By Sola Adedunayo
Artificial Intelligence, professionally recognized and globally known as (AI), represents a contemporary field of study – in the sciences – focused on replicating human intelligence in machines, thereby enabling them to think, learn, and act like human beings. This innovative technology tends to empower machines to perform complex tasks previously exclusive to human capabilities, and with the hope to surpass human abilities in certain areas. At its core, AI involves the development of intelligent and smart machines that can reason, problem-solve, and adapt to new situations. Therefore, a technological machine such as a ‘robot’ could be identified with artificial intelligence, as is one of its productions.
In addition to its efficacy and utility, AI machines employ advanced algorithms to analyze vast amounts of training data, identifying patterns and relationships that inform their decision-making processes. This enables them to learn from experience, improve performance, and optimize outcomes. By mimicking human cognitive domain, AI systems can recognize speech, interpret natural language, and even exhibit creativity. Although, there have been recent studies that have come to realize that there is limitation to the excesses of these machines. Like humans, they break down, too, or are incapacitated to perform some indistinct or undefined tasks.
However, the utility of AI has transcended beyond one organization. Every institution of human endeavors gets to feel its benefits. While it is useful domestically, companies, industries, organizations, schools and colleges are benefitting immensely from it; and similarly, is the cybersecurity department in every organization. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has merged arms together with cybersecurity, and their synergy has been worthwhile. So, for clarity’s sake, what’s cybersecurity? Cybersecurity refers to any technologies, practices and policies for preventing cyberattacks or mitigating their impact (IBM, 12th Aug., 2024).
For this reason, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity has become a critical concern in today’s digital world. As AI technologies continue to advance, the cybersecurity landscape is evolving day-by-day, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with potential consequences ranging from financial loss to compromised national security. The use of AI in cybersecurity has improved incident response times and reduced false positives, but also introduced new susceptibilities.
The current cybersecurity landscape is characterized by increasing sophistication and frequency of attacks. AI-powered threats, such as phishing, ransomware, and malware, are on the rise, with 43% of cyberattacks targeting small businesses (Cybersecurity Ventures, 2022). Meanwhile, AI-driven security solutions, like machine learning-based intrusion detection and predictive analytics, are being deployed to enhance threat detection and response. The use of AI in cybersecurity has improved incident response times by 50% and reduced false positives by 30% (IBM, 2020). However, the lack of skilled cybersecurity professionals and inadequate training hinder the effective implementation of AI-powered security solutions.
AI-generated attacks pose significant threats. Deepfakes, AI-phishing, and autonomous malware can evade traditional security measures, making them difficult to detect. AI-powered botnets can launch massive DDoS attacks, crippling critical infrastructure. Moreover, AI-driven social engineering attacks can manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information. The use of AI in cyberattacks has increased by 20% in the past year, with 71% of organizations experiencing AI-powered attacks (Cybersecurity Ventures, 2022). The consequences of these attacks can be devastating, with the average cost of a data breach reaching $3.9 million (IBM, 2020).
The future of AI and cybersecurity holds both promise and peril. Advancements in AI-powered security solutions will enhance threat detection, prediction, and response. Quantum computing and AI-driven cryptography will strengthen encryption methods. However, emerging technologies like 5G networks and IoT devices will introduce new susceptibilities. According to Gartner (2022), experts predict that AI-powered cybersecurity will become increasingly crucial in protecting against complex threats. By 2025, AI-powered security solutions are expected to account for 30% of cybersecurity spending.
As such, governments and organizations worldwide are taking proactive measures. Europe has established the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to set stringent data protection standards. The EU’s Cybersecurity Act aims to enhance cybersecurity certification and cooperation. The United States has established the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to lead national cybersecurity efforts. The US Department of Defense’s AI Strategy emphasizes AI-powered cybersecurity.
Asia has prioritized AI-driven cybersecurity, with China’s 14th Five-Year Plan focusing on AI-powered cybersecurity and India’s National Cyber Security Policy aiming to establish a robust cybersecurity framework. International cooperation is crucial, with initiatives like the Global Cyber Alliance and INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Unit fostering collaboration and information sharing.
Furthermore, this article would be imperfect without referencing some AI and cybersecurity trailblazers in the world. And Orjinta Nnaemeka Orji comes first in this category. Orjinta Nnaemeka is a renowned artificial intelligence and cybersecurity expert with over 20 years of experience in the IT industry. Hailing from Enugu, Nigeria, Orjinta holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Enugu State University of Technology and a Masters in Information Systems Management from Walden University in Washington.
He began his illustrious career at IBM, managing key accounts for prominent Fortune 1000 clients, and later served as a regional director and trusted adviser for leading Fortune 500 companies across APAC, EMEA, and North America. As a sought-after consultant, Orjinta has worked with esteemed clients including Macy’s, IBM, HPE, and Price Water House Coopers. A respected voice in IT Cyber Resilience and Data Protection, Orjinta frequently contributes to major industry publications, sharing his expertise and shaping the conversation on AI and cybersecurity.
Similarly, Andrew Yan-Tak Ng is a distinguished British-American computer scientist and entrepreneur, renowned for his groundbreaking work in machine learning and artificial intelligence. Born in the UK in 1976, Ng holds an undergraduate degree in computer science, statistics, and economics from Carnegie Mellon University (1997), a master’s in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT (1998), and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from UC Berkeley (2002). His illustrious career includes co-founding Google Brain, leading Baidu’s AI Group, and founding Coursera, the world’s largest online learning platform. Recently, Amazon appointed Ng to its board of directors on April 11, 2024.
Ultimately, Mustafa Suleyman, a pioneering figure in artificial intelligence, co-founded DeepMind and served as Head of Applied AI. Currently, he holds the position of Vice President of AI Policy at Google, playing a pivotal role in shaping the global discourse on AI ethics. Suleyman is also a founding co-chair of the Partnership on AI, a multidisciplinary organization uniting representatives from leading technology companies. Its mission focuses on developing best practices, research, and public dialogue to ensure AI benefits society.