In my previous article, I described how artificial intelligence (AI) is being exploited by criminals to improve the success rate and scale up cyberattacks. However, the news about AI is not bad regarding cybersecurity.

That’s because AI and machine learning are already being used to bolster security in solutions such as Barracuda Email Protection. A Gartner report released last year found that 34 percent of organizations already use or implement AI application security tools, and more than half are exploring these solutions. 

With AI, security solutions can analyze large amounts of data faster and correlate information across potential attack surfaces to improve early detection. AI can also help create more personalized security awareness training.

Here are five ways that AI is already helping protect companies against cyberattacks.

1. Improved threat detection and intelligent anomaly detection

Machine learning algorithms analyze email traffic and network activity to establish a company’s baseline behavior and then identify anomalies related to potential attacks, such as unusual traffic, emails, or unexpected user behavior. AI will automate alerts and remediation activities. When properly trained, these algorithms will spot behavioral anomalies and suspicious activity to help spot attacks that would be difficult for human analysts to see. AI-based security tools also provide predictive analysis to help protect against future threats.

2.  Better detection efficacy of phishing attacks

Using data from established phishing patterns, AI-powered email security solutions will identify potentially malicious emails that traditional gateways might miss. It will evaluate the content of incoming messages for indications of language typical of a personalized attack. This approach is much more efficient and will help spot even well-crafted phishing emails based on background research or those created using generative AI techniques.

3. More effective security awareness training

The weakest link in any organization is not its technology but employees vulnerable to social engineering and other attack techniques. Security awareness training is critical. AI makes this training more targeted, personalized, and timely. Barracuda is developing just-in-time, smart training to combat phishing attempts. Instead of periodic simulations, AI will provide training in real-time as the attack is neutralized. Users will be offered tailored resources and chat support to provide context on the attack they are being targeted with. This method appeals to users and saves time for security teams, providing more effective and intuitive training.

4. Automated incident response

The top benefit of deploying AI in security operations is the faster response to threats and incidents. AI-driven systems operate more efficiently in real time, reducing human error. They use natural language processing for decision-making, extract the information needed during investigations, and correlate signals across attack surfaces to halt attacks sooner. Current applications include automating incident identification, orchestrating playbook automation, and increasing the effectiveness of SOC teams by enhancing threat detection and response. 

5. Stronger application security

For application protection, AI and machine learning improve bot detection. AI-based tools can reduce the number of false positives that are typical of more traditional solutions. AI will more accurately detect initial access and reconnaissance attempts by identifying potential zero-day attacks and alerting IT admins while automatically blocking them.

While AI poses several new security challenges, the technology is already helping companies protect their email, data, networks, and applications. AI allows security solutions to monitor and analyze potential threats faster and more accurately while automating alerts and mitigation tactics. Moving forward, artificial intelligence will be vital to the security technology stack.

Olesia Klevchuk is Product Marketing Director for Barracuda.