Why is artificial intelligence important for security?

The amount of data that organizations are collecting each day is increasing. With so much data and personal information on hand, businesses need to be able to ensure that the information will remain secure and protected.

AI can help provide secure solutions for businesses and for customers. It can automate crucial processes like records management and ensure that tasks are carried out in compliance with industry governance protocols and standards and can restrict access to sensitive data in an organization. For customers, AI can help detect and prevent fraud by analyzing records and transactions to learn normal behaviors and detecting outliers.

What is artificial intelligence?

The term artificial intelligence, or AI, dates back to the 1950s and centered on the idea that the human brain could be mechanized. Over the decades since, scientists have studied how humans think and learn and tried to apply those same methods to machines and data. Today, AI refers to a computerized system that carries out a behavior that typically would require human knowledge. AI solves complex problems by analyzing data, recognizing patterns, and adapting based on the results.

AI relies on sets of rules called algorithms that give the system instructions or guidelines for completing tasks and uncovering information.

How does artificial intelligence work?

Artificial intelligence covers a wide array of functions from classification to pattern recognition to making predictions. These seemingly basic forms of intelligence are the foundation for advanced AI applications like virtual assistants, automated vehicles, and more. Algorithms provide the rules and context for AI as it begins to sort and analyze data, providing structure as AI learns.

AI can be divided into four general types:

Reactive artificial intelligence.
Reactive AI is an early form of AI that doesn’t have a “memory.” When a specific input is fed through the algorithm, the output will always be the same. This type of AI is useful for tasks like classification and pattern recognition. It can process large volumes of data but doesn’t take into account factors like historical data.

Limited memory machines.
Limited memory machines step in where reactive AI falls short. They can complete classification as well as use historical data to make predictions for the future. Limited memory machines are modeled after the way human neurons connect and share information in the brain. They are able to fuel complex tasks. However, limited memory machines require large volumes of data to train the algorithms.

Theory of mind.
Theory of mind is a type of AI that is still very much a theory, though data scientists are actively working toward it. These machines would be able to understand an individual’s motives, reasoning, and needs to respond with personalized results. The goal would be for these machines to learn more quickly and with fewer examples than limited memory machines.

Self-aware artificial intelligence.
Once theory of mind AI becomes a reality, data scientists believe that self-aware AI is the next step. This type of AI would be aware of not only the mental states of others, like theory of mind, but it would also be aware of itself. This self-awareness would put an AI-powered machine on par with human intelligence.

How can artificial intelligence be used to support security and compliance?

Organizations can harness the power of AI to help keep data secure and bring systems into compliance with government and industry standards. Any industry that involves labor-intensive documentation like healthcare, insurance, finance, and legal is a suitable candidate for artificial intelligence. Without AI systems, human beings are in charge of these transactions, which means the process takes a long time and is susceptible to human error. AI can be trained to complete these tasks without error in shorter periods of time. It increases security by decreasing the chance of humans leaking confidential information thereby increasing compliance by ensuring high standards of privacy and quality.

Cybersecurity in particular is an area where AI is increasing effectiveness. AI can be trained to detect intrusion and malware, identify and respond to data breaches, predict user behavior, and stop phishing.

AI and privacy.

While AI has the potential to be used for increased security and compliance, there are also concerns that AI could be used to fuel security breaches and expose private information. AI ethics is a deep and evolving topic that warrants continued discussion.

There is no doubt that there are many positive roles that AI can play in the realm of privacy. AI bots can enable customers to more easily be able to place privacy data requests and control and monitor how and where their information is being shared. It could also act as a suitable replacement for humans when handling sensitive data. Tasks like requesting healthcare records between providers could be carried out by AI without a human operator viewing the information unnecessarily.

How will artificial intelligence and security evolve in the future?

Cyber-attacks and data breaches can cost organizations–in dollars and in customer trust. Artificial intelligence can provide a solution. In the future, AI will continue to automate processes and improve detection for fraud and security risks, making it easier for businesses to stay in compliance with regulations and keep important data secure. But, every organization looking to use artificial intelligence must take care to implement it responsibly and ethically. In the next decades, we will see the rise of AI especially in industries that rely extensively on personal data like healthcare and finance. Using AI will improve compliance and security in these sectors and beyond.