AI Security: Cybersecurity and Physical Security

 

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how physical and digital security identifies, addresses, and prevents potential threats. While AI security isn’t new, its increase in popularity has given rise to many questions.

So, this guide will cover what AI security is and how artificial intelligence in security is used, including some real-world examples. In addition, you’ll learn the pros and cons of this technology as well as how to leverage this concept for your business.

This post covers:

• What is AI security?
• What is an example of AI security?
• Pros and cons of AI in security
• How to leverage AI security for your organization

 

What is AI security?

AI security is the practice of integrating artificial intelligence with security systems. This way, they can distinguish between safe and threatening behaviors across physical and cyber environments.

Natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning are the driving mechanics of artificial intelligence with these capabilities. NLP allows an AI to understand speech and text, while machine learning helps identify accurate patterns.

When equipped with AI, security systems can learn and adapt to human activity before responding appropriately. As artificial intelligence is exposed to more data, it becomes increasingly more effective at identifying and responding to security threats. In turn, organizations can maintain safer environments while automating security functions.

 

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Artificial intelligence vs. cybersecurity

Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are not the same.

AI refers to machines that learn and make decisions for themselves. ​​Conversely, cybersecurity is the process of protecting networks and systems from digital attacks.

However, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence help each other operate. For example, AI requires cybersecurity to remain operational and secure, while AI can assist with cybersecurity tasks.

 

Is AI replacing cybersecurity?

No, AI is not replacing cybersecurity. Instead, artificial intelligence is enhancing cybersecurity.

The job of cybersecurity is vast and difficult to uphold with only humans. So, artificial intelligence is being integrated to assist further. AI cybersecurity can perform multiple tasks around the clock, making it a powerful tool against cyber-attacks. Not to mention, AI can perform a variety of actions in seconds compared to humans.

For these reasons, AI is an essential tool in the field of cybersecurity.

 

What is the role of AI in cybersecurity?

The role of AI in cybersecurity is to detect, identify, and respond to threats without human guidance.

AI helps address a lot of challenges in cybersecurity, such as:

• Massive amounts of data that humans can’t manage efficiently.
• Hundreds and thousands of devices to protect a single organization.
• Shortages of skilled and qualified IT professionals.
• Multiple points in which cyber attacks could originate.

 

 

Why does AI need security?

Physical security and cybersecurity benefit from artificial intelligence. However, AI also requires its own security to maintain secure operations.

Machine learning introduces new vulnerabilities AI could fall prey to, such as cyber-attacks, privacy risks, and built-in biases.

Therefore, artificial intelligence requires specialized security to remain operational and secure. Additionally, IT professionals should expect human threats to learn of AI’s exploits and weaknesses. These issues should be addressed promptly with tailored solutions for the emerging field of AI.

 

What is an example of AI security?

Here are some AI security examples in physical and digital applications:

• Security cameras. CCTV cameras take advantage of artificial intelligence by identifying suspicious activity. Also known as AI security guards, these cameras can alert store clerks of potential shoplifters by analyzing their body language and movement. The AI enabling the cameras to catch this behavior compares the footage with an analysis of confirmed shoplifters’ movement and behavior.
• Cyber threat detection. Responding to cyber threats and attacks in a timely manner is paramount for preventing the theft of sensitive information. Fortunately, AI can identify and respond to these threats faster than humans. AI can detect and prevent threats like ransomware, malware, data exfiltration, and social engineering.
• Disease tracking and detection. The medical industry is utilizing artificial intelligence to reduce the spread of infectious diseases by detecting them sooner and tracking their spread. Scientists can develop algorithms for AI that allow it to forecast disease outbreaks in advance, helping reduce cases and deaths among populations.
• Hunting digital threats. Traditional cybersecurity tools can identify signatures of cyber attacks, but they cannot detect attacks that have already occurred or have yet to be discovered. AI uses behavioral analysis to help hunt down and eliminate threats that traditional methods might have missed.

 

Pros & cons of AI in security

Artificial intelligence is undoubtedly here to stay. A variety of industries have benefited from its capabilities. And while it provides many advantages for security, it isn’t without vulnerabilities. Thus, you should be aware of the good and bad of using AI in security.

 

AI security advantages

• Data management. Humans have produced such vast quantities of data that it’s impossible for just humans to manage and interpret it all. But AI has the ability to review, interpret, and report on substantial amounts of data in seconds. Thus, organizations can gain more information from the data they collect faster.
• Team assistance. Smaller or under-resourced teams can benefit from AI as it helps fill the gap these teams are unable to cover. For example, a security guard is unable to effectively patrol a large property on their own. So, AI-powered security cameras provide much-needed assistance in the guard’s efforts. A business security system can easily alert the guard of suspicious activity, so they can respond sooner.
• Long-term support. AI is a long-term solution that remains effective no matter the time of day or week. Moreover, as AI is exposed to more data, it improves effectiveness and accuracy in identifying threats and responding.

 

 

AI security vulnerabilities

• False positives. AI is effective in identifying potential threats, but it isn’t 100% accurate. However, false positives are possible issues organizations may experience, especially if it’s fed inaccurate data.
• Malicious uses. Artificial intelligence is designed to help humans, but that won’t stop some people from abusing it. Some will use AI for malicious purposes, such as hacking through programs or databases to retrieve what they want. In other cases, individuals may learn the AI’s security algorithm to prevent the detection of a cyber-attack.
• Data manipulation. Lastly, AI uses machine learning, which requires data to be effective. If data manipulation occurs and goes unnoticed, organizations will have a difficult time recovering the lost data, leading to serious consequences — especially for the healthcare and finance industries.

 

How to leverage AI security for your organization

When you’re looking to implement AI security for your organization, it’s daunting to decide where to start.

So, here is how to start leveraging this technology for your business:

1. Identify your organization’s needs. AI is capable of solving a lot of security problems, but not every problem. After all, every business is different. So, determine your business’ pain points before pursuing an AI solution.
2. What are your goals? Even though you’ve identified your organization’s needs or problems, it doesn’t mean you’ve outlined clear goals when solving them. What is it you want AI to help with? Do you want to close the gap in your cybersecurity team? Or do you want to reduce theft in your business? By answering these questions, you can set a clear path for your organization.
3. Determine what AI security systems you require. With your goals in mind, research what type of AI security solutions your business will need to implement. If you’re looking to identify and prevent burglaries, consider AI security cameras. On the other hand, if your current cybersecurity tools aren’t catching every attack, look around for an AI integration to hunt down those threats. Before pursuing these security systems, ensure your organization is able to implement the solutions, as not all are equipped to do so.
4. Choose if you’ll build or integrate AI. For most organizations, building artificial intelligence isn’t possible. So, you’ll need to work with an AI security integrator to implement solutions properly.
5. Find an AI security company. Finally, research companies that produce AI solutions for your organization’s goals.

 

Takeaways

• AI security is the concept of implementing artificial intelligence into security systems.
• Some examples of AI in security include smart cameras, cyber threat detection, disease tracking and prevention, and hunting digital threats.
• The benefits of AI in security include data management, team assistance, and long-term support for security teams.
• Vulnerabilities of artificial intelligence security include false positives, malicious applications, and data manipulation.
• Leverage this technology by identifying your needs, outlining your goals, determining what AI solutions you need, and finding an AI security company.