In popular media, cybercriminals are often portrayed targeting big corporations or top government agencies. In reality, they typically attack small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This is because these organizations are easier to infiltrate: unlike large enterprises, SMBs may lack crucial resources, such as budget and IT personnel, hampering their ability to implement sophisticated cybersecurity tools and technologies.
Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the cybersecurity landscape, offering innovative, cost-effective solutions.
AI tools to use for improved cybersecurity
Leverage the capabilities of the following AI technologies to bolster the security posture of your SMB.
Automated threat detection and response (ADTR)
ATDR uses the combined power of AI and machine learning (ML) to analyze massive amounts of security data in real time, enabling the identification and mitigation of cyberthreats with greater speed and accuracy. This automated approach offers several significant advantages over traditional manual security methods, including:
- Enhanced detection accuracy – By meticulously identifying patterns and anomalies, ATDR tools can detect subtle indicators of compromise that might go unnoticed by human analysts, significantly reducing the chance of successful attacks.
- Reduced false positives – ML algorithms can be trained to distinguish between genuine threats and harmless activity, minimizing the number of false positives that burden security teams.
- Continuous improvement – ATDR tools are constantly learning and evolving, adapting to new threats and attack methods. This ensures that SMBs maintain effective protection against the ever-changing threat landscape.
Predictive analytics for threat intelligence
AI empowers predictive analytics, which SMBs can use to analyze historical data and identify trends to anticipate cyberthreats before they occur. For instance, if the system detects a pattern indicative of a potential distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, the AI system can implement preventive measures to mitigate the threat before it affects business operations.
User behavior analysis
By establishing a baseline of normal user behavior, AI-driven cybersecurity solutions can identify deviations from the norm that might indicate malicious activity and/or unauthorized access. For instance, if an employee suddenly attempts to access sensitive files not intended for their role or logs in through an unvetted device or unusual location, the AI system categorizes the unusual activity as a potential breach. This allows for immediate investigation and action.
Phishing and fraud detection
Phishing, an attack in which cybercriminals pretend to be a trustworthy entity to trick victims into leaking sensitive information, remains the most popular cybercrime today. To help protect against this scheme, AI-powered email filters can analyze the sender and contents of emails to flag potential phishing attempts. Similarly, by analyzing transaction patterns in real time, AI algorithms can pick out fraudulent activities. By preventing phishing attacks and fraud, AI safeguards both internal stakeholders and customers, maintaining the integrity of the business.
Read more: How to protect your business from phishing attacks: Strategies and warning signs
Secure authentication methods
AI enables the implementation of advanced authentication methods, such multifactor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring other forms of authentication, such as a mobile verification code or a biometrics scan, on top of passwords. This greatly reduces the risk of unauthorized access due to password theft, enhancing overall cybersecurity.
Swift incident response tools
AI-powered tools can automatically initiate containment measures, such as blocking malicious IP addresses or isolating compromised systems, ensuring swift action that minimizes damage and prevents incidents from escalating into major breaches. AI systems can also analyze the incident post-resolution, providing valuable insights to strengthen future security protocols.
Regulatory compliant solutions
Compliance with industry regulations, such as the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act and General Data Protection Regulation, is mandatory for SMBs handling customer data. AI-driven cybersecurity solutions are regulatory compliant, which means they help businesses adhere to industry regulations concerning customer data handling. Specifically, these solutions make it easier for organizations to identify and classify sensitive customer data, monitor and assess risks to customer data, and protect customer data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.
Want to integrate AI into your cybersecurity strategy but don’t know where to start? XBASE Technologies has you covered. We specialize in implementing EXponentially Better™ cybersecurity solutions to protect your operations, customers, and reputation in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape. Drop us a line to learn more.