AI-Powered Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Business In A Digital-First World
Ask anyone about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity in tandem and chances are they’ll conjure imaginative scenarios of robots threatening global domination. Far removed from the doomsday scenarios of “Skynet” and “The Terminator”, AI has emerged as more of an ally in network security than a threat. But how is AI making the business landscape a safer place for everyone? How can businesses leverage AI tools to protect their critical networks?
Hear from our Cybersecurity Solutions Architect for Enterprise at MyRepublic, Calvin Zaw, to get the inside scoop on the latest in AI cybersecurity.
1. AI is quite a daunting and complex subject for many people, especially those wary of new technologies. Could you explain what AI is in simple terms?
Think of AI as an intelligent assistant that can process massive amounts of data and information from various sources at lightning speed, using it to generate insights, automate tasks, and enhance decision-making. This ability to learn and adapt makes AI highly effective in optimising workflows, forecasting trends, and solving complex problems across many industries.
2. Why has AI become so popular as part of cybersecurity? What are the key benefits it provides?
Time is money. Streamlining operations and improving time management allows businesses to reduce costs and increase efficiency. AI is a game changer in cybersecurity because it can help us stay ahead of cyber threats.
AI offers lightning-fast threat detection, scanning through vast amounts of data in seconds, correlating information more effectively, and catching threats before they become significant problems. Traditional security tools often overreact to minor threats, generating false alerts that become a constant challenge for IT teams. Eventually, people will stop paying attention if systems flood them with endless notifications every day. However, AI improves over time, getting better at identifying real threats while filtering out harmless activity, reducing alert fatigue and ensuring more accurate threat detection. Additionally, AI helps businesses save both time and money by automating tedious and repetitive tasks. This eliminates the need for costly manual monitoring which reduces the financial burden of businesses.
3. What’s the relationship between MyRepublic and AI then?
At MyRepublic, AI isn’t just a buzzword. It’s part of how we keep our businesses safe and smooth! We are using AI to create innovative solutions for internal use cases such as sales lead outreach, customer service training, HR chatbots and more.
Rapid and accurate threat detection and response are critical for our internal SOC team, which is why we are leveraging AI-driven cybersecurity solutions to strengthen our cyber resilience. For our customers, we have provided AI project consulting and supported their integration of AI technologies.
4. What should businesses take note of when they attempt to implement AI as part of their cybersecurity arsenal? Any beginner’s mistakes they should avoid?
When it comes to AI, businesses should keep in mind that while AI is incredibly powerful, it’s not a “set it and forget it” solution. Keeping your AI updated is crucial in the ever-changing landscape of cyber threats. The most effective security systems offer automatic updates, which means the AI can instantly adapt to new vulnerabilities without requiring manual intervention. By maintaining up-to-date AI, businesses can stay ahead of potential threats and ensure a continuous, proactive defense against ever evolving cyber risks.
5. How do you see AI-driven security evolving over the next few years? Should businesses be worried about AI world domination?
I truly believe that AI in cybersecurity will only continue to evolve and become more intelligent over time. Looking ahead, I’m excited about the potential advancements AI can bring. One possibility is the combination of AI and quantum computing, where future AI-powered security systems could harness the power of quantum computing to address cyber threats faster and more efficiently than ever before. Another possibility would be self-healing systems. While some solutions are already capable of this today, I look forward to even more advanced capabilities. Lastly, I am optimistic about AI’s ability to enhance fraud detection. With numerous victims in Singapore falling prey to various forms of fraud, I hope that AI will continue to improve and prevent online scams before individuals even realize they’ve been targeted.
However, like any powerful tool, AI can also be exploited for malicious purposes. Cybercriminals are leveraging AI to boost their productivity such as by utilizing AI-driven As-A-Service models to carry out their schemes. For example, cybercriminals use AI to generate highly convincing fake emails through AI-powered phishing. Additionally, AI is being used to create fake videos and content, which is spread to misinform the public. AI also helps hackers identify and exploit vulnerabilities more quickly, making their attacks more efficient.
6. Do you have any advice for businesses that are on the fence about adopting AI?
AI is a practical tool that can help you by saving time and reducing costs. Many SaaS applications are now using some form of AI to enhance productivity.
Start small and scale smart. Begin by having an open discussion with your team, testing AI in one area such as customer service or operations, and then gradually expand its use as you start seeing results. AI is not a replacement for jobs. Instead, it’s here to take away the mundane, repetitive tasks so your team can focus on more strategic and creative work. AI will soon become an essential tool, and companies that adapt early will gain a major competitive edge, positioning themselves for future success. Innovation is key for businesses to meet evolving customer needs, explore untapped markets, and stand out from competitors.
Understanding AI in cybersecurity is crucial for recognising how it enhances threat detection, response, and overall system protection. It’s a solution that needs to fit into your overall cybersecurity plan, not replace it. Choose trusted partners who understand your industry and are able to tailor solutions to your specific needs to ensure long-term success and minimised risk. Reach out to MyRepublic today and find out how we can help take your cybersecurity to the next level.
