Advancements in AI
Advancements in AI
Introduction
Over the past decade, the frequency, diversity, and impact of cyber threats have
experienced a dramatic surge, posing significant challenges to organizations across
the globe [1]. With cybercriminal activities estimated to cost the global economy over
$6 trillion annually by 2021, it has become abundantly clear that the threat landscape
is evolving at an unprecedented rate. From the proliferation of malware and
ransomware to the sophistication of phishing and supply chain attacks, cyber threats
exploit a multitude of vectors to breach organizational defenses and wreak havoc on
systems and data [2]. Traditional security tools, characterized by static rules and
Journal of Intelligent Connectivity and Emerging Technologies
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1
[1]
signatures, have proven woefully inadequate in the face of today's polymorphic
attacks, which leverage machine learning and other evasion techniques to evade
detection. As a result, there is an urgent need for intelligent and adaptive cybersecurity
solutions capable of analyzing threats, understanding context, and executing precise
response actions to mitigate the ever-growing risk posed by cyber threats [3].
In response to the escalating threat landscape, organizations are increasingly
recognizing the imperative of adopting intelligent and adaptive cybersecurity
solutions to safeguard their digital assets and infrastructure. These solutions leverage
advanced technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and
behavioral analytics to proactively identify and mitigate cyber threats in real-time [4].
By moving beyond static rules and signatures, intelligent cybersecurity solutions are
able to dynamically analyze threats, discern patterns, and identify anomalous behavior
indicative of malicious activity. Moreover, these solutions are equipped with the
ability to understand context, taking into account factors such as user behavior,
network traffic, and system configurations to make informed decisions about threat
severity and appropriate response actions [5]. This proactive approach to
cybersecurity enables organizations to stay one step ahead of cyber threats, thwarting
attacks before they can inflict significant damage and disruption.
[2]
datasets. When implemented for cybersecurity, AI solutions can process enormous
volumes of data to identify anomalies, recognize attack patterns, and take automated
actions. This overcomes the limitations of legacy rules-based tools [8].
This paper reviews the latest techniques and platforms using AI to enhance cyber
threat detection and response. The current landscape of AI-driven cybersecurity
products is analyzed to highlight advanced functionality delivered through AI
techniques like machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and computer
vision. Key strengths of AI in enabling comprehensive and contextual threat
intelligence are discussed. Design recommendations for implementing robust AI
models are provided, along with best practices for explainability and human-machine
teaming. The analysis underscores why AI is becoming indispensable for
cybersecurity as digital attack surfaces keep expanding.
Background
AI techniques relevant for cybersecurity: Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques
have revolutionized the landscape of cybersecurity, offering innovative solutions to
combat the ever-evolving and increasingly sophisticated threats facing organizations
and individuals. Among these techniques, machine learning stands out as a powerful
tool, leveraging algorithms that enable models to learn from data without the need for
explicit programming. Within the realm of cybersecurity, machine learning finds
widespread application in tasks such as anomaly detection, where it can identify
deviations from normal behavior patterns indicative of potential security breaches [9].
Additionally, machine learning algorithms excel in malware classification, allowing
for the rapid identification and mitigation of malicious software before it can inflict
harm. User behavior analysis is another area where machine learning shines, as it can
detect aberrant actions that may signify unauthorized access or insider threats within
a system. Moreover, predictive maintenance, facilitated by machine learning models,
enables organizations to preemptively address vulnerabilities and weaknesses in their
cybersecurity infrastructure, thus enhancing overall resilience and threat readiness.
[3]
powered by machine learning algorithms, enables automated analysis and
comprehension of visual data, contributing to tasks such as facial recognition and
behavior analysis in surveillance footage. Reinforcement learning adds another
dimension to AI-driven cybersecurity by empowering agents to dynamically
determine actions to maximize rewards through trial-and-error interactions with the
environment. This adaptive approach facilitates the development of resilient network
security strategies and automated red teaming, allowing organizations to proactively
defend against emerging threats and maintain a robust cybersecurity posture in an
ever-changing threat landscape [11].
[4]
intelligence, allowing organizations to better understand the nature and scope of cyber
threats and respond more effectively. Moreover, there has been a significant shift from
reactive, signature-based tools to proactive cybersecurity measures augmented by
artificial intelligence (AI) [14]. By leveraging AI-driven analytics and automation,
security operations teams can detect and respond to threats in real-time, minimizing
the impact of cyber attacks and reducing the likelihood of future breaches. This
proactive approach to cybersecurity is essential in an increasingly interconnected and
digitized world, where the potential consequences of a successful cyber attack can be
devastating [15].
Threat and Anomaly Detection: In the realm of threat and anomaly detection, AI
techniques have revolutionized cybersecurity capabilities, enabling real-time
identification of potential risks and deviations from normal behavior. Unsupervised
machine learning (ML) algorithms such as isolation forests and autoencoders have
emerged as powerful tools for detecting anomalies in system logs and network traffic,
allowing organizations to swiftly identify and respond to potential threats.
Furthermore, the application of deep learning to malware classification has proven to
be highly effective, with models continuously updated with new data to stay ahead of
evolving threats. By analyzing the relationships between events using graph analytics
and random walks, cybersecurity professionals can uncover previously unseen threat
patterns, providing invaluable insights into potential vulnerabilities [16]. Additionally,
user and entity behavioral analytics (UEBA) solutions leverage machine learning to
detect changes from normal behavior, enabling organizations to identify and mitigate
insider threats more effectively.
[5]
Attack Surface Management: AI-driven solutions have revolutionized the way
organizations identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities. AI-enabled network
mapping and asset discovery provide organizations with continuous visibility into
their digital infrastructure, reducing blind spots and enabling more effective risk
management. Web application scanners leverage deep learning and dynamic crawling
techniques to identify vulnerabilities in web applications without access to the source
code, enabling organizations to proactively address potential security issues before
they can be exploited by malicious actors. Furthermore, cloud security posture
management solutions employ machine learning to analyze misconfigurations across
cloud assets, helping organizations maintain a secure and compliant cloud
environment.
[6]
Critical capabilities delivered by AI include:
AI has ushered in a new era of cybersecurity capabilities, providing organizations with
critical functionalities that are indispensable for implementing proactive threat
defense strategies. One of the key capabilities delivered by AI is adaptive threat
detection, enabled by unsupervised learning algorithms that automatically surface
anomalies in system logs and network traffic. By continuously analyzing data and
identifying deviations from normal behavior, these algorithms empower organizations
to swiftly detect and respond to emerging threats before they can cause significant
harm [21]. Additionally, AI-powered malware classification systems leverage deep
learning networks that are continuously retrained on new samples, enabling
organizations to stay ahead of evolving threats and effectively mitigate the risks posed
by malicious software.
Moreover, AI plays a crucial role in understanding the context of cyber attacks and
insider risks through advanced behavior analytics and graph mappings. By analyzing
the relationships between events and entities, AI-powered systems can provide
valuable insights into the motives and methods of attackers, enabling organizations to
better defend against targeted attacks and insider threats. Furthermore, AI-driven
solutions automate security operations workflows such as triage, investigation, and
response, enabling security teams to more efficiently manage and mitigate threats. By
leveraging AI to automate repetitive tasks and streamline processes, organizations can
improve their overall security posture and reduce the risk of successful cyber attacks.
[7]
specialized judgment. Additionally, integrated workflows orchestrated by AI span IT,
security, and business functions, leading to improved operational efficiency and
overall security posture [23].
[8]
organizations to adapt and respond effectively to new threats and challenges.
Following industry standards for trustworthy AI safety, security, privacy, and
algorithmic fairness is essential, adhering to best practices and guidelines to ensure
ethical and responsible use of AI in cybersecurity. Retaining in-house expert
knowledge to define problems, ask the right questions, and critically evaluate AI
solutions complements and enhances the capabilities of AI-driven security systems,
ensuring that human expertise remains at the forefront of cybersecurity operations.
Conclusion
In the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, the demand for cutting-edge
technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning has become
increasingly apparent. These advanced solutions play a pivotal role in bolstering threat
detection and response capabilities, offering a multitude of benefits to organizations
grappling with the evolving nature of cyber threats [25]. Among the myriad
advantages of AI solutions is their ability to automate the detection of novel attacks,
providing organizations with real-time insights into emerging threats that traditional
methods may overlook. Furthermore, AI-powered systems excel at uncovering
complex threat patterns and accelerating security workflows, enabling organizations
to respond swiftly and effectively to potential breaches [26]. By leveraging AI,
cybersecurity platforms can enrich investigations by uncovering insights and
correlations that might otherwise remain hidden, empowering organizations to better
understand and mitigate security risks. Recognizing the transformative potential of
AI, leading cybersecurity platforms are increasingly integrating these technologies as
core capabilities across endpoints, networks, cloud environments, and applications.
By harnessing the power of AI, organizations can enhance their overall security
posture and better defend against the myriad cyber threats that continue to proliferate
in today's digital landscape.
[9]
However, it is crucial to approach the adoption of AI in cybersecurity with caution
and diligence. While AI holds immense promise, there are inherent challenges that
must be addressed to ensure its effectiveness and reliability. One such challenge lies
in the need to train robust models that are resilient to biases, gaps, and poisoning
attacks. Additionally, the lack of explainability in some AI algorithms can hinder
auditability and trust, making it difficult to understand the reasoning behind AI-driven
decisions. Therefore, efforts to strengthen explainability through techniques like
LIME are essential to enhance transparency and accountability in security operations.
Looking ahead, the cybersecurity landscape is poised to face new challenges posed by
adversarial attacks on AI systems. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into security
infrastructures, malicious actors are likely to target these systems in an escalating arms
race for cybersecurity dominance [29]. However, AI itself holds the promise to detect
patterns, automate protection, and empower defenders against emerging threats. By
leveraging AI-driven technologies, organizations can stay one step ahead of
adversaries and proactively defend against evolving cyber threats [30].
References
[1] S. Alam, “Deep Learning Applications for Residential Energy Demand
Forecasting,” AI, IoT and the Fourth Industrial Revolution Review, vol. 14, no.
2, pp. 27–38, 2024.
[2] I. Doghudje and O. Akande, “Securing the Internet of Things: Cybersecurity
Challenges for Smart Materials and Big Data,” IJIC, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 82–108,
Mar. 2022.
[3] A. Yaseen, “SUCCESSFUL DEPLOYMENT OF SECURE INTELLIGENT
CONNECTIVITY FOR LAN AND WLAN,” Journal of Intelligent
Connectivity and Emerging Technologies, vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 1–22, 2022.
[4] E. Crothers, N. Japkowicz, and H. Viktor, “Machine generated text: A
comprehensive survey of threat models and detection methods,” arXiv [cs.CL],
13-Oct-2022.
[5] G. E. M. Abro, S. A. B. M. Zulkifli, R. J. Masood, V. S. Asirvadam, and A.
Laouti, “Comprehensive review of UAV detection, security, and
communication advancements to prevent threats,” Drones, vol. 6, no. 10, p.
284, Oct. 2022.
[10]
[6] O. Abdullayeva and M. Engalichev, “Artificial intelligence systems,” Значение
цифровых технологий в изучении истории Узбекистана, vol. 1, no. 01, pp.
382–385, Oct. 2022.
[7] N. Ahmed et al., “Network threat detection using machine/deep learning in
SDN-based platforms: A comprehensive analysis of state-of-the-art solutions,
discussion, challenges, and future research direction,” Sensors (Basel), vol. 22,
no. 20, p. 7896, Oct. 2022.
[8] A. Yaseen, “ACCELERATING THE SOC: ACHIEVE GREATER
EFFICIENCY WITH AI-DRIVEN AUTOMATION,” IJRAI, vol. 12, no. 1, pp.
1–19, Jan. 2022.
[9] L. Patino, T. Cane, and J. Ferryman, “A comprehensive maritime benchmark
dataset for detection, tracking and threat recognition,” in 2021 17th IEEE
International Conference on Advanced Video and Signal Based Surveillance
(AVSS), Washington, DC, USA, 2021.
[10] M. Fendt et al., “Context and trade-offs characterize real-world threat detection
systems: A review and comprehensive framework to improve research practice
and resolve the translational crisis,” Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev., vol. 115, pp. 25–
33, Aug. 2020.
[11] K. Priyansh et al., “DuRBIN: A comprehensive approach to analysis and
detection of emerging threats due to network intrusion,” in 2022 IEEE Intl Conf
on Dependable, Autonomic and Secure Computing, Intl Conf on Pervasive
Intelligence and Computing, Intl Conf on Cloud and Big Data Computing, Intl
Conf on Cyber Science and Technology Congress
(DASC/PiCom/CBDCom/CyberSciTech), Falerna, Italy, 2022.
[12] A. Yaseen, “UNCOVERING EVIDENCE OF ATTACKER BEHAVIOR ON
THE NETWORK,” ResearchBerg Review of Science and Technology, vol. 3,
no. 1, pp. 131–154, Dec. 2020.
[13] S. Acharya, U. Rawat, and R. Bhatnagar, “A comprehensive review of Android
security: Threats, vulnerabilities, malware detection, and analysis,” Secur.
Commun. Netw., vol. 2022, pp. 1–34, Jun. 2022.
[14] S.-M. Senouci, H. Sedjelmaci, J. Liu, M. H. Rehmani, and E. Bou-Harb, “AI-
driven cybersecurity threats to future networks [from the guest editors],” IEEE
Veh. Technol. Mag., vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 5–6, Sep. 2020.
[15] A. Yaseen, “REDUCING INDUSTRIAL RISK WITH AI AND
AUTOMATION,” International Journal of Intelligent Automation and
Computing, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 60–80, 2021.
[16] I. H. Sarker, M. H. Furhad, and R. Nowrozy, “AI-driven cybersecurity: An
overview, security intelligence modeling and research directions,” SN Comput.
Sci., vol. 2, no. 3, May 2021.
[17] M. Mylrea, M. Nielsen, J. John, and M. Abbaszadeh, “Digital twin industrial
immune system: AI-driven cybersecurity for critical infrastructures,” in Systems
Engineering and Artificial Intelligence, Cham: Springer International
Publishing, 2021, pp. 197–212.
[18] A. Yaseen, “THE UNFORESEEN DUET: WHEN SUPERCOMPUTING AND
AI IMPROVISE THE FUTURE,” Eigenpub Review of Science and
Technology, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 306–335, 2023.
[19] I. H. Sarker, “AI-driven cybersecurity: An overview, security intelligence
modeling and research directions,” Preprints, 25-Jan-2021.
Journal of Intelligent Connectivity and Emerging Technologies
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1
[11]
[20] A. Sultan, M. Hassan, K. Mansoor, and S. S. Ahmed, “Securing IoT enabled
RFID based object tracking systems: A symmetric cryptography based
authentication protocol for efficient smart object tracking,” in 2021
International Conference on Communication Technologies (ComTech),
Rawalpindi, Pakistan, 2021.
[21] S. Hooda, V. Lamba, and A. Kaur, “AI and soft computing techniques for
securing cloud and edge computing: A systematic review,” in 2021 5th
International Conference on Information Systems and Computer Networks
(ISCON), Mathura, India, 2021.
[22] M. Choi, Y. Levy, and H. Anat, “The Role of User Computer Self-Efficacy,
Cybersecurity Countermeasures Awareness, and Cybersecurity Skills Influence
on Computer Misuse,” 2013.
[23] A. Yaseen, “Enhancing Cybersecurity through Automated Infrastructure
Management: A Comprehensive Study on Optimizing Security Measures,”
Quarterly Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovations, vol. 9, no. 1, pp.
38–60, 2024.
[24] M. Adams and M. Makramalla, “Cybersecurity Skills Training: An Attacker-
Centric Gamified Approach,” Technol. Innov. Manag. Rev., vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 5–
14, Jan. 2015.
[25] A. Yaseen, “AI-DRIVEN THREAT DETECTION AND RESPONSE: A
PARADIGM SHIFT IN CYBERSECURITY,” International Journal of
Information and Cybersecurity, vol. 7, no. 12, pp. 25–43, 2023.
[26] E. Biasin and E. Kamenjašević, “Cybersecurity of medical devices: new
challenges arising from the AI Act and NIS 2 Directive proposals,” Int.
Cybersecur. Law Rev., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 163–180, May 2022.
[27] S. M. Istiaque, M. T. Tahmid, A. I. Khan, Z. A. Hassan, and S. Waheed,
“Artificial intelligence based cybersecurity: Two-step suitability test,” in 2021
IEEE International Conference on Service Operations and Logistics, and
Informatics (SOLI), Singapore, 2021.
[28] A. Yaseen, “The Role of Machine Learning in Network Anomaly Detection for
Cybersecurity,” Sage Science Review of Applied Machine Learning, vol. 6, no.
8, pp. 16–34, 2023.
[29] A. I. G. Ibrahim, “CYBERSECURITY: PANORAMA AND
IMPLEMENTATION IN 2021,” in WIT Transactions on The Built
Environment, Rome, Italy, 2021.
[30] S. Bokhari, S. Hamrioui, and M. Aider, “Cybersecurity strategy under
uncertainties for an IoE environment,” J. Netw. Comput. Appl., vol. 205, no.
103426, p. 103426, Sep. 2022.
[12]