AI is revolutionising cybersecurity, offering advanced tools to detect and prevent threats. But what are its limitations?
by Carmen Dal Monte
In cybersecurity, artificial intelligence is becoming a powerful tool in the fight against online threats.
Its ability to analyse large amounts of data, detect patterns and learn from experience makes it seem like the ideal solution for strengthening cybersecurity defences in large organisations and in our everyday lives. Put simply, it is like having a super-smart assistant to protect our computers and networks from malicious attackers.
However, AI is not a magic wand that can solve all cybersecurity problems. As with any technology, there are limitations and potential drawbacks that need to be carefully considered.
The benefits of AI in cybersecurity
AI’s ability to quickly analyse vast amounts of data and identify patterns that could indicate a threat is a huge help to cybersecurity teams, enabling them to respond more quickly and effectively to potential threats. AI models are perfect for performing time-consuming and labor-intensive tasks such as monitoring the network and updating security policies.
AI can automate many routine security management tasks, such as updating firewalls and managing user access. This reduces the workload on dedicated security teams and minimises the risk of human error that could lead to vulnerabilities.
AI systems can analyse historical data about past attacks to predict future threats. This predictive approach allows organisations to be proactive in their security strategy, anticipating and preventing potential attacks before they occur.
AI and cybersecurity: the other side of the coin
However, it would be wrong to think of AI as infallible. If the data it is fed is incomplete or partial, or if its ‘training’ is incorrect, it can easily make mistakes, no more or less than natural intelligence. For example, it may signal impending threats and generate alerts based on incorrect data.
It is often difficult to understand how an AI system arrives at certain conclusions, making it difficult to verify the accuracy of its security decisions.
The indiscriminate use of AI in this sensitive area can pose privacy risks to users, as models may inadvertently store or reveal sensitive information.
But the biggest problem comes from the human mind. AI cannot replace human expertise; it can be fooled by hackers who know how to manipulate data or exploit weaknesses in algorithms. AI also struggles to understand the intent behind cyber attacks. It can detect unusual behaviour, but may not recognise it as an attack. Hence the need for oversight and interpretation by live analysts.
It should not be overlooked that AI systems can also be the target of cyber attacks. Hackers could try to manipulate training data or trick AI algorithms to avoid detection. This underlines the importance of protecting not only the organisation’s systems and data, but also the AI infrastructure itself.
AI vs. AI
In this new scenario, where AI is used to both defend and attack information systems, a kind of digital “arms race” is materialising. On the one hand, advanced AI systems are being developed to detect and prevent threats, analyse user behaviour and identify anomalies in network traffic.
On the other hand, cybercriminals are developing increasingly sophisticated attacks using AI to evade traditional defences, automate attacks and exploit vulnerabilities more efficiently. This confrontation between defensive and offensive AI is leading to a rapid evolution of attack and defence techniques.
As a result, organisations must constantly update and refine their AI systems to keep up with evolving threats, while hackers are constantly looking for new ways to circumvent AI-based defences. This dynamic underscores the importance of a human approach to cybersecurity, combining the use of AI with human expertise, robust security policies and a culture of security awareness within organisations.
The dangers of overconfidence
Another danger of using AI in cybersecurity is that it can make people too dependent on it. It is like having a watchdog that you rely on to protect your home. If you start to rely on the dog too much, you might forget to lock the doors or set the alarm, thinking that the dog will take care of everything.
The same thing can happen with AI in cybersecurity. If we start to think that AI can take care of all our security needs on its own, we will lower our defences. If we are confident that we are safe, we may neglect other preventative measures, such as employee training, network monitoring and attack response planning.
This overconfidence in AI can lead to a false sense of security. Just because you have an AI-based system does not mean you are invincible; AI can make mistakes and be fooled by skilled attackers.
AI is a tool, not a replacement for human experience; a tool that can be incredibly useful in detecting and responding to threats, but still requires human oversight and interpretation.
Over-reliance on AI could lead to neglecting the importance of security training and awareness for employees. Many security breaches are still the result of human error, an area where AI alone cannot provide complete protection.
How to find the right balance
In medio stat virtus, as the Latins would say. The key is to find the right balance between automation and human expertise. AI should be used to support and enhance the work of analysts, not to replace them entirely.
This means investing in training and education to ensure that cybersecurity professionals have the skills they need to work effectively with artificial intelligence. But it also means being clear about the use of AI and its limitations.
The future of cybersecurity is likely to lie in a hybrid approach, combining AI capabilities with human insight and experience. AI can handle large-scale data analysis and anomaly detection, while human experts can focus on interpreting results, strategic planning and responding to complex threats.
So while AI can be a valuable ally in the fight against cyber threats, we need to embrace it with a healthy dose of caution and realism. Only by understanding its limitations and using it wisely can we truly harness its potential to keep our digital world safe and secure.
In short, AI in cybersecurity is a powerful double-edged sword. When used properly, it can greatly enhance our ability to defend against cyber threats. However, it is important to recognise its limitations and potential risks. The key to the success of AI in cybersecurity will depend on our ability to balance its capabilities with human judgement, ethics and a thorough understanding of the ever-changing threat landscape.
