Is AI a threat or an opportunity? The human factor in cybersecurity
BY: Therese Payton
Artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity have sparked an ongoing debate over whether they are the ultimate duo or a dangerous combination. As someone who has spent years navigating cybersecurity, I see both sides. AI offers incredible opportunities but opens new vulnerabilities that we, as cybersecurity professionals, must address.
AI & Cybersecurity: the dynamic duo
One of AI’s greatest strengths is its ability to quickly and accurately process large amounts of data. When used effectively, AI tools can predict, detect and respond to cyber threats in ways that humans simply cannot, making them indispensable for security.
HAS Fortalice Solutionswe take a human and automated approach to cybersecurity. Our expert practitioners lead every step of the process, leveraging advanced AI-driven systems to improve threat detection. While AI rapidly processes enormous amounts of data, achieving in seconds what would take human analysts hours or days, it is the expertise of our professionals that ensures a thorough and precise response to potential risks . This synergy between human knowledge and AI allows us to effectively identify and mitigate cyber threats, providing balanced and robust security solutions to our customers.
The true power of AI comes into play when it is used as an extension of human expertise. Combining the data processing capabilities of AI and human intuition can strengthen our ability to protect sensitive information. AI does not replace the need for human oversight; on the contrary, it improves man’s ability to do his job better and more efficiently. It’s our secret weapon to stay ahead of cybercriminals, who are constantly improving their tactics.
AI as a double-edged sword
As the saying goes: “Technology is only as good as the people who use it.” Cybercriminals are leveraging AI to develop more sophisticated attacks. From automating phishing schemes to deploying AI-driven malware, these bad actors are now using the same tools that cybersecurity teams depend on.
This creates a game of cat and mouse where the lines between offense and defense are increasingly blurred. The more we rely on AI, the more our adversaries find ways to exploit it. We have seen AI being used in the development of deepfake technologies, where attackers use artificial intelligence to create false identities or even manipulate audio and video. This makes the challenge of identifying and stopping cyberattacks even more complex.
Ethical concerns around AI also come into play. How can we ensure that AI models are trained in a way that promotes fairness and avoids bias? If cybersecurity systems rely on biased AI, we risk perpetuating inequities within the technology itself, which can lead to even bigger problems. Governance and trust-but-verify processes in AI tools and workflows are essential. We must remain vigilant about who controls technology and how it is applied.
Why humans are essential in AI cybersecurity
So, are AI and cybersecurity a dynamic duo or the worst thing ever? The truth lies somewhere in between. AI is undoubtedly a powerful tool, but it is not a silver bullet. It cannot replace the experience, insight and strategic thinking that humans bring. The key is to leverage AI to handle the most tedious data-driven tasks, while allowing human experts to focus on strategy, monitoring and decision-making.
At Fortalice Solutions, we have always believed in the power of combining cutting-edge technology with human expertise. While AI can help us improve efficiency and accuracy, the human touch ensures that we focus on human user stories. After all, the role of technology is to serve, enable and enhance the human user story. Security teams must think critically about the ethical and security implications of every decision we make. This balance allows us to avoid emerging threats while maintaining the flexibility and creativity that only humans can bring.
The future of AI and cybersecurity
Moving forward, the relationship between AI and cybersecurity will continue to evolve. As AI advances, we will need to proactively address the new vulnerabilities it introduces. This means creating AI systems that are transparent, accountable and secure.
We must also continue to invest in the people side of cybersecurity. The role of skilled cybersecurity professionals is more crucial than ever, and AI should be seen as a tool to support, not replace, these experts. We must continue to train and empower the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to think critically about the tools they use and their implications.
In my experience, the most effective cybersecurity strategies involve collaboration between people and technology. AI is a crucial part of this equation, but it’s not everything. As we continue to navigate this new frontier, it’s important to remember that technology will always be as good as the people behind it. With the right balance of AI and human expertise, we can build a more secure digital future.
About the author: As one of the country’s most respected authorities on secure digital transformation, Therese Payton is frequently sought after to advise global company boards, CEOs and technology executives. She is a visionary in the digital world, leading the way as an inventor of new security designs and has an approved U.S. security patent. She provides advice drawing on her experience as a technologist, now a seasoned cybercrime fighter, entrepreneur and author.
Payton was named the first-ever female White House chief information officer with broad responsibilities that span globally and include other duties such as maintaining federal records for the entire operation and construction of the first ever 24/7 security operations center. She continues to practice her profession as CEO of a leading cybersecurity company, Fortalice Solutions.
