Businesses have undergone tremendous changes with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Those who integrate this technology have the potential to revolutionize all facets of their business operations. In fact, everything from customer-facing applications and services, back-end data and IT infrastructure to workforce engagement can all be augmented with the help of AI. But big opportunities also bring new risks, and business leaders must consider the security implications of introducing AI into their businesses.
A primary concern when it comes to AI adoption is identity management. The incidence rate of identity-related breaches has increased in recent times, with 68% of companies reporting a significant impact on business due to such attacks by 2022. Cyber attackers’ use of AI for advanced deep-fake fraud attacks and machine learning-based social engineering adds a new layer of complexity to the identity-related threats organizations face, making them difficult to predict.
While AI tools provide valuable opportunities for IT and security managers to innovate, it is critical to recognize the associated risks. Businesses must prioritize security and adapt to the evolving threat landscape. The following five steps are especially essential to safely embrace AI and realize its full potential.
Chief Information Officer, CyberArk.
1) Security comes first
Businesses should start determining their stance on AI while considering its impact on cybersecurity, especially in the area of identity security, given the threat AI poses here. Whether your company is already using generative AI at the enterprise level, or is just exploring a proof of concept to test the waters, clarity from the top down is essential. A well-communicated position ensures alignment within your organization and also ensures that security processes are set up with AI in mind.
Establishing AI-specific business guidelines and training employees is critical, but truly impactful dialogue is a two-way street. Encouraging employees to share AI-related questions and ideas is a great way to tackle emerging challenges and come up with creative AI strategies as a team. Creating cross-functional teams that can address these submissions from all angles – including innovation, growth and safety – is also important because it ensures employees feel that their input is being adequately implemented.
3) Change your adoption strategy
According to the 2023 CyberArk Identity Security Threat Landscape Report, employees in 62% of organizations are using unapproved AI-based tools, increasing their identity security risk. This shows that IT and security leaders need to change the way they approach AI adoption, encouraging AI-powered innovation rather than blocking its potential.
Additionally, IT departments across a wide range of industries are experiencing an increase in workforce demand for AI-enabled tools and add-ons. Rather than enforcing a blanket ‘no AI’ policy, organizations should instead look to improve the way they monitor third-party software and ensure it doesn’t compromise security. AI-based phishing campaigns are becoming increasingly convincing. The right level of due diligence ensures that employees can benefit from AI without compromising safety.
4) Identifying the needs of the CFO
The pressure on technology leaders to build operationally efficient platforms and environments continues to grow, especially given the current economic climate. Demonstrating AI as more than just a “nice to have,” but instead as a tool with real business value, is essential to getting CFO buy-in. An honest, rational approach, supported by hard data, is crucial; It’s even more powerful to illustrate how one tool can safely advance multiple business priorities.
5) Stay abreast of the latest risk landscape
Vigilantly assessing AI tools before and during their use is the only way to continuously guarantee their safety. Companies should be prepared to block and roll back any AI tool if necessary for security reasons. Staying one step ahead of attackers ultimately means thinking one step ahead and focusing on the vulnerabilities an AI tool can bring.
Using AI to traverse the threat landscape
AI plays an important role in strengthening cybersecurity efforts and the resilience of IT and security teams. While human expertise remains essential in combating emerging threats, AI can help bridge some of the gaps caused by the 3.4 million cybersecurity workforce shortage.
The evolving potential of generative AI further holds promise to revolutionize security functions, with the impact it can have on Security Operations Centers (SOC) being a prime example. Automating time-consuming security tasks, such as assessing Level 1 threats or updating security policies, can free SecOps professionals to focus on more rewarding work. This could potentially alleviate workforce shortages, turnover and attrition – the leading causes of the cyber skills shortage according to the latest (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study.
Despite the benefits brought by rapid technological advancements and increased AI use in enterprises, new challenges are emerging for business leaders. True leadership involves making informed decisions even in uncertain situations, and by prioritizing identity security and maintaining an open mindset, technology leaders can embrace AI with confidence. This can not only help leaders create new business opportunities, but also allow them to do so without jeopardizing their company’s reputation or undermining the trust of consumers and employees.
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