Understanding the Security Risks of Artificial Intelligence
The application of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools is powerful, with the potential to help people land jobs, significantly cut down the amount of time it takes to build apps and websites, and add much-needed context by analyzing large amounts of threat data. However, there are also risks to consider, especially when it comes to cybersecurity.
The Security Risks of AI
One of the biggest concerns is the ability of cybercriminals to use large language model (LLM) AI tools such as ChatGPT for social engineering. These tools allow cybercriminals to realistically spoof users within an organization, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between fake conversations and real ones.
Additionally, cybercriminals may be able to exploit vulnerabilities in AI tools to access databases, opening up the possibility of additional attacks. It’s also worth mentioning that because models like ChatGPT draw data from such a broad variety of sources, it could make it difficult for security researchers to nail down exactly where a vulnerability originated if it’s released by an AI tool.
Addressing Skill and Perception Disparities
One of the first steps any organization should take when it comes to staying secure in the face of AI-generated attacks is to acknowledge a significant top-down disparity between the volume and strength of cyberattacks, and the ability of most organizations to handle them.
In part, this stems from an inherent disconnect between executives and frontline cybersecurity workers when it comes to understanding how prepared the organization is to face AI-powered attacks. Our research also revealed that 82% of executives believe they will eventually have a fully-staffed security team, but only 52% of security team members think this will be a reality.
Some 87% of executives also believe that their security team possesses the skills required for the adoption of “heavy-scripting” security automation tools, while only 52% of front-line roles stated they had enough experience to use these tools properly. These disparities are at the heart of what is putting many security operations teams on the “back foot” of cyber defense.
Embracing Low-Code Security Automation
Fortunately, there is a solution: low-code security automation. This technology gives security teams the power to automate tedious and manual tasks, allowing them to focus on establishing an advanced threat defense.
There are other benefits too. These include the ability to scale implementations based on the team’s existing experience and with less reliance on coding skills. And unlike no-code tools that can be useful for smaller organizations that are severely resource-constrained, low-code platforms are more robust and customizable.
Balancing the Best of Both Worlds
Ultimately, it should be clear that AI represents an existential threat to the cybersecurity sector. Furthermore, taking a traditional approach to security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) simply isn’t tenable given the resources required and today’s hiring environment.
It’s also critical that organizations attempt to close the perception gaps between executives and security workers when it comes to the threats posed by AI and their ability to confront AI threats. As those gaps close, the best option is to adopt security automation tools powered by low-code principles that allow security teams to automate as many functions as possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AI represents a significant threat to the cybersecurity sector, and it’s essential for organizations to acknowledge this threat and take steps to address it. By embracing low-code security automation, organizations can automate tedious and manual tasks, focus on establishing an advanced threat defense, and stay ahead of the increasingly sophisticated cyber threats generated by AI.
FAQs
Q: What is the biggest concern when it comes to AI and cybersecurity?
A: The biggest concern is the ability of cybercriminals to use large language model (LLM) AI tools such as ChatGPT for social engineering.
Q: How can organizations stay secure in the face of AI-generated attacks?
A: Organizations can stay secure by acknowledging the threat, addressing skill and perception disparities, and embracing low-code security automation.
Q: What is low-code security automation?
A: Low-code security automation is a technology that gives security teams the power to automate tedious and manual tasks, allowing them to focus on establishing an advanced threat defense.
Q: Why is it essential to close the perception gaps between executives and security workers?
A: It’s essential to close the perception gaps because it will allow organizations to better understand the threats posed by AI and their ability to confront AI threats.
