Fighting fire with fire: The power of AI in cyber security

Table of contents

What is a data breach?

What are the types of data-based cyber attacks?

The different impacts of a data breach

Is it only big businesses that get targeted?

How do you prevent a data breach?

Take your data seriously

AI might sound like a shiny new buzzword, but it’s been playing a role in cyber security for decades. What’s changed, however, is the level of sophistication in how it’s being used—both for good and for bad. With headlines buzzing about AI security risks and the potential for AI cyber attacks, it’s natural to wonder: Is AI making us safer, or are we more vulnerable than ever?

The answer is a bit of both.

Just as hackers have turned to AI-powered attacks in cyber security to break through traditional defences, AI is also being deployed to shut them down. Think of it like fighting fire with fire. The same AI that helps hackers get around conventional security measures can also be used to defend against them. It’s a constant game of cat and mouse—one where AI is both the predator and the prey. Just like gunpowder can be used to create either fireworks or bombs, AI’s impact on cyber security comes down to the intentions of the person using it.

Let’s explore how AI has evolved in cyber security, how cybercriminals are using it to their advantage, and how businesses can use AI to stay one step ahead.

When was AI first used in cyber security?

While AI feels like a modern marvel, it’s been a tool in the cyber security toolkit for years. Early forms of AI, such as machine learning algorithms, have been used since the 1990s to detect anomalies in network traffic and identify potential threats. Back then, the focus was on rules-based systems, but as hackers got smarter, so did AI. Over time, AI in cyber security evolved to become predictive, able to learn from vast amounts of data and improve its ability to detect and respond to threats.

Now, AI is more essential than ever in battling increasingly complex cyber threats.

How do hackers use AI?

Unfortunately, cybercriminals aren’t shy about using AI to their advantage. AI cyber attacks are becoming more frequent, as hackers leverage AI’s ability to process massive amounts of information quickly and adapt to defences in real time.

Phishing/social engineering schemes

AI can mimic human behaviour with unsettling accuracy. Hackers use AI to craft phishing emails and messages that are nearly indistinguishable from legitimate ones. These emails can learn from past attempts, refining themselves to become more persuasive. AI’s ability to analyse language and behaviours also helps cybercriminals in social engineering, where they trick individuals into giving up sensitive information.

Deep fakes

The rise of deep fake technology—where AI is used to create highly realistic but fake images, audio, or videos—has added a new layer of deception to cyber attacks. Hackers can use deep fakes to impersonate CEOs or other high-level employees, tricking people into transferring money or divulging confidential information.

Malware AI hacking

AI can be used to design malware that’s harder to detect. With AI-powered attacks, malware can adapt to evade detection tools, shifting its behaviour based on the defences it encounters. This means traditional signature-based security measures often fall short.

Password deciphering

Brute force attacks, where hackers try to crack passwords through trial and error, have become far more effective with AI. AI can also be used for keystroke listening, tracking the patterns in how you type to predict and steal passwords.

AI-powered cyber security in every stage of defence

The good news is that AI isn’t just the hacker’s playground. When it comes to defending against cyber threats, AI is an invaluable tool across all stages of cyber security—from information management to incident response.

Information and access management

AI in cyber security can be used to monitor and control who has access to sensitive data. It uses intelligent algorithms to detect unusual behaviour, like a sudden login from a foreign location, and can automatically revoke access before damage is done.

Threat detection

AI-powered cyber security tools are incredibly effective at threat detection. They sift through huge amounts of data to identify patterns that would take human analysts far longer to spot. This allows businesses to respond to potential threats faster and more accurately.

Incident investigation

When an attack happens, every second counts. AI can assist in incident investigation by quickly analysing mountains of data to figure out what went wrong, who’s responsible, and how to prevent it from happening again. This rapid analysis gives security teams the information they need to contain the threat before it spreads.

Benefits of using AI in cyber security

So, how does AI ensure businesses have more comprehensive protection?

• Accuracy in Detecting Real Threats: AI can reduce false positives by accurately detecting real attacks, prioritising responses based on real-world risks, and ensuring security teams focus on the most pressing threats.
• Phishing Protection: AI can identify and flag the types of suspicious emails and messages often used in phishing campaigns, helping prevent employees from falling victim to scams.
• Proactive Defence: AI can simulate social engineering attacks, helping security teams spot vulnerabilities before cybercriminals can exploit them.
• Data Analysis at Speed: AI analyses massive amounts of incident-related data at lightning speed, allowing security teams to act quickly and prevent further damage.

Striking the right balance

While AI is a powerful tool in cyber security, it’s not a silver bullet. Human oversight is still critical. AI can help defend against increasingly sophisticated attacks, but having a human eye on the process ensures that the technology is being used effectively and ethically.

As cyber attacks grow more advanced, businesses need to step up their defences. That’s where a company like Focus Group comes in. By partnering with us, whether for fully managed or part-managed services, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve got the best of both worlds—AI-powered cyber security solutions paired with human expertise. We take care of the ‘boring stuff,’ so you can get back to what you do best: running your business.

After all, when it comes to cyber security, it's not just about having the right tools—it's about having the right team on your side.