Blog Date: 8/30/2017
Author: Ray Coulombe

AI Security Strategies
We are all aware of the importance of having a robust, multi-layered security strategy. Defense in depth is a staple of all cyber defenses, but each layer of defense has its limitations. When properly deployed, AI has the potential to strengthen each layer and perhaps add additional layers by looking for anomalous behavior. It will be a valuable tool moving forward but, unfortunately, those who are quickly becoming the most advanced when it comes to AI cyber security are the ones on the offensive: cyber criminals.

How can one beat them to the punch? Solid products, knowledgeable technical staff, and end-user training are a great start. According to CIO online, this should include social engineering training and the use of AI/machine learning in your environment. As an example, on top of your traditional firewall and IPS (Intrusion Prevention System), add an industry-proven endpoint monitoring system, preferably one that uses machine learning to identify and prevent bad code from executing. Then, add a tool that gives you a holistic view of your entire network in real time that identifies advanced threats, including those stealthy, unconventional, silent attackers. Be sure that your end-user security training is inclusive, given regularly, and updated often as trends change around social engineering and phishing.

Additionally, many security companies are trying to embrace more technologically-advanced ways of protecting important data. At the heart of these developing tools is an advanced algorithm that can adapt and learn normal patterns of life for every user and device in a network and find anomalies, according to CIO online.

Lately, according to Forbes, big data—or the ability to collect, monitor and analyze ever-increasing volumes of data—has been deployed in the ongoing battle to stay one step ahead of hackers and malicious attempts. AI helps to automate the distillation and analysis of copious or complex data in ways that human beings simply can't. While big data can be a good starting point for decreasing cyber threats, inevitably a machine learning strategy will need to follow, which is exactly what we're seeing: advanced analytics and cutting-edge technology trying to tackle vast streams of data available via company networks, the Internet, and connected machines.

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