Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized how we interact with the digital world, but it has also brought new challenges to cybersecurity. This technology, capable of learning and adapting, is a powerful tool for both defenders and critics. According to the Cybersecurity Workforce study by ISC², approximately 45% of companies still do not have a formal strategy for the use of AI, despite its potential. The research, which interviewed more than 15 thousand cybersecurity professionals worldwide, shows that, despite economic and geopolitical challenges, the growing adoption of AI is seen as a promising way to strengthen cyber defenses and adapt to new ones.
According to Marcos Santos, CEO of Aquarela Analytics, a Brazilian company that pioneered artificial intelligence and data analysis, the importance of predicting possible attacks is fundamental.“Dates, information and knowledge are critical factors of success or failure in the digitalized society, from this perspective, keeping your digital assets safe is a matter of continuity and prosperity as well as of collapse and losses if poorly managed”, says the executive.
In defense, AI can analyze vast amounts of data in real time, detecting patterns that indicate cyber attacks. However, in the wrong hand, Artificial Intelligence can be used to create more sophisticated malware and perform targeted attacks with greater precision.It can also generate deepfakes and manipulate information, increasing the spread of misinformation. The combination of Artificial Intelligence with hybrid cloud, for example, creates a complex scenario where the heterogeneity of environments increases the attack surface. The question is how to take advantage of the benefits of AI for cybersecurity without opening gaps for attackers.
Santos estimates that with the use of Corporate AI 0 one of the specialties of Aquarela Analytics - it is possible to predict future threats, respond to incidents quickly and customize security measures for each organization.
For the executive, the answer is not simple and requires a multifaceted approach. “It is necessary to invest in research and development of AI-based security solutions, but also in education and awareness of risks. Cybersecurity is no longer an isolated department, but rather a responsibility of everyone within the organization.The safety culture must be cultivated at all levels, from top management to frontline employees” highlights.
On the other hand, the CEO of Aquarela points out that many companies have sought to implement advanced Artificial Intelligence, but there is not always a sufficient data maturity. Companies need to develop a plan to achieve the highest level that technology provides and requires.
To facilitate the analysis, the company developed the DCM methodology (Data Culture Methodology), which evaluates organizations at five levels of data maturity: Empirical, Ad hoc, Defined, Optimized and Exponential. When using advanced AI, you need to be at the fifth degree of data maturity. “We need to understand where the business is at, identify weaknesses and develop continuous growth strategies. Corporate AI operates in core-business, is part of the business strategy, directly affects key KPIs and has a long-term vision to reach the highest level of data maturity”, Santos points out.
Data security is emphasized during projects. Since 2021, Brazilian companies from different segments have faced cyberattacks and this area was not observed with due attention.Today the company must understand that in addition to creating an AI, identifying weaknesses and developing strategies for continuous growth, data security is an essential part of the business”, and complements the CEO of Aquarela Analytics, Marcos Santos.
As AI becomes more sophisticated, cyberattacks will also become more complex.To stay ahead of criminals, organizations need to take a proactive stance by investing in cutting-edge technologies and highly skilled professionals.
In an increasingly digitized world, cybersecurity is a constant challenge. AI offers powerful tools to protect our systems, but it also creates new vulnerabilities.It is critical that businesses, governments and civil society work together to ensure a safe and reliable digital environment.
