How to Use AI-Powered Cybersecurity to Keep Your Business Safe

With the rise of ransomware, malware, and other cyberattacks, you need a robust cybersecurity system to protect your business. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers powerful solutions for keeping your data and networks safe and can provide an extra layer of protection for your organization.

We’ll show you how to use AI-powered cybersecurity to keep your business safe from hackers already trying to infiltrate your systems using AI.

First, Some Statistics on Cyberattacks

In 2022 alone, there were 832 incidents of data breaches involving very small businesses, according to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report. Of those, 130 had confirmed data losses. 80% of those attacks were ransomware attacks, where hackers lock down a company’s vital computer network and demand payment in exchange for releasing the computer network.

In a 2022 report from Cybereason, cyberattack statistics were stark.

• The company surveyed nearly 1,500 cybersecurity professionals.
• 73% reported their organization had at least one ransomware attack.
• 28% of them paid a ransom.
• Of those 28%, 80% were hit with a second ransomware attack.
• 37% of respondents had to lay off employees following a ransomware attack.
• 35% had C-suite-level resignations after a ransomware attack.

The industries most affected by these ransomware attacks are legal, finance, manufacturing, and human resources.

How can you protect yourself against cyberattacks in the age of AI?

Fight fire with fire. Or, in this case, fight AI with AI.

Understanding AI-Powered Cybersecurity

AI-powered cybersecurity utilizes advanced algorithms and machine learning to analyze vast amounts of data and identify potential threats in real time. This technology can detect patterns and anomalies that humans may overlook, providing proactive defense against cyberattacks.

Businesses can leverage AI’s capabilities to strengthen their defense strategies and stay one step ahead of hackers. y harness its potential for protecting your organization's valuable assets.

How AI-Powered Cybersecurity Is Better Than Traditional Software

You’ve probably seen and shopped for various security software on the market. Unfortunately, many tried-and-true brands don’t have the robust security needed to ward off sophisticated cyberattacks.

The main thing to know is that AI-powered cybersecurity can adapt more quickly and take immediate action to save your data and your computer systems more adeptly than traditional cybersecurity software.

See the various threats AI-based security software can protect against.

Phishing Detection

Phishing is the most popular way hackers gain access to your system. Someone opens an email, clicks on a link, and the virus spreads through vulnerabilities in your system.

AI-based cybersecurity systems analyze the content and structure of emails to identify potential phishing messages. The software learns and detects similar patterns later on. Not only do these algorithms have vast amounts of data to help them learn from past attacks, but they also learn from new attacks. But phishing detection goes one step further and analyzes user behavior within your organization. An AI-powered security program can analyze the person who clicks on a suspicious link or inputs sensitive information in response to a phishing email and immediately alert the person in charge of cybersecurity.

Malware Detection

Malware is the second part of the phishing equation. Traditional security software relies on a database of known malware threats to see if a computer virus has infiltrated your system. If a hacker updates their virus software, the database is obsolete.

AI-based solutions use machine learning algorithms to detect and respond to both known and unknown malware threats. This software works by analyzing patterns in large amounts of data to study the behavior of malware. Once it understands how malware works, it can detect new threats from unknown malware variants that traditional antivirus software can’t detect. Again, behavior analysis is the key here. The more your AI-powered antivirus solution learns, the better it becomes. It could even get predictive at some point, such as predicting an imminent attack in real time, giving your team a chance to act quickly.

Security Log Analysis

AI-powered algorithms can detect anomalous behavior across multiple computer systems and programs to indicate insider threats, including unusual data transfers or unauthorized access.  This quick detection will allow your team to respond to the threat before it’s too late.

You can also use this solution on endpoint devices to scan them for malware and detect unusual behavior. As new devices are added to your authorized network, the algorithms learn and adapt to handle the latest devices.

Network Security

AI-powered antivirus solutions can be trained to monitor your computer network as a whole to detect anomalies in your network traffic, identify unusual traffic patterns, and detect unauthorized devices using your network. If a new device appears on your network, it can flag it and alert your IT team.

AI-based solutions work both ways. They alert your IT team in real time, but you can also set them up to act automatically on your behalf. Your chosen antivirus software should be able to act based on the criteria you give it, such as locking down a device if it detects a prescribed amount of behavior or locking away an email if it believes it’s got malware in it.

Choosing the Right AI Cybersecurity Solution for Your Business

The first step is to assess your specific security needs and budget to determine what level of protection you require. You’ll need to conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities and prioritize areas for protection. Then, look for AI solutions that offer real-time threat detection, adaptive learning capabilities, and scalability to accommodate the growth of your business.

Consider the reputation and track record of the AI cybersecurity provider, as well as their customer support and training options. Ultimately, choose a solution that aligns with your business goals and provides the necessary safeguards to keep your data and networks secure.

Tips for Deploying AI Antivirus Measures

Once you purchase your AI-based cybersecurity solution, train your IT team to effectively utilize and monitor the AI system. They should regularly review and update your cybersecurity protocols. Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity trends and best practices to continuously improve your defense strategies. This continuous improvement should also include regular contact with the software’s support team. You’ll also need to train your employees on best practices for cybersecurity to mitigate internal threats as much as possible.

The Whitlock Co. Offers Several Cybersecurity Services for Your Business

As hackers get more and more sophisticated, your cyber defenses must adapt to the evolving environment. The team at The Whitlock Co. can help you build a strong cybersecurity foundation to help ward off common cyberattacks.

We can provide:

• Network health assessments for traffic analyses, error reporting, and power systems analyses.
• Remote penetration testing to determine if your system is vulnerable to a cyberattack and if your defensive measures are sufficient.
• Vulnerability scanning to identify weaknesses or flaws in your system’s software.
• Limited IT audits to assess the areas of your network that are the most vulnerable to attacks.
• Risk assessments to determine how healthy your overall cybersecurity is.
• Business continuity plans to help you move forward in the event a cyberattack occurs.

Request a consultation with our team. We can help protect your business from cyberattacks with our multi-pronged approach.