Today, technology is on the verge of taking over life and work. It is also altering the way we communicate, interact and the way we conduct our day to day transactions. Sophisticated technology is also redefining the way business functions. It may not be wrong to say that we have come to be dependent on technology. That is a bit of a blessing as well as a curse.

The critical question is,how equipped are we to combat the security challenges that come have also been enabled by the rise of technology?
In fact, are we really aware of the potential threats created by the digital revolution and can technology itself combat these security challenges?
Amid the various solutions that are being talked of as a way to combat some of these challenges, AI is showing some remarkable results in protecting data and privacy of the users with its incredible versatility. Be it network security, behavioral analytics, phishing detection or vulnerability issues; AI is stepping in to deal with it all successfully.

Today, the innovation edge of AI provides some of the best solutions that can combat the security challenges.

Let us find out how!

1. Alerts Based on Behavioral Analysis:
   The behavior-analytics ability of AI can help curb a slew of cybercrimes. Every user has a signature – a specific distinctive pattern of online behavior. This behavior is determined by factors such as the devices that they usually use to login, the geography, IP addresses, typical time slots, their search history,etc. AI learns these behavioral patterns and records them to reproduce it while creating security alerts.
   An AI-enabled solution alerts the user immediately if there is any unusual activity such as login through an unusual device in a different geographical area, mismatched IP address, etc. So, if there’s any malintent lurking around, AI immediately brings it to the notice of the user and even blocks certain elements of the user’s online platforms.
2. Protecting Against Phishing-
   Almost 1 out of 99 emails is a phishing attack. Phishing has, unfortunately,become quite prevalent today. It is a huge threat to organizations and individuals alike. A combination of AI and Machine Learning can play a crucial role in preventing these phishing attempts to avoid significant damages. AI can scan any phishing activity without being bound by any geographical barriers and can easily detect these wannabe scammers.
   AI can easily differentiate between a fake website and an authentic website. In fact, AI has been found to have the ability to detect close to 10,000 active phishing sites all over the world. AI is not only capable of creating alerts but is also designed to act immediately to avoid damage.
3. Password Protection and Authentication:
   Passwords are often the last line of defense between cyber criminals and sensitive user-accounts. With users adopting simple passwords and also similar passwords across different accounts, hackers can easily isolate vulnerabilities and slip through a loophole to steal data easily. Biometric identification has become a strong wall between users and hackers;however, it can still be broken down by creative hackers. Even technology such as face recognition has not been fully successful in reducing cyber security attacks.
   Therefore, developers are now using AI in biometrics to make it stronger and more reliable. Apple’s facial recognition technology in the iPhone is a good example of how AI can protect fiercely, where other protection measures may fail.
4. Protecting Corporate Networks:
   The security policies of a company can play a big role in protecting data.These security policies and a clear understanding of the network topography can determine the robustness of network security. Many a time,loop holes exist in these policies or gaps may creep into their implementation. Also, vulnerabilities in network architecture design can make the data and other assets of an organization vulnerable to potential intrusions and mala fide activity. They can also expose the network to malware and other attacks.
   AI studies network traffic patterns to enable the organization to configure and design the security policies accordingly. AI can examine the network design as well as the implementation to identify possible vulnerabilities that need to be fixed. This helps to direct the time and effort of the organization productively and effectively.

Conclusion-

Sadly, it is impossible to eliminate chinks in the security armor at all levels. Security threats and breaches are now a part and parcel of the digital revolution. Cyber-attacks are commonplace as unsavory elements try to exploit vulnerabilities for financial gain or even just for a cheap thrill. Every person’s and every corporate’s data is vulnerable. In that scenario, it is incredibly important to adopt comprehensive security measures today.In the race to stay ahead of the cyber-malcontents, AI looks like a promising option with its versatility and capability of mitigating risks and alerting users to possible threats.