The Hidden AI Arms Race

The Rise of AI-Based Cyber Attacks and the Predictive AI Working to Stop Threats Before They Start

Webroot
Webroot
Nov 4 · 4 min read

Written by Tim Sheahen.

Every day it feels like we’re inching closer to a 1950’s science fiction version of the future. While we don’t have flying cars and robot butlers just yet, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are playing more prominent roles in our lives.

*Download this ESG white paper to learn how AI and ML are helping MSPs find success in security services.*

In fact, today’s AI-based algorithms are adept at anticipating the ups and downs of the stock market, betting on sports, and even predicting the risk of premature death due to chronic disease. These technologies are also becoming a driving force behind modern cybersecurity solutions. As an example, Webroot research shows that 71% of IT professionals plan to increase their usage of AI and ML-based tools in 2019.

“A company cannot properly defend against advanced AI and ML attacks when less than half of its IT professionals are comfortable using the tools needed to defend against those attacks.” — Hal Lonas, Webroot

Of course, we know cybercriminals are also leveraging these modern technologies. As “smarter” cyberattacks increase, MSPs can learn ways to utilize the power in prediction to contextualize threats and prevent data breaches before they happen.

Cybercriminals Are Now Using AI & Machine Learning

Thanks to the rise of IoT, we’re producing more data than ever before. Gartner has forecasted 14.2 billion connected things to be in use in 2019, a total that will climb to 25 billion by 2021. This immense volume of data creates a huge opportunity for cybercriminals since data access is often the primary goal of an attack — and they’re using AI to do it.

“84% of IT professionals believe cybercriminals are using AI and ML to attack organizations this year.”—Knowledge Gaps: AI and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity

What’s frightening about this trend is that it’s somewhat new. The first known AI-based attack occurred in only 2017. The attack used AI and ML software to observe user behavior patterns and gain information about network vulnerabilities, which were then exploited. The software was difficult to detect, as it behaved like any typical user.

AI and ML-enabled attacks pose a large risk to MSPs because they “hold the keys to the kingdom,” so to speak, in regard to data access. If an MSP is breached, cybercriminals gain access to customer and vendor credentials, and can quickly exploit their systems. This knock-on effect is known as “island-hopping.”

IT Professionals (US & Japan) who believe cybercriminals are using AI and ML.

According to a 2019 Webroot report, 84% of IT professionals believe cybercriminals are using AI and ML to attack organizations this year. To protect against these modern threats, it’s imperative to fight fire with fire by leveraging AI-based cybersecurity solutions to mitigate risks.

Predictive AI is the Key to Effective Cybersecurity for MSPs

In today’s threat landscape, it isn’t enough to stop attacks after they become apparent. MSPs must preemptively detect and address threats to prevent cycles of data theft. That does not mean MSPs must become experts in AI to take advantage of its benefits, though.

The first step in doing so is looking for automated cybersecurity solutions that leverage AI and ML to drive speed of detection and response. The best modern cybersecurity solutions can see files in transit to a machine and predict whether or not those files are malicious before they’re downloaded. With predictive AI, web pages can be assessed for threats before they’re served, and also see when someone clicks on a potential phishing link. By using these tools, businesses are protected long before they even realize they’re under attack.

Next, it’s necessary to stay up-to-date on the latest trends so you know what you’re up against. To that end, I invite you to check out the webinar below, “Using Prediction to Get to Predictable: How AI Helps SMBs and MSPs,” to learn more about how the power in prediction protects your MSP business and SMB customers.

Using Prediction to Get to Predictable: How AI Helps SMBs and MSPs

I look forward to the day when I can commute to work in a flying car, but until then I know the future of cybersecurity is already here. It’s time to take advantage of it!

The Truth About Phishing and the Psychology of Why We Click


Originally published on LinkedIn.com

Webroot

Written by

Webroot

Webroot, a Carbonite company, harnesses the cloud and artificial intelligence to protect businesses and individuals against cyber threats.

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