Like any powerful technology, the impact of AI depends on how it is utilized. For instance, cyber attackers are leveraging AI to execute increasingly sophisticated attacks such as phishing, network infiltration, and ransomware. However, when used correctly, AI can also become a formidable tool against these attacks.Embedding AI-driven cybersecurity solutions in Security Operations Centers (SOC) will enhance enterprises’ defenses against a range of threats, from malware to identity theft and remote configuration.
So far, security operations have largely relied on manual processes, with teams of security analysts in SOCs responsible for monitoring and responding to cyber threats. However, as the complexity of emerging cyber threats increases, many have far exceeded the capacity of analysts to handle, making this traditional approach inefficient and difficult to manage effectively.
The introduction of AI is fundamentally transforming SOCs, ushering in a new era of cyber defense. Traditional, passive security measures are evolving into more proactive, predictive, and automated approaches. By leveraging AI technology, SOC teams can manage and mitigate the risk of threats more efficiently, reducing critical incidents that previously took days or even weeks to resolve down to mere minutes or seconds.
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How AI Defense Works
Imagine a scenario where a network endpoint suddenly detects a large amount of outbound traffic. In a traditional handling mode, a security analyst would need to check logs, correlate events, and contact relevant users to investigate this anomaly, a process that is both time-consuming and prone to human error.
In the same scenario with AI introduced: the system can automatically detect abnormal peaks in outbound traffic and quickly cross-reference them with known threat intelligence databases. Subsequently, AI can analyze traffic patterns to determine whether the behavior matches any known exfiltration techniques commonly used by cyber attackers. Once the AI system identifies that the traffic may have malicious intent, it will automatically trigger a series of defensive actions:
Isolate infected endpoints: AI can automatically isolate affected endpoints in the network to prevent further data loss.
Alert the SOC team: AI can generate alerts containing detailed information and send them to the SOC team, covering the nature of the abnormal behavior, the affected endpoints, and the results of preliminary analysis.
Initiate forensic investigation: To support subsequent deeper investigations, AI can also automatically collect forensic data, such as network logs, endpoint activities, and user behavior patterns.
By automating these critical processes, AI can significantly reduce the time required to respond to potential data breach incidents while effectively controlling their impact on critical systems and data. This allows analysts to focus on validating AI’s detection results and conducting more in-depth investigations rather than spending excessive time on initial detection and containment efforts.
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Ensuring Security Can Also Reduce Costs
In addition to ensuring the security of applications and data, integrating AI into SOCs can also save costs.
Continuous learning and self-optimization: Traditional security measures often require meticulously designed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each new emerging cybersecurity scenario. In contrast, AI systems can learn from observed behaviors in events, which not only reduces the effort and resources needed to create and update SOPs but also eliminates the need to write specific SOPs for each unique incident.
Enhancing operational efficiency: AI can efficiently handle routine repetitive tasks, allowing analysts to focus on more complex, strategic, and higher-value work. Compared to human teams, AI systems have significant advantages in scalability. In the face of escalating security threats, AI can manage increasing workloads without the need for additional manpower, making SOC teams more streamlined and efficient.
Reducing downtime and improving response efficiency: By automating routine tasks, quickly responding to security incidents, and continuously learning and adapting to various situations, AI can minimize downtime and accelerate threat resolution. This not only significantly reduces the financial losses that security incidents may cause but also ensures business continuity.
As enterprises continue to expand their operations, their cybersecurity needs are also increasing, making it crucial to find the right balance between AI, automation, and specialized security teams.
NTT’s cybersecurity consulting services, technical solutions, and managed security services integrate AI capabilities, threat analysis, automation of routine tasks, and expert insights to tailor and enhance security protection systems based on the actual conditions of enterprises, effectively addressing current security challenges while providing a solid guarantee for their future security needs.
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