In the fast-paced world of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a crucial element for both cybercriminals and digital security defenders. A recent analysis of the current situation reveals how companies are adapting their strategies to address this new reality.
The increasing threat of AI-driven cyber attacks
The democratization of AI has provided cybercriminals with increasingly sophisticated tools. According to data from the research unit Unit 42, cases of data exfiltration of up to 2.5 terabytes have been recorded in just 14 hours. This unprecedented speed of attack has rendered obsolete the average response time of 6 days that companies used to have to contain a threat.
The Allianz Risk Barometer report supports these concerns, noting that business leaders see cyber attacks as the main risk to their businesses today.
Defense strategies in the era of AI
To counter this new generation of threats, organizations are turning to their own AI tools. Companies like Palo Alto Networks have developed systems like Precision AI, which combines machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI to automate the detection, prevention, and mitigation of threats with high precision.
The importance of a rapid response
The global regulatory framework has established specific deadlines for companies to report cybersecurity incidents:
- EC: 4 days
- GDPR: 3 days
- NIS2: early warning alert within 24 hours
These regulations require organizations to act swiftly to mitigate damage and report incidents to the relevant authorities.
The dual use of AI in cybersecurity
Cybercriminals use AI to:
- Perform reconnaissance tasks
- Enhance social engineering techniques
- Create malicious code and customize malware
- Exploit vulnerabilities in an automated way
- Generate deepfake content
On the other hand, companies use AI to:
- Detect and analyze threats in real time
- Automate security operations
- Conduct predictive analysis
The cost of cyber attacks
The numbers are alarming:
- Over 86% of companies affected by attacks in the last two and a half years have faced legal or regulatory costs.
- 78% have incurred recovery costs.
- Ransomware demands range from $3,000 to $50 million.
These data highlight the growing financial burden of cyber attacks, even threatening the continuity of some companies.
In summary
In this new scenario, organizations must adopt a proactive and adaptive approach to their cyber defense. The incorporation of AI in security strategies is not only essential to keep up with adversaries but also to anticipate future threats. Only then can they ensure their operational and financial resilience in an increasingly digitized and vulnerable environment.