Key points

• AI technologies are revolutionising traditional cyber security practices by offering advanced threat detection capabilities.
• Incorporating AI tools in cyber security systems improves threat detection accuracy and response time.
• AI automation streamlines security tasks, reducing manual effort and enhancing overall efficiency.
• Metomic provides data security solutions like data discovery, access controls, and compliance monitoring to support cyber security efforts.

With cyber threats constantly evolving, businesses of all sizes must ensure they’re doing everything they can to protect their data.

The problem is one of sheer size and scale. In 2023 alone, Forbes reported a staggering 2,365 cyberattacks, impacting over 343 million people.

To stay ahead, many companies are now turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their cyber security.

AI is transforming traditional security measures by offering advanced threat detection and faster response times. According to our 2024 CISO report, four-fifths of CISOs and IT security leaders plan to implement AI-powered tools to fight emerging AI-based security schemes and threats.

By incorporating AI tools, organisations can boost their defences and streamline their security operations, making it easier and more efficient to protect their business.

How is AI being used in cyber security?

With cyber threats evolving (think advanced phishing campaigns and deep-fakes) and multiplying at an alarming pace, safeguarding your digital assets has never been more critical.

And it's in this landscape that AI emerges as a crucial ally in the ongoing struggle against threat actors.

AI isn't just a buzzword; it's a game-changer in cyber security. It's the force behind advanced threat detection, pattern recognition, and decision-making processes, offering a new level of defence against modern-day cyber threats.

Recognising AI’s business potential

From predictive analytics to behavioural analysis, AI-powered tools are reshaping the cyber security landscape, empowering organisations to stay one step ahead of malicious actors.

According to Security magazine, a significant number of organisations are recognising the potential of AI in bolstering their cyber security efforts.

A remarkable 22% of them are investing heavily in AI solutions, with a further 64% expressing a keen interest in adopting AI for cyber security enhancement in the near future.

This shift highlights the growing understanding of AI's role as a vital component in modern cyber security strategies, promising to deliver stronger defences and more effective risk management.

What are the benefits of using AI?

AI isn't merely a tool; it's a force multiplier in the fight against cyber threats. By leveraging AI-powered systems, organisations can accelerate threat detection and response times to unprecedented levels.

From identifying malicious patterns to predicting potential threats before they materialise, AI equips security teams with the visibility they need to thwart attacks effectively.

AI's predictive capabilities also serve as a shield against evolving cyber risks. By analysing vast datasets and recognising subtle anomalies, AI can anticipate emerging threats, allowing security teams to shore up their defences before an attack occurs.

Cost and time benefits

One of the most significant advantages of AI in cyber security is its ability to take the pressure off security teams. By automating routine, repetitive tasks, and augmenting human decision-making processes, AI streamlines operations and frees up valuable resources.

These benefits also translate into something that everyone in an organisation can see and love: Money. Specifically, money saved.

According to recent studies, organisations heavily investing in security AI and automation have reported significantly lower data breach costs, with an average data breach cost of $3.6 million - a reduction of 39.3% compared to those not utilising these technologies

How can using AI tools benefit security teams from a productivity aspect?

AI tools offer security teams a transformative edge, not just in threat detection but also in boosting overall productivity. By automating repetitive tasks, AI liberates valuable time and resources, enabling teams to redirect their focus towards strategic initiatives.

Tasks such as data analysis, anomaly detection, and incident response can be efficiently handled by AI algorithms, allowing human experts to concentrate on more complex challenges and proactive security measures.

Moreover, AI-driven insights serve as invaluable decision-making aids within security teams. By analysing vast amounts of data in real-time, AI can provide actionable intelligence, enabling quicker and more informed responses to emerging threats.

This not only enhances the effectiveness of security operations but also optimises resource allocation, ensuring that personnel and tools are deployed where they are most needed.

Statistics reinforce the tangible benefits of integrating AI into security operations. Recent studies have revealed that organisations leveraging AI extensively in their security processes save an average of 108 days when identifying and containing security breaches.

This substantial reduction in response time not only minimises the potential impact of cyberattacks but also demonstrates the remarkable efficiency gains achievable through AI-powered security measures.

What are the dangers of relying too much on AI?

While AI offers substantial benefits for cyber security, relying too heavily on it carries its own set of risks. One significant concern is AI bias.

Algorithms are only as good as the data they are trained on, and if this data is biased or flawed, AI can perpetuate and even amplify these biases.

For example, a 2019 study found a popular AI tool used for screening patients for high-risk care management programs was found to have racial biases.

Data privacy is another critical concern. AI systems often require vast amounts of data to function effectively, raising questions about how this data is stored, accessed, and protected.

Speaking of data, there’s also the growing concerns about uploading too much data into AI Large Language Models (LLMs) like Chat GPT.

In fact, according to Metomic 2024 CISO report, CISO’s are so worried about this that more than half of the survey respondents said they are concerned about employees uploading sensitive business data to large language models (LLMs).

It’s pretty obvious that this is not an unfounded concern, as this sensitive and confidential business data and intellectual property could be used to train various generative AI platforms.

With 80% of data experts agreeing that AI is making data security more challenging, it’s clear that human oversight remains crucial in AI-driven cyber security systems.

AI can process data at unprecedented speeds and identify patterns that might escape human analysts, but it lacks the nuanced understanding and contextual awareness that humans bring.

How can Metomic help?

Metomic plays a crucial role in enhancing data security and ensuring compliance with regulations, making it an invaluable partner in the AI-driven cyber security landscape.

Here’s how Metomic can help:

• Data discovery: Metomic's advanced tools can help your organisations discover and classify sensitive data across their networks, ensuring that no critical information is overlooked.
• Access controls: By providing robust access management solutions, Metomic ensures that only authorised personnel can access sensitive data, thereby reducing the risk of insider threats and unauthorised access.
• Compliance monitoring: Metomic helps organisations stay compliant with industry regulations by continuously monitoring data practices and alerting teams to any potential violations or risks.

Metomic's comprehensive data security solution not only addresses critical concerns around data protection and compliance, but also complements and enhances the capabilities of AI in cyber security.

Conclusion

integrating AI into cyber security practices offers substantial benefits, including faster threat detection, improved accuracy, and reduced workload for security teams.

By leveraging AI, organisations can significantly enhance their security posture and even reduce the average cost of data breaches, and the amount of time mitigating them when and if they do happen.

Want to augment your AI cyber security tools and strengthen your overall data security posture? Take a virtual platform tour today to see how we can help your organisation.