Five Ways In Which AI Could Be Used To Prevent Hackers!

In recent years, cybersecurity has become a raging topic for debate, and justifiably so. With cyber attacks happening with an alarming frequency, organizations need immediate measures to secure themselves from such threats.

Fortunately, an emerging savior can be found in the form of Artificial Intelligence or AI. AI is quickly turning into a critical weapon in the fight against cyber criminals of all sorts.

To better understand how AI can be used to fight digital wars for us. It is crucial that we know what AI is and then uses that knowledge to protect ourselves from malicious threats.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

In essence, AI is described as imitation or simulation of human intelligence via machines and computer systems.

Like human intelligence, AI is based upon three components; reasoning, learning, and self-alteration.

Generally, AI can be categorized into two parts, mentioned below:

Weak AI: Also known as narrow AI.Weak AI can be defined as any AI system designed to perform a specific task. Examples of Weak AI include virtual assistants, such as the Google Assistant for Android.
Strong AI: A Strong AI can be defined as an AI system with human cognition, enabling it to find solutions without any human interference.

Some applications of AI being used presently include expert vision and voice recognition.

Luckily for us, the uses of AI can be extended to help us fight cyber crimes in the following ways:

1- Utilizing Machine Learning algorithms:

In the fight against cyber criminals, a potential game-changer could be the use of machine learning.

Machine learning is an integral part of AI systems that enables them to derive solutions for problems, without being explicitly programmed to do so.

Machine learning occurs when computers are left to their own devices to deal with unfamiliar situations, after which they use the experience to modify their processes.

In the case of cybersecurity, a machine learning algorithm can be used to analyze and find any flaw in the system. Since machine learning algorithms, only improve in accuracy with time, an effective way of security can be developed with constant use.

Furthermore, the machine learning algorithm can also be used to create a profile of specific recurring hackers, as it continually scrutinizes data.

With prolonged use, the same machine learning algorithm that started as a ‘Plan- B’ security measure, could predict and stop breaches and rogue hackers from invading the system.

2- Tracking Down Cyber-Criminals:

With various tools such as VPNs and the Tor browser, achieving anonymity online has become an easy feat.

Although the morality of anonymous browsing on the internet is a highly debated topic. The fact of the matter remains that users with malicious intent are getting harder to track with each passing day.

The use of AI in this aspect can reveal the identities of such rogue hackers and can help law enforcement officials to take action against them.

Machine learning, as stated above in point #1, could also play a pivotal role in the crackdown on anonymous hackers.

The steady influx of information that the AI system receives makes it easier for it to break down the anonymity walls laid out in place by the cybercriminals.

With the help of additional information such as cybercrime analytics, AI could not only prove to be an essential tool in tracking cybercriminals; it can also predict the outcome and effects of any potential breach in the cybersecurity of an organization.

3-Immediate Response To A Possible Attack:

With the rapid advance in technology, hackers are finding new ways to invade and corrupt an organization’s sensitive data or to insert malware into the system.

Many cybercriminals, such as hackers and phishers have jumped onto the AI bandwagon, and have started utilizing certain aspects of AI to further their reach.

One of the most significant problems that we face today is the pace with which we deal with things. The effects can be felt especially when it comes to responding to a breach in the security system.

Humans, simply put, are the weakest link when it comes to solving problems related to cybersecurity.

A simple fix to this problem would be to take humans out of the equation.

AI can be utilized and trained to respond to an attack within a certain amount of time. In the case of a breach, AI systems can make sure to trace the source of the attack, as well as repair the organization’s computers of damage.

The same organization’s AI system can also use the breach as a learning experience, since the component of machine learning allows it to modify its response, thus eradicating human involvement at all.

4- Winding Up IoT Vulnerabilities:

The Internet of Things, or IoT, is blossoming into full force, with everything from refrigerators to cars hooked up to a multi-layered network.

Under these conditions, organizations need to be aware that the IoT adds many vulnerabilities to an organization’s system, and provides easy access to hackers to corrupt or steal sensitive data.

With the massive number of devices hooked up to the Internet of Things, it is becoming an arduous task for organizations to keep track of problems that may arise in the intermingled network.

However, the use of AI can monitor and recognize safe device behavior based on network regulation and the usage of data.

The AI system can, therefore, leverage its machine learning ability to sense any discrepancies in the system and gain a general sense of usage patterns.

5- Observing Exchanges Of Data:

In most organizations, the transfer of data forms the foundation of all the cyber security measures taken.

The primary objective of any cybersecurity plan is to ensure that there are no loopholes during the exchange of data. Also, to prevent hackers from exploiting any susceptibilities in the system.

However, as a result of the shortage of professionals in the industry. The surveillance of data exchange has taken a turn for the worse.

This issue can be immediately dealt with by using AI to monitor all exchanges of data within an organization.

The AI system will also work better in the future. As a direct result of this function by garnering more information on general data usage patterns.

This surveillance will also enable the AI to take a more active part in modifying and advancing the cybersecurity protocol. As it will have more information to work with.