AI and cybersecurity are proving to be extremely challenging for organisations. AI is a double-edged sword – as used by threat actors and under effectively by security companies to ward off AI-centric threats besides the traditional threats.
Organizations are continuously ramping their cybersecurity skill sets and address a variety of pressing challenges to ensure they are well positioned to build cyber resilience during an era inundated with AI.
The biggest challenge for CISOs and CIOs is understanding the threat landscape, often augmented by AI. They need to look at threat intelligence and recent attack techniques and map your assets on who can be under attack and shows vulnerable, says Jakub Debski, Chief Product Officer, ESET.
Human + AI vs Human vs AI
“It will not be purely AI versus AI as AI is not very strong as it has a limited context. Whereas humans with business knowledge and understanding of the assets has an advantage. It’s not AI vs AI, but ‘Human + AI’ vs ‘Human+AI’. And who has better people, better AI and better resources,” said Jakub.
Cyberattacks are now becoming global and can be launched from anywhere with the help of AI, without the need for a local team or need to know the language.
ESET’s global team, supported by AI, delivers 24/7 security across organisations, including those in India, many of which operate international branches and global operations. As local attacks are no longer confined by geography, defence must also be international.
CISO at the Board
CISOs have more visibility and credibility on the board seat as compliance and regulations come to the fore.
“Security investments earlier were an infinite hole and ROI was always questionable. With compliance, regulations, fines; RoI from security investments becomes personal viability and an organizational viability, to the business stakeholders as well at the table,” says Jakob.
“ESET has been on AI journey since 1992 with ML algorithms with micro viruses. Beyond the likes of NLP, chatbot interface; agentic AI behind that and AI will become productive and effective in detection, response and remediation.”
What would be best practices for CISOs and CIOs in AI World? Jakob suggests, “It is important for CIOs and CISOs to have a clear Buy-in from employees, stakeholders, C – level, board for AI journey. Implement AI in a safe and cost-effective way with all stakeholders in the know-how of the roadmap.”
