Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI and ML) are recognized as important elements of the future of cyber security and cloud security. But how integrated are these technologies in cyber security operations? today; A recent one research from Check Point and Cybersecurity Insiders asked hundreds of professionals from various industries how they are using AI so far, how much of a priority it is for their companies and how it has affected their workforce.
Where is artificial intelligence in cybersecurity now?
Respondents were asked several questions about the place of artificial intelligence in their organizations’ cybersecurity plans to date, including how fully it is implemented and how its implementation is evolving. Their answers paint a picture of an industry that is moving slowly and cautiously and perhaps hasn’t gone as “all-in” on AI as some might expect. Organizations are still evaluating the benefits and risks associated with AI and ML tools, and companies are moving carefully to establish solid best practices that comply with relevant regulations.
When asked to describe their organization’s adoption of AI and ML in cybersecurity, 61% of respondents described it as “design” or “development”—significantly more than the 24% who categorized it as “mature” or “advanced”. In addition, 15% of respondents said that their organizations have not implemented it not at all AI and ML in their cybersecurity efforts. Clearly, while selling artificial intelligence for cybersecurity, many companies are convinced start to discover its potential, few companies are fully aligned.
Another more specific survey question was, “Which cloud (cloud) functions in your organization are currently being enhanced by AI and ML?” The answers are enlightening, with malware detection at the top with 35%, and user behavior analysis and supply chain security follow. Low on the list, fewer organizations appear to be using AI to manage their security posture or investigate AI adversaries. Combined with the answers to the question discussed earlier about the general place of AI, the data shows that the individual applications of AI and ML in cybersecurity are still far from universal.
One of the reasons AI adoption hasn’t progressed at a faster pace is the challenge of navigating a rapidly changing regulatory landscape. In these early days, laws and government directives are still evolving around AI and cybersecurity. Businesses cannot afford to take compliance risks, and keeping up with these rapid changes can be complex and resource intensive.
How are organizations approaching AI for faring cybersecurity?
Despite the slow and cautious adoption of AI in cybersecurity so far, it is almost universally seen as an important priority going forward, with 91% ranking it as a priority for their organization and only the 9% of respondents saying it was a low or no priority. it is not a priority at all.
Respondents clearly see the intent of AI to automate repetitive tasks and improve anomaly and malware detection, with 48% identifying it as the area with the most potential. Additionally, 41% see promise in reinforcement learning for dynamic security posture management using AI – particularly interesting compared to only 18% who use currently AI for this function. The excitement is obvious – but there are challenges in realizing this potential.
Beyond specific applications, respondents were asked to identify what they see as the biggest benefits of incorporating artificial intelligence into cybersecurity operations. The most popular answers included vulnerability assessment and threat detection, but cost efficiency was the least popular answer, at just 21%. Possibly due to the costly challenge of regulatory compliance and implementation costs, AI is not currently seen as a significant money-saving tool for most respondents.
Concerns and conflicting attitudes about artificial intelligence in cybersecurity
Additional questions provided insight into professional concerns and lack of clarity around some of the key principles of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. As for the impact of AI on the workforce in the field, it is clear that this is still an open question without clear answers. 49% identified new skills required by artificial intelligence and 35% noted redefined job roles. And while 33% said the size of their workforce has decreased due to AI, 29% said the size of their workforce has decreased. grow up. The application of artificial intelligence to cybersecurity is clearly a work in progress, and while greater efficiency is a promise that can be realized in the future, for now many companies really need to employ it. no longer people to integrate the new technology.
In particular, there was a significant split in the responses to the question: Do you agree with the following statement: “Our organization would be comfortable with Generative AI without implementing internal data quality controls and governance policies”? While 44% disagreed or strongly agreed with the statement, 37% said they either agreed or strongly agreed. It’s very rare to see such a significant split on a question like this in a business survey, and this split seems to indicate a lack of consensus — or perhaps just a lack of awareness of the importance of internal controls and policies of governance when the AI ​​is. involved.
The view of the Check Point
It is clear that AI plays a critical role in enhancing cybersecurity measures and asset protection, especially when integrated into our product portfolio, allowing us to automate repetitive tasks, improve detection and threat response, and provide significant value to customers. This technology is set to define the future of cybersecurity, and Check Point is in a position to help companies make the most of it.
It is important to note that successful implementation of AI requires careful integration and governance. To see the combination of increased efficiency and accuracy, our customers need to take a hard look at how they integrate AI into their existing systems and processes. Appropriate governance mechanisms are crucial to ensure that AI is used responsibly and effectively. Strategic consulting services will be required in the future for clients who want to implement AI in their businesses in the safest and most efficient way.
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