In an increasingly digitalized world, cybersecurity is becoming more and more important, and artificial intelligence is playing a central role in defending against threats. But while AI seems to offer a promising future for cyber security, there are also concerns. Critics ask whether this technology could itself become a threat. In this article, we analyze how advanced algorithms are helping to fend off cyberattacks and take a look at the challenges and risks associated with the use of AI.

AI as a defender in cyber security

The implementation of AI for cyber security has the potential to take companies and organizations to a whole new level of defence. Traditional defense methods are increasingly reaching their limits in the face of enormous amounts of data and the growing number of threats. This is where AI offers a solution by analyzing data in real time and reacting to threats.

Advanced pattern recognition algorithms can identify suspicious activity faster than human experts alone could. For example, systems such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) use AI to monitor network traffic, detect suspicious anomalies and take immediate countermeasures. According to a study by Capgemini, 73% of companies are now testing – or at least planning to test – the use of AI-based solutions in the area of cyber security, and the trend is rising. These systems can fend off known threats such as phishing or malware attacks and at the same time recognize new, unknown methods of attack by continuously learning.

Siegfried Wehr, Information Security Officer bei coeo, ist in einer zentralen Rolle dafür verantwortlich, die Sicherheit der Unternehmensdaten zu gewährleisten. Im Interview gibt er Einblicke in seine tägliche Arbeit:

“My main responsibility is to ensure information security with its three main objectives: ‘confidentiality, integrity and availability’. Ensuring that our customers’ information security requirements are met is also one of my main tasks.”

New challenges due to AI-based attacks

So while AI is a powerful weapon against cybercriminals, they use the same technology to refine their attack methods. This is where the use of AI becomes a double-edged sword. Cybercriminals are increasingly using AI to automate and scale their attacks. Attacks such as “deepfakes” or advanced social engineering techniques are just two examples of threats that arise from the use of AI.

Deepfakes, in which AI algorithms generate realistic-looking images, videos or voices, are already being used to imitate CEOs or other decision-makers in order to manipulate employees. Companies that rely on automated decision-making processes could fall victim to such attacks if their systems are not adequately protected. TÜV Rheinland has issued a very clear warning in this regard:

“Cyber criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to automate their attacks and make them more targeted.”

The balance between protection and risks

The balance between protection and potential risks is becoming a challenge. Artificial intelligence as a support for cyber security relies on huge amounts of data to work effectively. However, this data can be vulnerable to manipulation if it is not adequately protected. Experts warn that the increasing automation of security systems without human oversight can lead to unexpected problems. For example, a system could classify legitimate activity as a threat or overreact to a false threat and block important data. Danny Lehner, Head of IT at coeo, also emphasizes the relevance of human employees in our interview:

“One of the biggest challenges in integrating AI into our existing IT infrastructure is employee training. Employees need to be trained to be able to use and manage the new AI systems effectively.”

Future prospects: AI remains essential

Despite these challenges, experts agree that AI will play a key role in cyber security. The ability to react quickly to new threats makes AI indispensable for defending against cyberattacks. However, companies must ensure that they understand both the opportunities and risks of AI and take appropriate measures. Close collaboration between cybersecurity experts, AI researchers and ethicists is essential to use the technology responsibly.

According to a recent study by Market Data Forecast, the global market for AI-based cybersecurity solutions is expected to grow to over 30 billion US dollars by 2026. It is clear that AI will shape the future of cyber security, but humans will remain essential as the central control authority.

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