How Does AI Impact Your Data Security?

While AI is not a recent development, it does seem to be taking the world by storm all of a sudden. It’s not going unnoticed. Like everyone else, most business owners are feeling a combination of excitement at the possibilities tempered by a creeping sense of dread and fear of the unknown. 

How will AI impact your company’s data security? Is AI a threat to the security of your proprietary and sensitive data? Or does it represent an opportunity to reinforce your existing risk management strategy?

This Brass Valley article about AI and cybersecurity will answer all of these questions and a lot more — let’s get started!

Is AI Good or Bad for the Security of My Company’s Data?

In the ever-changing world of cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly become a paradigm-rocking game changer. Like any powerful tool, it can be harnessed for good or evil. AI is being used to bolster security in data centers and corporate networks. It is even being used to “wargame” and craft better network security policies and data security practices. 

Unfortunately, the double-edged sword of AI is also being used by bad actors, cybercriminals, and black-hat hackers as well. While many are clamoring for the government to step in and “regulate AI” it seems unlikely that any legislative efforts will provide any meaningful, practical protection anytime soon. 

Is AI a positive or negative for data and network security?

• AI is a tool that can be used positively or negatively, it’s powerful but neutral.
• The biggest threat, as always, is humans – and how they use AI. 
• It’s too early in the progression of AI to say if it will be a net positive or negative.
• The key is to begin leveraging AI to make your data more secure today. 

Where Does AI Fit Into the Data Security Equation?

The federal government is notoriously slow-moving and particularly out of touch when it comes to technology in general. We can hardly rely upon them alone to counteract a threat they barely understand, can we?

Where does AI fit into the data security equation? Lots of places. It may play roles in both defense and offense. We’re only in the beginning of the first chapter of this story. The role of AI in securing networks and protecting data is only going to grow in the coming years. 

The wisest move for any manager, C-suite officer, or business owner to make when it comes to AI and data security is to educate themselves on the subject — then take proactive measures to ensure your company’s network and its data remain secure. 

Part of your risk management approach should be partnering with an ITAD services and network security partner who remains at the forefront of emerging technologies. You should learn what you can about AI — but also engage a support provider who sweats the details of potential AI threats to data constantly so you don’t have to. 

How AI Can Help Strengthen Data Security and Protect Networks 

Artificial Intelligence operates on the principles of machine learning and deep learning. These techniques enable AI to learn from experience, recognize patterns, and make decisions, much like a human would, but at a vastly accelerated pace. As network security tools evolve, they are beginning to incorporate increasingly sophisticated AI elements with greater capabilities. 

In the realm of cybersecurity, AI can swiftly analyze massive amounts of data, spotting anomalies and identifying potential threats faster than any human ever could. For example, AI-powered systems can detect phishing attacks by analyzing the content of emails for malicious links or suspicious wording. They can also identify malware by scanning files for known harmful characteristics.

AI can be instrumental in managing the security of data centers. By monitoring network traffic, AI can identify unusual patterns that may indicate a breach. For instance, an unexpected data transfer during off-peak hours could suggest an ongoing data theft. AI can also predict potential points of failure in the network infrastructure, enabling proactive maintenance and avoiding costly downtime.

AI can help strengthen networks and protect data by:

• Detecting phishing attempts with rapid analysis of email message content.
• Quickly spotting anomalies in network activity that may indicate a breach.
• Immunizing networks against malware and harmful files with real-time analysis. 
• Shoring up weaknesses and identifying potential points of failure to reinforce.

When AI Becomes a Threat to Your Data and Network Security

While AI can be a powerful tool for counteracting cyber threats, it can also be a potent weapon in the hands of bad actors and cyberhustlers. Sophisticated black hat hackers are already using AI to automate their attacks, making them more efficient and harder to detect.

AI can be utilized to carry out ‘smart’ brute force attacks. Traditional brute force attacks involve trying all possible combinations to crack a password, which is time-consuming and easily detected. In contrast, an AI-powered brute force attack can analyze patterns and use predictive models to guess the password, significantly reducing the time and attempts needed.

Moreover, AI can be used for advanced phishing attacks. By analyzing available data on the target, AI can generate personalized emails that are more likely to trick the recipient into clicking on a malicious link or providing sensitive information.

AI can even be used in social engineering-type attacks. A good example is the deepfake technology used in 2019 to trick a CEO into transferring $243,000. The cybercriminals used AI to mimic the voice of the company’s chief executive and requested the urgent transfer of funds.

AI can be used by bad actors to:

• Execute more effective ‘brute force’ attacks on network assets
• Develop sophisticated phishing emails that are more likely to fool recipients 
• Enable social engineering attacks utilizing deepfake tech to impersonate people.
• Help hackers automate their attacks so they can do more in less time. 

Brass Valley: High-Performance ITAD Risk Management 

The rise of AI has put more powerful tools in the hands of the people who want access to your network and your company’s precious data. But this isn’t a threat you have to face alone. Leading network security and risk management firms like Brass Valley are well-versed in both the defensive use of AI technology and the tactics used by AI-powered hackers.

Brass Valley is arguably the safest ITAD vendor in the U.S. With zero breaches in the over 20 years we’ve been in business, our track record and expertise speak volumes. Our elite-level shared risk model and High-Reliability processes offer unparalleled security for your valuable data. 

Call us at  (844) 390-5366 or through our contact page.