Artificial Intelligence is potentially one of the best technologies companies can utilize to drive growth. It can increase productivity by handling monotonous tasks, improve customer experience through high levels of personalization in engagement, and predict trends. AI is also helpful in providing security by spotting unusual activity and preventing attacks.
Unfortunately, corrupt actors can leverage AI to pose threats to businesses in simple ways, such as by guessing passwords. Hence, weak passwords are in more danger than ever, as AI-backed cracking tools can guess them in minutes. Additionally, credential stuffing attacks are now more effective with the use of machine learning models. Therefore, companies must update their strategies and strengthen account security. Here’s how.
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Use a password manager to reduce the risk of brute-force guessing
Traditional logins are starting to lose efficiency when passwords are too simple. However, remembering so many passwords is making it difficult for people to access their accounts, which is why a password manager for business is the best option to secure them.
The software program generates unique and long passwords that employees don’t have to remember, since it automatically fills them in when logging into the account. It prevents account takeovers, offers phishing protection, and limits brute-force guessing, which AI amplifies.
Password managers are also considerably valuable for securely sharing logins with colleagues and external partners, as well as controlling access to accounts by keeping data accessible across multiple platforms and offering offline support.
Update devices frequently to prevent security breaches
Software updates are the most underrated way to protect devices and accounts. This also applies to the company’s IT solutions, as optimizing the infrastructure can effectively prevent attacks. This is possible with the help of manufacturers who monitor emerging threats and complete updates and patches with additions to prevent unauthorized access or ransomware attacks.
Smartphones and any other devices linked with business usage need updates for:
- Fixing bugs identified through user feedback or user testing;
- Improving the performance of the device or system;
- Ensuring compatibility with an extended software and hardware solutions;
- Patching security flaws that have the potential to be exploited by hackers;
Learn about AI-based phishing to know how to identify it
Phishing was already a prominent issue in the business industry, as it’s being recorded as one of the most disruptive types of attacks companies experience. But since AI can now be part of these attacks, things get complicated. Phishing messages can now be hyper-personalized, making it a real challenge for even experienced personnel to detect them. Generative AI is efficient in cloning voices, allowing audios to sound incredibly human, as well as introducing live filters to cover the real voice of an attacker during live calls. Moreover, deepfake videos are increasingly popular.
Identifying these messages requires some practice, so try searching for examples of previous attacks that have been recorded. Then, you might be able to notice signs like mismatches between emails and URLs, suspicious patterns in the email content, as well as specific mentions of personal details. Top these tips with the regular signs of a phishing attack, and you can protect your accounts.
Set up biometrics where available for high fraud-resistant account safety
Biometric access systems are among the most effective ways for employees to log into their accounts, as they prevent attacks such as stolen credentials, phishing, and password leaks. Since brute-force attacks can trigger these occurrences, especially with the aid of AI, biometrics are poised to represent the future of access authorization in company accounts.
Face biometrics, for example, are considerably safer against fraud, since no one can replicate a face and present it to a system. Some advanced services also ensure the remote person is real and can interact with the system, so there is no way to breach it.
Generally, biometrics support enhanced access control through accurate identity verification and a lower IT support burden. At the same time, they’re more convenient than any form of authentication.
Activate MFA to reduce the risk of unauthorized access
Gaining access to internal accounts in a business is easier with the help of AI, as hackers can manipulate AI functionalities to exploit vulnerable systems or gain access to databases. Hence, they can access any part of the company’s system quickly. Preventing this is possible with MFA (multi-factor authentication), since it supports two or three different steps for gaining access to an account, which adds a much-needed layer of security.
So, MFA can help avoid:
- Phishing attacks, since no sophisticated AI-based attacks can get through so many layers of authentication;
- Compliance issues, since MFA is part of standards like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) or PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard);
- Credential stuffing attacks are made impossible by MFA, since no attacker can guess secondary authentication tokens;
What is the future of AI in cybersecurity?
Although hackers leverage AI in various attacks, AI in cybersecurity can be more powerful in detecting these events successfully. That’s because it can upgrade:
- Vulnerability management: AI can identify and address vulnerabilities before they can become a real problem;
- Incident response: AI enhances automated threat detection and analysis, so it triggers the threat mitigation process;
- Incident threat intelligence: machine learning systems can evolve and adapt to new cybersecurity threats fast;
Considering these opportunities, organizations should start preparing for the era of AI threats and security services by acquiring as much talent as possible in the domain, as well as being open to technological advancements that AI requires. Understanding how fast AI improves will give you an idea of how much time there is left to prepare for future threats.
Are you ready for AI cybersecurity?
Although AI has been one of the most beneficial technologies in the world in recent years, its lack of regulation has also made it accessible to bad actors. Hence, AI-powered cybersecurity attacks are already occurring, and they are likely to continue. Their sophistication and accuracy must prepare companies in terms of cybersecurity, so they need to insist on strategies such as using password managers, updating their devices frequently, and being knowledgeable about modern attack practices.