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How Can Businesses Use AI to Strengthen Their Own Cyber Defence?

 

We are at a turning point in the development of cybersecurity. When generative AI models like ChatGPT first gained widespread attention, their promise to protect networks from hackers was only matched by its potential to aid hackers. Although a diverse array of cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies have lately been launched by technology companies, the size and sophistication of threat actors continue to rise. 

In order to ensure the utmost protection of data transmission, storage, and access, which is a critical component of the fight against cyberattacks, cybersecurity practices are put into place here. 

How to use AI in the cybersecurity sector 

In many sectors, including cybersecurity, AI has many benefits and uses. AI may help businesses by staying up-to-date in terms of security, which is advantageous given the quickly growing nature of cyberattacks and the emergence of sophisticated attacking mediums.

Compared to manual methods and conventional security systems, AI can automate threat detection and offer a more efficient response. This aids organisations in maximising their cybersecurity defences and avoiding emerging threats. Here are a few major advantages of utilising AI in the field of cyber security.

Threat detection: Businesses can tremendously benefit from AI-based cybersecurity practices in identifying cyber threats and disruptive activities by cyber criminals. In fact, the proliferation of new malware is happening at an alarming rate, making it extremely challenging for traditional software systems to keep up with the evolving threat landscape. 

AI algorithms, however, discover patterns, recognize malware and find any unauthorised activities done before they impact a system. This makes AI a valuable tool for protecting against cybercrime and maintaining the security of business operations. 

Bot defence: The defence against bots is one more area where AI is used to counter digital threats. Bots create a substantial portion of online traffic in today's virtual world, some of which may be security risks. Cybercriminals employ bots, also known as automatic scripts or software, to launch attacks on websites, networks, and systems. 

Additionally, detrimental acts like Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, account takeovers, and the scraping of private data can all be carried out via bots. 

Phishing detection: By identifying complex phishing attempts, AI can significantly improve the cybersecurity landscape. Incoming emails and communications can be analysed and categorised by machine learning models powered by AI to determine whether they are authentic or fake.

AI can search for words, phrases, and other indicators that are frequently linked to phishing assaults by utilising natural language processing techniques. The ability for security teams to quickly detect and handle potential risks minimises the possibility of a successful phishing attack. 

AI cybersecurity limitations 

Despite their increasing sophistication, AI systems are still constrained by their knowledge base. These systems are potentially impotent in the face of unforeseen or complex dangers that lay outside of their specified domain because they can only operate with the help of their trained data sets. 

Furthermore, these restrictions make them vulnerable to false positives and false negatives, making it easier for unknown threats and needless signals to take place. 

The existence of ingrained biases and the resulting discrimination is a serious threat AI systems must contend with. These biases can result from imbalanced data sets or flawed algorithms, leading to biassed or erroneous judgements that could have catastrophic repercussions. 

Finally, an over-reliance on AI systems poses a serious risk since it can cause dangerous complacency and, eventually, a false sense of security. This could subsequently result in a disappointing lack of attention being paid to other essential facets of cybersecurity, like user education, the application of laws, and regular system updates and patches.

Remote Work and the Cloud Create Various Endpoint Security Challenges

At the recent Syxsense Synergy event, cybersecurity experts delved into the ever-evolving challenges faced by security and endpoint management. With the increasing complexity of cloud technologies, advancements in the Internet of Things, and the widespread adoption of remote work, the landscape of cybersecurity has become more intricate than ever before. 

These experts shed light on the pressing issues surrounding this field. Based on a survey conducted by the Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG), it has been discovered that the average user presently possesses approximately seven devices for both personal and office use. 

Moreover, the ESG survey revealed a notable connection between the number of security and endpoint management tools employed within an enterprise and the frequency of breaches experienced. Among the organizations surveyed, 6% utilized fewer than five tools, while 27% employed 5 to 10 tools. 33% of organizations employed 11 to 15 tools, whereas the remaining organizations implemented more than 15 tools to manage their security and endpoints. 

Understand the concept of Endpoints and why their security is important while working remotely?

Endpoints encompass various physical devices that establish connections with computer networks, facilitating the exchange of information. These devices span a wide range, including mobile devices, desktop computers, virtual machines, embedded devices, and servers. 

Additionally, endpoints extend to Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices such as cameras, lighting systems, refrigerators, security systems, smart speakers, and thermostats. When a device establishes a network connection, the transmission of information between the device, such as a laptop, and the network can be linked to a conversation taking place between two individuals over a phone call. 

Endpoints are attractive targets for cybercriminals due to their vulnerability and their role as gateways to corporate data. As the workforce becomes more distributed, protecting endpoints has become increasingly challenging. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable, as they can serve as entry points for criminals to target larger organizations, often lacking robust cybersecurity defenses. 

Data breaches are financially devastating for enterprises, with the global average cost being $4.24 million and $9.05 million in the United States. Remote work-related breaches incur an additional average cost of $1.05 million. The majority of breach costs are attributed to lost business, including customer turnover, revenue loss from system downtime, and the expenses of rebuilding reputation and acquiring new customers. 

With the increasing mobility of workforces, organizations face a range of endpoint security risks. These common threats include: 

Phishing: A form of social engineering attack that manipulates individuals into divulging sensitive information. 

Ransomware: Malicious software that encrypts a victim's data and demands a ransom for its release.

Device loss: Leading to data breaches and potential regulatory penalties, lost or stolen devices pose significant risks to organizations. 

Outdated patches: Failure to apply timely software updates leaves systems vulnerable, enabling exploitation by malicious actors. 

Malware ads (malvertising): Online advertisements are used as a medium to distribute malware and compromise systems. 

Drive-by downloads: Automated downloads of software onto devices without the user's knowledge or consent. 

According to Ashley Leonard, Syxsense founder, and CEO, the biggest reason behind increasing challenges related to endpoint security is lack of training. “If people are not properly trained and grooved in on their endpoint and security tools, you are going to find devices and systems misconfigured, not maintained properly, and with critical patches undeployed. Training is vital, but it is much easier to train people on a single tool,” he further added.

Don't Get Hooked: How Scammers are Reeling in YouTube Users with Authentic Email Phishing

YouTube phishing scam

Are you a YouTube user? Beware of a new phishing scam that has been making rounds lately! In recent times, YouTube users have been targeted by a new phishing scam. The scammers use an authentic email address from YouTube, which makes it difficult to differentiate between a genuine email and a fraudulent one. 

What is a phishing scam?

Phishing scams are fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, by disguising themselves as trustworthy entity in electronic communication. Typically, scammers use social engineering techniques to trick users into clicking on a malicious link or downloading malware.

What is the new YouTube phishing scam?

The new YouTube phishing scam involves the use of an authentic email address from YouTube. The email appears to be from YouTube's support team, and it informs the user that their channel is at risk of being deleted due to a copyright infringement violation. 

The email contains a link to a website where the user is asked to enter their YouTube login credentials. Once the user enters their login credentials, the scammers can access the user's account and potentially steal sensitive information or perform unauthorized actions.

How to identify the new YouTube phishing scam?

The new YouTube phishing scam is difficult to identify because the email address used by the scammers appears to be genuine. However, there are a few signs that you can look out for to identify the scam:

  • Check the sender's email address: Even though the email address appears to be genuine, you should always check the sender's email address carefully. In most cases, scammers use a similar email address to the genuine one but with a few minor differences.
  • Check the content of the email: The new YouTube phishing scam typically informs the user that their channel is at risk of being deleted due to a copyright infringement violation. However, if you have not received any copyright infringement notice, then you should be cautious.
  • Check the link in the email: Always check the link in the email before clicking on it. Hover your mouse over the link and check if the URL is genuine. If you are unsure, do not click on the link.

How to protect yourself from the new YouTube phishing scam?

To protect yourself from the new YouTube phishing scam, follow these tips:

  • Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account. Even if the scammers obtain your login credentials, they will not be able to access your account without the second factor of authentication.
  • Do not share your login credentials: Never share your login credentials with anyone, even if the email appears to be from a genuine source.
  • Report suspicious emails: If you receive a suspicious email, report it to YouTube immediately. This will help to prevent other users from falling victim to the scam.
  • Keep your software up to date: Keep your operating system and software up to date to ensure that you have the latest security patches and updates.

Stay cautious

The new phishing scam using an authentic email address is a serious threat to YouTube users. However, by following the tips mentioned in this blog, you can protect yourself from falling victim to the scam. Always be vigilant and cautious when dealing with emails that request sensitive information. Remember, if you are unsure, do not click on the link.


Expert Suggested Ban on TikTok for Government-issued Phones in Australia

The Australian government recently decided to stop their employees from using TikTok, which is an app that lets people make and share short videos. The government is worried that the company that owns TikTok has connections to the Chinese government and that the Chinese government could get access to information about TikTok users. 

Following the action, some experts think that it is a good idea to ban TikTok, and they also think other social media apps should be banned too. Furthermore, an increasing number of government agencies in Australia are taking action to prohibit the use of the widely-used ByteDance app. 

This is due to heightened security concerns surrounding the app's connection to China, prompting worries about potential risks and threats to national security. 

“I don’t think it’s as simple as TikTok – bad; American companies – good, I think they’re all bad,” Professor Vanessa Teague, a cybersecurity researcher at the Australian National University reported. 

The Canberra Times newspaper has reported that almost half of the government agencies in Australia have stopped their employees from using TikTok on devices owned by the government. 

Teague mentioned that although Apple and Google offer users more control over what data they share with social media apps, these apps can still gather a significant amount of information on their users.

“It’s all well and good to turn off location permission, but if you then upload a photo or a video that has your GPS coordinates … then you told them where you are, so it’s better but it doesn’t completely solve the problem…,” Teague told. “…I don’t actually think they’re really solving the problem unless they’re solving the problem of Australians’ privacy and security, which would mean strong privacy laws, better education, encouragement of end-to-end encryption, and an end to this nonsense that encryption is only for paedophiles.”

Although many people are mainly worried about TikTok, the Department of Home Affairs is looking at all social media apps to see if they are safe to use or not. The home affairs minister has asked for this review, and the report will be ready in the first three months of this year.