Summary:
AI is rapidly changing cybersecurity, empowering both defenders and attackers. Organizations need a holistic and scalable approach to cybersecurity that balances advanced threat protection with simplified management and operational efficiency.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing nearly every aspect of business operations, and cybersecurity is no exception. However, the advancements brought on by AI are a double-edged sword.
On one hand, AI enhances organizations’ ability to detect and respond swiftly to threats. On the other, it provides cybercriminals with advanced tools to bypass security measures.
From deep fakes to sophisticated phishing schemes, bad actors are using AI to exploit vulnerabilities at an unprecedented rate. Among the 650 security experts surveyed by Sapio Research, 75% said cyberattacks have increased significantly over the past year, and 85% attributed the rise to generative AI.
This puts immense pressure on IT and security teams, who are already stretched thin due to resource and skills shortages, to stay ahead of these evolving threats.
The limitations of adding more security features
A common misconception is that simply adding more security features can effectively combat AI-driven threats. However, this approach often backfires, as it expands attack surfaces and leads to more security gaps.
Each additional security feature also requires time and expertise to manage, increasing the workload on already overburdened teams. Such complexity can lead to further inefficiencies, making it harder to maintain a robust security posture.
The need for security, scalability and efficiency
Organizations need a holistic approach that balances security, scalability and efficiency to address the challenges posed by AI-enhanced cyberthreats.
Modern cybersecurity solutions not only have to protect against a wide and constantly evolving array of threats but also streamline operations to improve efficiency. This growing complexity demands a shift in perspective. Organizations must integrate IT and security roadmaps and adopt comprehensive solutions that can scale with business growth.
What to look for in AI-powered cybersecurity solutions
When businesses across every sector are embedding AI in anything and everything, it can be hard to determine which solutions will actually deliver results. Organizations must look for holistic solutions that can defend against emerging AI-based threats. One example of that would be hybrid mesh firewalls, which combine AI-powered security features while improving efficiency through a centralized and coordinated security approach across all IT and OT environments.
As you assess potential security solutions, like next-generation firewalls (NGFWs), consider the following factors to find one that will meet your business needs, both now and in the future:
- Network needs: Assess the specific requirements of your network environment, including size, complexity and workload distribution.
- Security features: Compare features across vendors, focusing on threat detection, data encryption and integration with other tools.
- Management ease: Opt for solutions with user-friendly, centralized management consoles to reduce the burden on security teams.
- Scalability: Ensure the solution can scale to meet future growth in network and cloud deployments.
- Cost: Determine the final cost, including licensing, subscriptions, implementation and maintenance.
- Vendor Reputation: Choose a vendor with a proven track record of success and positive third-party reviews.
Questions to ask prospective cybersecurity vendors
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, dig deeper into each offering by asking these questions:
- AI-based threat intelligence: Does the vendor have a dedicated threat research team, and how are they leveraging AI technologies?
- Threat intelligence formulation: How extensive is the vendor’s visibility into data sources, and how do they convert data into actionable intelligence?
- Extent of AI use: How extensively does the vendor integrate AI into their security offerings? Are they just capitalizing on the latest trend, or are they committed to using AI to improve their services?
- Integrated security capabilities: What key security features and integrations does the solution provide, and is the price all-inclusive?
- Hybrid environment support: How well does the solution integrate with its existing security infrastructure? Does it support a multivendor environment?
Look for vendors that offer demos or trial periods where you can test out the solution to ensure it will meet your needs and integrate seamlessly into your existing ecosystem without disruptions.
Future-proof your organization with AI
AI is rapidly reinventing cybersecurity, but it’s also fueling advanced threats. The key to using AI-powered threat protection effectively is prioritizing a balance between innovative protection and increased efficiency.
Simply adding on more solutions for your overworked IT and security teams to manage will only increase your attack surfaces and open your organization up to more threats. Instead, organizations need comprehensive, unified solutions that provide complete, network-wide visibility and protection.
That’s the backbone of what offer here at Windstream. With centralized visibility and simplified management, our solutions—like Secure Flex Premium—deliver the security, scalability and efficiency organizations need to effectively thwart AI-powered cyberthreats.
Stay informed and secure in the constantly evolving world of cybersecurity—explore this comprehensive buyer’s guide to AI-powered threat protection to learn more about the type of protection we can provide.
