How to harness AI and machine learning for proactive threat detection

Cybercriminals are wielding a new weapon that’s tipping the scales even more in their favor.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is helping supercharge cyberattacks with increased precision and scale. A staggering 74% of organizations report significant impacts from AI-powered security threats, yet 60% feel woefully underprepared to defend against them, according to a Darktrace study.

A Deep Instinct report backs that up: 75% of security professionals witnessed an uptick in cyberattacks this year, with 85% of these fueled by generative AI phishing attacks. A recent deepfake video of a multinational company’s CFO duped staff into authorizing $26 million in fraudulent bank transfers.

Static defenses, including signature-based endpoint protection (EPP) software and manual threat hunting, crumble against an AI-powered onslaught. The cybersecurity arms race demands a new approach.

How AI weaponizes cyberattacks

AI-powered vulnerability scanners can identify weak points and flaws in networks and systems far faster than manual methods. Machine-learning (ML) algorithms can optimize password cracking, predicting likely credential combinations based on patterns, drastically reducing time to breach.

Bad actors can leverage generative AI and natural language processing to craft hyper-personalized phishing emails that mimic writing styles and use targeted information to increase success rates. SlashNext discovered a 1,265% increase in malicious phishing emails since the launch of ChatGPT. Between January 2024 and March 2024, BlackBerry witnessed over a 40% per-minute increase in unique malware compared to the prior three-month period.

Malware, too, has gotten an AI upgrade. Polymorphic variants constantly change their code to evade detection by traditional antivirus and EPP software. Some AI-driven malware, while not fully autonomous (yet), can even make autonomous decisions, choosing when and how to act based on unique characteristics of a target environment.

Perhaps most alarmingly, deepfake technology enables sophisticated audio and video impersonations. Attackers use it to manipulate targets into revealing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security. A Sumsub report found that deepfake incidents increased 700% in the fintech sector in 2023.

Simply put, these AI-driven attacks exploit the vulnerabilities of conventional security measures — perhaps even more than businesses realize.

Traditional defenses fall short

Signature-based malware and EPP solutions rely on known threat patterns. But AI-powered malware mutates rapidly, rendering these defenses obsolete within hours. Manual threat hunting, while valuable, can’t match the speed and scale of automated attacks.

The human element remains crucial in cybersecurity. Users must be skilled at identifying AI-generated phishing and business email compromise (BEC) attacks.

Gone are the days where users could rely on misspellings and poor grammar in phishing emails and social engineering attacks. AI-powered phishing attacks leave none of the telltale signatures and are often highly customized to their target users or organizations. The sheer volume of data and the sophistication of modern threats overwhelm even the most skilled security teams.

This widening gap between attack complexity and defense capabilities leaves organizations exposed. According to IBM, one in three breaches now involves shadow data, which highlights how the proliferation of information complicates protection efforts even further.

It’s time to fight fire with fire.

AI-enhanced cybersecurity fights back

AI-powered security solutions provide a robust defense against these newfound threats, as they can leverage ML algorithms to analyze network behavior, identify anomalies, and respond to incidents immediately.

Anomaly detection forms the cornerstone of AI-enhanced cybersecurity. By establishing normal network activity baselines, these systems can quickly spot deviations that may indicate a breach. This approach proves particularly effective against zero-day attacks that evade traditional signature-based detection.

Real-time threat intelligence is another advantage. AI systems continuously monitor global threat feeds, dark web activity, and other sources to identify emerging attack patterns. This proactive approach allows organizations to bolster defenses before attacks materialize.

The payoff? Organizations that used security AI and automation extensively in prevention saved an average of $2.22 million compared to those that didn’t.

Implementation hurdles

While AI offers powerful cybersecurity capabilities, implementation isn’t a walk in the park. Organizations must tackle several challenges to realize the full potential of AI-enhanced defenses.

Data quality and integration issues top the list. AI models require large volumes of high-quality, properly labeled data to function effectively. Many organizations struggle with data silos and inconsistent data structures.

The cybersecurity skills gap is also an obstacle. The industry faces a talent shortage, and simply adding AI without understanding how to train and appropriately leverage it can further compound the issues. Organizations need partners with expertise in cybersecurity and AI.

That’s where SHI comes in.

Empowering AI-driven security

SHI offers a comprehensive suite of services to help organizations harness the power of AI for robust defense. Our team of experienced cybersecurity practitioners provides in-depth assessments and workshops to help you select and implement the right solutions for your organization’s needs.

SHI Labs offers a controlled environment where you can explore the real-time efficacy of various products and generate custom scorecards to compare performance across different use cases. This hands-on approach ensures you make informed decisions about your cybersecurity investments.

We understand that one size doesn’t fit all in cybersecurity. Our experts work closely with your team to develop a thorough cybersecurity strategy tailored to your requirements. This includes strategic planning, product demos, and live malware scenarios to prepare you for real-world threats.

Centered around six vital elements of effective security and outcome-driven roadmaps, SHI’s comprehensive cybersecurity services are designed to make sure your business is protected against an expanding attack surface and adheres to compliance and regulatory requirements while aligning to your business’s security controls. Whatever the situation, SHI has you covered.

The path forward

The global average cost of a data breach has climbed 10% to $4.88 million, the highest ever. The rise in AI-powered cyberattacks could make things even worse.

It’s no wonder the worldwide AI in cybersecurity market is projected to soar to $115 billion by 2032.

Though AI and ML are giving cybercriminals an advantage now, these same technologies can bolster your organization’s defenses and help you even the playing field.

Want to see how secure your organization is? Contact SHI to address any cybersecurity challenges to ensure your business is safe no matter what cyber threat arises.