Emerging trends in AI automation reshape cybersecurity landscape

Emerging trends in artificial intelligence (AI) automation are reshaping the landscape of cybersecurity and business practices, with a particular focus on generative AI (genAI) and cloud security. By the year 2025, experts anticipate a notable increase in the utilisation of genAI by cybercriminals for sophisticated attacks, while concurrently, organisations are expected to enhance their cybersecurity measures, specifically surrounding cloud environments.

The development of genAI is seen as a dual-edged sword. While its capabilities can be exploited for advanced cyberattacks such as deepfakes, phishing, and data manipulation, it is also set to significantly transform business operations. Fortinet has remarked that organisations must urgently deploy genAI-driven threat detection and response systems to combat these escalating risks. Vishak Raman, Vice President of Sales for India, SAARC, SEA and ANZ at Fortinet, highlighted the challenges posed by Cybercrime-as-a-Service (CaaS), stating, “From the rise of Cybercrime-as-a-Service to the convergence of cyber and physical threats, these trends reflect how adversaries are pushing boundaries to execute more precise, large-scale attacks.”

The need for robust cloud security has taken centre stage as businesses of all sizes increasingly migrate to cloud computing infrastructures. With multiple cloud providers forming the backbone of many organisations, vulnerabilities specific to cloud systems are becoming more common. Fortinet warns that the trend of leveraging these vulnerabilities is likely to increase, necessitating the adoption of effective security protocols, including encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring to prevent unauthorized access and breaches.

As the digital landscape evolves, organisations are urged to integrate cybersecurity measures into their products and services from the onset rather than treating it as an afterthought. The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and connected factories has prompted TCS to underscore the urgency of implementing “secure by design” principles. Ganesa Subramanian Vaikuntam, Global Head of Cybersecurity at TCS, stated, “GenAI is enhancing operational efficiencies, but organisations must equip themselves to counteract cyber threats.”

Furthermore, experts foresee an increasing demand for flexible and resilient supply chains due to shifting geopolitical dynamics. TCS advises leaders within organisations to develop adaptive strategies that safeguard sensitive data while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. The interconnectedness of cyber and physical threats amplifies the need for strong operational integrity.

In light of these challenges, a comprehensive cyber resilience strategy becomes imperative. Sajiv Nair, Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at ESDS, emphasised the necessity of vigilance in the face of evolving attack strategies, indicating a particular concern for “double extortion attacks” which involve the theft and encryption of sensitive data under threat of public exposure.

To address these emerging cyber threats effectively, a multi-layered approach that encompasses zero-trust frameworks, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and continuous threat intelligence monitoring is recommended. By 2025, organisations will likely employ an “automation-first” strategy, combining various components such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and threat-hunting frameworks to enhance their defence mechanisms.

As businesses continue to navigate the complexities introduced by new technologies, the integration of cutting-edge cybersecurity strategies alongside advancements in automation presents a growing opportunity to enhance operational integrity and resilience against cyber threats.

Source: Noah Wire Services