Google Announces AI Cyber ​​Defense Initiative to Improve Global Cybersecurity

Google LLC today announced a new AI-powered cyber defense initiative and proposed a new policy and technology agenda aimed at harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to strengthen cybersecurity defenses globally.

The new initiative is designed to counter evolving threats by leveraging AI capabilities to improve threat detection, automate vulnerability management and improve incident response efficiency.

Google says the biggest cybersecurity challenge is that attackers only need one new, effective threat to breach the best defenses. On the other hand, defenders must deploy the best defenses at all times on an increasingly complex digital terrain, without any margin for error. Google calls this the “Defender’s Dilemma” and there has never been a reliable way to tip the scales.

This is where AI comes into play. Google believes that AI at scale can solve the defender’s dilemma. AI can achieve this by enabling security professionals and defenders to step up their work in threat detection and cybersecurity defense requirements.

The AI ​​Cyber ​​Defense initiative aims to use AI not only to respond to threats, but also to anticipate and neutralize them before they can cause damage. The idea behind this initiative is that the traditional model of reactive cybersecurity is no longer sufficient in a world where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and pervasive.

The new initiative includes the deployment of AI-based algorithms designed to identify and analyze telltale patterns of cyber threats. Using data generated across its global network, Google will train AI systems to learn from across threats and learn how to adapt to new tactics used by cybercriminals.

As part of this initiative, Google is also using AI to make significant advances in vulnerability management. The idea is that by identifying vulnerabilities in software and systems, AI can significantly reduce the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit these weaknesses. Added to this is the ability of AI to suggest and implement fixes to vulnerabilities, disseminate the patching process, and in doing so, further reduce the risk of a breach.

The initiative further describes the use of AI in incident response and automates the analysis of clues to identify the source, method and extent of an attack.

Google is calling for a collaborative approach to recognize the global nature of cyber threats and calls for partnerships between industries and governments to share intelligence, best practices and advancements in AI-based security measures. As part of this program, Google is expanding its Google.org cybersecurity seminar program to cover all of Europe.

Finally, Google today announced the open source launch of Magika, a new AI-powered tool to help defenders with file type identification, essential for detecting malware. Magika is already used to protect products including Gmail, Drive and Safe Browsing, and is used by Google’s VirusTotal team to foster a safer digital environment.

Google claims that Magika outperforms conventional file identification methods, delivering 30% improved overall accuracy and up to 95% better accuracy on traditionally difficult to identify but potentially problematic content such as VBA, JavaScript and Powershell.

“The AI ​​revolution is already underway,” concludes Google in a blog post on the announcements. “While people rightly applaud the promise of new medicines and scientific breakthroughs, we are also excited about the potential of AI to solve generational security challenges while bringing us closer to the safe, secure and trusted digital world that we deserve.

Photo: Google