as quickly and safely as possible.
