There is an “arms race” in cyberspace as malicious actors adopt advanced smart-machine technologies and cybersecurity professionals counter with systems driven by artificial intelligence (AI) to protect digital assets, national security and public safety.
AI comprises networks and algorithms capable of collecting, organizing and analyzing enormous, complex data sets without human intervention. In addition, AI rewrites its algorithms as new data is introduced, making them self-aware systems that can learn, reason and calculate outcomes in real time.
How Do Malicious Actors Use AI?
Unethical hackers use AI to develop and launch phishing attacks that trick users into opening holes in digital security systems, insert malware into targeted networks to compromise data, crack passwords and create deepfakes — computer-generated audio and video impersonations that manipulate users into creating digital vulnerabilities.
To match them, cybersecurity professionals push back by continuously improving sophisticated machine-learning and natural language processing technologies that prevent, detect and respond to attacks.
“The result is faster threat response and improved remediation,” according to ServiceNow, which explains that the ongoing optimization makes cyber-protection systems more intuitive and capable of predicting intrusion before it happens.
What Is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is a broad term that covers the technologies, processes and practices that protect computer systems, infrastructure, applications and coding processes and sensitive data from unauthorized access, use, theft or destruction.
AI is used to detect and prevent such threats, identify unusual patterns of network behavior and anomalous data trends, flag potential security breaches and mitigate the damage of cyberattacks.
And while it is broadly known for its application in the corporate community, AI-driven cybersecurity is also critical in national security, forensics and public safety.
How Is AI Used in the National Security Sphere?
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) deploys AI to automate processes ranging from budgeting to predicting weapon-system failures, wargaming complex scenarios and protecting its computer networks and data.
As AI capabilities grow in scope and complexity, “additional actions … are needed to ensure the department can take advantage of the AI revolution” in response to its increasing investments by “strategic competitors” like China and Russia.
Homeland Security also deploys AI to improve its ability to detect and prevent potential security threats. By analyzing large data sets and learning as it goes along, AI enables security officials to detect potential threats before they occur by, among other things, using facial recognition and surveillance software to match suspected terrorists against watchlists.
AI also drives systems to protect the agency’s digital assets and improve emergency response by identifying high-risk areas during crises.
“Nearly every aspect of national security could be shaped by artificial intelligence, as AI has applications for defense, intelligence, homeland security, diplomacy, surveillance, cybersecurity, information, and economic tools of statecraft,” according to HSRC, an international market and technology research firm specializing in the transformational technologies and public safety industry.
How Does AI Support Forensic Security and Public Safety?
Forensic security involves processes that gather and analyze digital data to investigate crimes and security breaches, including hacking. Data sources include electronic devices, analyzing network traffic and other forms of digital investigation.
Among other applications, AI automates the collection and analysis of trends in criminal activity and traffic data to support more efficient public safety resources; DNA analysis, matching and identification; and predictions about potential threats.
Recognizing the value of AI in forensic security and public safety, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is funding research to expand its use in forensic security and public safety to leverage its capabilities for “identifying individuals and their actions in videos relating to criminal activity or public safety, DNA analysis, gunshot detection, and crime forecasting.”
Why Is Cybersecurity a Good Career Path?
As the world grows more wired and malicious actors become more sophisticated in using machine learning technologies, demand for cybersecurity analysts is predicted to grow by 35% as private and public sector employers add 56,500 positions through 2031.
Candidates for those positions with advanced insights and understanding in the development, deployment and management of technologies and infrastructure that protect digital assets will have a competitive advantage.
The online Master of Science (M.S.) in Cybersecurity program from Northern Kentucky University, for instance, explores AI-driven security strategies and tactics, enabling graduates to future-proof their careers in the rapidly expanding, high-demand field.
Learn more about Northern Kentucky University’s online M.S. in Cybersecurity program.
