For over two decades, artificial intelligence technologies have been utilized in the cybersecurity field, significantly enhancing the fight against cyber threats. AI has been widely employed in tasks such as spam filtering, malware detection, and intrusion prevention, increasing the automation, speed, scalability, and adaptability of cybersecurity solutions. While most of AI’s benefits have been seen in reactive measures, there is growing interest in AI’s potential for proactive actions, such as threat intelligence and risk management.
However, applying AI to cybersecurity has proven challenging, with many successful applications emerging after lengthy trials and failures. Effective use of AI requires a deep understanding and expertise in both AI and cybersecurity. The current AI boom has led many organizations to consider how they could leverage AI to improve their cybersecurity.
A report from the National Cyber Security Centre Finland (NCSC-FI) provides a comprehensive overview of the application of AI in enhancing cybersecurity, delving into its benefits, challenges, and future development opportunities. AI is used in a wide range of cybersecurity applications, from traditional filtering and detection mechanisms to more advanced preventive measures. Although AI has advanced in threat detection and endpoint protection, its application in areas like threat intelligence and vulnerability management is still in development. The report paints a picture of future trends and potential use cases.
The report’s findings indicate that successful implementation of AI in cybersecurity requires multidisciplinary expertise and that organizations should carefully assess the suitability of AI-based solutions for critical use cases. Additionally, the report emphasizes the importance of understanding, availability, and quality of data, as well as testing prototypes in real-world environments before considering large-scale deployment.
The emergence of new AI technologies, such as large language models, offers significant opportunities for developing cybersecurity applications. These technologies can be utilized in areas like security training, analytics, and threat intelligence, enabling the efficient handling of vast amounts of data and the identification of contextual connections. However, AI also brings challenges, such as ethical concerns, technical risks, and regulatory issues, all of which require careful consideration and a strategic approach.
The NCSC-FI report was conducted in collaboration with the National Emergency Supply Agency.
Do you want to know more? Explore the full report (in Finnish):
https://www.kyberturvallisuuskeskus.fi/sites/default/files/media/file/Teko%C3%A4lypohjaiset%20kyberturvallisuusratkaisut_FI.pdf