AI in cybersecurity: risks and benefits of its use in enterprises

The use of AI in cybersecurity is already a reality in enterprises. The increasingly widespread use of generative AI tools in enterprises has created opportunities and challenges in data protection. 

In this blog, we will discuss the impact of AI in cybersecurity, emerging risks and key strategies to leverage its potential without compromising data integrity.

Can AI create breaches in enterprise cybersecurity?

Generative AI refers to the use of artificial intelligence to create content, such as text, images, music, audio and videos, from patterns learned from large data sets.

The exponential growth of its use in enterprises has generated a new concern: data breaches. A study by Check Point Software and Vanson Bourne reveals that 92% of companies allow the use of AI tools, but many of them do not have specific solutions to prevent vulnerabilities.

According to Menlo Security, 55% of data loss today is due to uncontrolled use of generative AI. The problem lies in the fact that traditional security solutions are not designed to detect and mitigate data leakage using AI models. These tools are often based on static patterns, without understanding the context of the data that employees enter into chatbots and other AI-powered systems. 

Here’s how companies can reverse this situation and strengthen your company’s cybersecurity.

How generative AI can help strengthen cybersecurity

While cybercriminals can use AI in cyberattacks, there are also powerful AI tools for cybersecurity. According to a Gartner report, due to the need to protect against AI-powered attacks, global spending on information security is expected to increase by 15% by 2025.

Thus, enterprises can leverage generative AI in their defense through:

• Threat detection automation: By analyzing large volumes of data in real time, identifying anomalies and suspicious patterns more efficiently than traditional systems.
• Phishing and malware attack prevention: By simulating attack scenarios and training systems to recognize phishing attempts and advanced malware.
• Incident response optimization: Tools such as Microsoft Security Copilot and Google Security AI Workbench facilitate incident investigation. Analysts can prioritize threats and make informed decisions with greater agility.
• Protection of sensitive data: AI can detect data exfiltration attempts and apply adaptive security policies to prevent accidental or malicious leaks.
• Attack Simulation: Generative AI can simulate real attacks to gauge how a system’s defenses are performing. 

In this way, organizations can take advantage of the benefits of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, strengthening their posture against potential cyberattacks.

Use cases of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity

The impact of AI in cybersecurity is already a reality in many organizations. Some key applications include:

• Identity and access management (IAM): AI can detect anomalous behavior in logins and apply two-step authentication or automatic lockouts in case of suspicious activity.
• Cloud security: With the increased use of multi-cloud platforms, AI helps identify vulnerabilities and prevent unauthorized access to critical environments.
• Endpoint protection: Extended detection and response (XDR) systems use AI to analyze real-time data and block compromised devices before attacks occur.
• Network monitoring: AI can analyze real-time traffic to detect ongoing attacks and trigger automatic responses to mitigate risks.

As you can see, using the potential of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity contributes to having robust protection and minimizing security breaches. 

Proactive management: the key to strengthening information security

To meet cybersecurity challenges, companies must take a proactive approach. This requires combining the use of AI, specialized tools, and the expertise of digital security specialists.

At Wezen, we understand that this 360° approach is the key to effective protection, as it contributes to:

• Prevent, detect and respond to emerging threats.
• Optimize resource management, reducing costs associated with cyber-attacks.
• Comply with security regulations, guaranteeing protection and transparency.
• Provide specialized support, with personalized attention and customized solutions.
  

The use of AI in cybersecurity will continue to evolve in the coming years, which is why organizations need to implement advanced protection strategies. With the right approach, the technology will not only help mitigate risks, but also enhance innovation and secure growth for businesses in the digital age.

In other words, generative AI has transformed the cybersecurity landscape, representing both a risk and a solution for enterprise data protection. As cybercriminals refine their AI attacks, organizations must bolster their security strategies with advanced tools and proactive management.

Is your company prepared to meet these challenges? At Wezen, we understand the importance of strengthening cybersecurity as a priority. 

Find out how we can help you implement advanced AI solutions in cybersecurity to protect your company. Write to us.

Sources:

• Cronista, E. (2024, 6 September). Data at risk: 90% of companies already allow employees to use artificial intelligence. ECC. URL 

• STAMFORD, Conn. (2024, August 28). Gartner Forecasts Global Information Security Spending to Grow 15% in 2025. URL

• PricewaterhouseCoopers (n. d.). Generative AI on the rise to strengthen cybersecurity. PwC. URL

• What is artificial intelligence for cybersecurity | Microsoft Security (n. d.). URL