The Power Of Automation: The Role Of Machine Learning In Cybersecurity

A recent Forbes Insights survey and report based on the responses of over 200 chief information security officers (CISOs) showed the tough choices they must make as they face "an arms race between the capabilities of attackers and their own defense postures."[1] Every CISO is acutely aware of the double-edged sword presented by the use of AI technologies such as machine learning: They are increasingly being deployed by malicious actors as an offensive tool that can automate many of the tasks in building a weapon, at lower cost and with greater efficiency. That's why the other edge of the sword--a strong, automated defensive bulwark--is critical for enterprises to secure their vast environments. For Emily Heath, vice president and chief information security officer at United, the global airline, one of the key benefits of automation through machine learning is visibility into the network--understanding what is normal or anomalous activity. "Without a machine to help you, you can't possibly weed through millions and tens of millions of events that happen across the data flow," she says.