The Role of Generative AI in Cybersecurity

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) models like ChatGPT and Google Bard are advancing at lightning speed. These technologies produce content and offer solutions that closely mimic human capabilities. It is essential for cybersecurity experts to grasp the implications of these advancements and how they can be used to enhance—or threaten—information security. 

The Future of AI in Cybersecurity

AI isn’t going anywhere. As of 2023, the World Economic Forum reported that there were more than 60,000 AI-focused companies, and the number of data points used by those companies to train AI models has increased dramatically. 

The rapid and continuous development of this technology is already reshaping the future of many industries, professions, and communities. Perhaps one of the most crucial applications of AI as we head into the future is in enhancing cybersecurity. Generative AI has the power to expose more vulnerabilities and empower cyber criminals—but it may also be harnessed to build stronger cyber defense systems.

Will AI Replace Cybersecurity Jobs?

In the age of AI, having a cybersecurity degree is an advantage. While AI has surpassed humans at several tasks, cyber and information security roles are growing at a rate faster than the average industry, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023). 

AI may be able to automate aspects of cybersecurity or may change aspects of the field. However, human oversight is still needed. Businesses need cybersecurity leaders who can

• Accurately interpret AI findings;
• Check for ethical issues in AI generated solutions;
• Make informed decisions about AI-collected data; and
• Weigh AI insights against contextual human experience.

With a degree in Cyber and Information Security, you will also have skills that may be needed for jobs that will be created by the rise of AI, including AI trainers, AI auditors, and machine managers. 

Six Ways AI Strengthens Cybersecurity Defense

When harnessed properly by educated cybersecurity professionals, AI can enhance security and support cyber defense tactics. Some of the ways generative AI can help cybersecurity professionals include 

1. Automated Responses: Cyber professionals can use generative AI to automate aspects of the incident response process based on the type of threat. This can improve efficiency, especially for businesses who are frequent targets of cyber crime.
2. Code Review: AI tools can be used to review code for potential errors or vulnerabilities, and flag them for cyber and IT professionals.
3. Threat Detection and Prevention: Generative AI models can analyze vast amounts of network traffic to detect abnormalities, or distinguish between legitimate communication and phishing attempts. In this way, AI can be harnessed to help reduce or prevent cyber threats.
4. Threat Analysis and Reporting: Generative AI may also assist cyber professionals in analyzing or reporting on threats and/or security practices. Proper documentation of cybersecurity measures is important, but can be a tedious task!
5. Patch Management: Generative AI can help cybersecurity teams prioritize and update patches, and evaluate their effectiveness.
6. Predictive Threat Modeling: By generating potential attack scenarios, AI can help cybersecurity teams prepare or test their systems. 

Top AI Threats to Cybersecurity Professionals 

Just as AI is a powerful tool for those in cybersecurity, it can also be used by cyber criminals to creatively and effectively break through security measures.

The biggest AI risks to cybersecurity include

• AI-generated malware that can evade security systems;
• Data corruption or manipulation that will negate predictions or mask threats;
• Deepfakes and misleading AI-generated content; and
• Model manipulation that will feed incorrect data to AI and impact the machine learning process.

With the right resources and continued education, however, cybersecurity professionals can work to get ahead of these threats and continue to harness the power of AI for good.