How AI-Enabled Capabilities are Transforming Cybersecurity

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized nearly every sector, and cybersecurity is no exception. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, AI is transforming how both vendors and defenders approach these evolving challenges. I recently joined Chief Technology Officer and AI visionary Benjamin Bohman for an episode of AI Insights: The Executive Brief where we covered the profound impact of AI on cybersecurity, including its role in combating alert fatigue, streamlining behavioral analytics, and shaping future defense mechanisms. 

The Rise of AI in Cybersecurity 

The rise of AI in cybersecurity isn’t a recent phenomenon. Behavioral analytics, a core AI capability, has been evolving since 2012. Initially, AI's role focused on analyzing user behavior to detect anomalies, such as unusual login patterns or data transfers. Over the years, this has expanded into machine learning and deep learning applications that are far more complex, using vast datasets to predict potential threats and automate defenses. 

But what’s really driving the conversation today is how rapidly AI is evolving. More than 80% of cybersecurity vendors are now integrating AI into their systems, building out different models and leveraging tools like generative AI and OpenAI. These innovations help companies stay ahead of the ever-growing cyber threat landscape. 

AI vs. AI: The Cybersecurity Arms Race 

The current cybersecurity environment can be described as "Machine vs. Machine." Cybersecurity vendors are deploying AI-enabled defenses, but cybercriminals are equally quick to embrace AI-driven attacks. This dynamic has turned the traditional “cat and mouse” game between attackers and defenders into an AI arms race. 

Both sides are leveraging AI to automate processes. Defenders use AI for threat detection, while attackers are developing automated tools to breach defenses. The more sophisticated these systems become, the more critical it is to evolve detection and defense mechanisms. In this high-speed AI-fueled battle, cybersecurity vendors are constantly refining their capabilities to stay one step ahead. The challenge is to deploy AI models that are resilient and less susceptible to being compromised by adversaries. 

AI's Achilles Heel: Lack of Guardrails 

While AI offers enormous potential, it’s not without its risks. As companies increasingly rely on AI, one significant concern is the lack of "guardrails"—or safeguards—built into these systems. Without proper oversight, AI can lead companies into dangerous territory. We’re moving at breakneck speeds with AI, likened to “driving 200 mph with no seatbelts or guardrails.” 

AI models, while highly efficient, are not foolproof. They can be “poisoned” by attackers who trick them into making incorrect decisions, or they can fail to detect novel threats. As most cybersecurity vendors invest in AI, the rush to implement new technologies often prioritizes profit over safety, increasing the likelihood of vulnerabilities. 

Defense in Depth: Beyond AI 

While AI plays a critical role in modern cybersecurity, it is not a complete solution. AI-based models can only do so much, and as these systems evolve, defenders need strategies that can adapt when AI systems fall short. This is where approaches like Automated Moving Target Defense (AMTD) come into play. 

AMTD essentially "morphs" the attack surface, creating an ever-shifting environment that makes it harder for attackers to gain a foothold. Think of it as a kaleidoscope or funhouse mirror—by constantly changing the landscape, AMTD provides an additional layer of defense that complements traditional AI-based detection models. 

A Practical Layer of Protection 

The combination of AI and additional layers of defense is crucial as organizations increasingly turn to platformization—standardizing their cybersecurity tools on platforms like Microsoft. With Microsoft’s E5 licensing, for example, companies can streamline their cybersecurity operations, integrating AI and analytics directly into their operating systems.  

However, even with these “easy button” solutions, there is still a need for strategies that go beyond standard defenses to mitigate the risks of AI failure. 

By adopting AMTD and other adaptive mechanisms, companies can build a robust security posture that doesn’t rely solely on AI but uses it as part of a larger, multi-layered strategy. 

Don’t Miss the Webinar 

  to get a deeper dive into how AI is shaping the future of cybersecurity, both for vendors and defenders. The conversation explores real-world examples, discusses the risks and rewards of AI in cybersecurity, and offers practical advice for how companies can integrate AI into their security strategies while ensuring they remain resilient in the face of evolving threats. 

Stay ahead of the curve—listen in on-demand to learn how you can leverage AI while avoiding the common pitfalls, and how to adopt additional layers of defense to protect your organization from future threats.