How to Defend Against the Rise in AI-based Data Breaches

You can’t turn around these days without seeing the term “AI” somewhere. Especially when it comes to software tools. Microsoft, Apple, Google, and others are rapidly integrating AI into their business apps.

But as artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize industries, its rapid integration into business operations also opens new avenues for cyber threats. A recent study reveals that 77% of businesses have experienced security breaches involving their AI systems, highlighting the urgent need for robust defenses. 

Things happen fast in the digital world, so now is the time to begin thinking about cybersecurity when it comes to new AI tools, models, and processes your company may be incorporating.

The Shifting Landscape of Cyberattacks

Traditionally, data breaches involved exploiting human vulnerabilities through phishing emails, social engineering tactics, or targeting weaknesses in software security.

However, AI has introduced a new dimension to cybercrime. Hackers are now utilizing AI tools to:

• Automate Attack Campaigns: AI scripts can automate the process of identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities across large networks. This allows attackers to scale their efforts and target numerous organizations simultaneously.
• Craft More Persuasive Phishing Attempts: AI can be used to analyze email communication patterns and personalize phishing emails to appear more legitimate. This makes it harder for users to identify them as fraudulent.
• Bypass Traditional Security Systems: AI algorithms can learn and adapt to bypass signature-based security solutions. These solutions rely on identifying known malware patterns, which AI can potentially exploit and evade.
• Identify and Target High-Value Data: AI can analyze vast datasets to identify and target sensitive information, such as financial records, intellectual property, or personally identifiable information (PII) with greater accuracy.

These methods end up putting companies in the middle of AI being leveraged as weapons and their business productivity AI systems being targeted. Defending against AI-based data breaches requires a multifaceted cybersecurity approach that addresses the unique vulnerabilities of AI technologies. Here are some key strategies that will help you bolster your AI defenses.

Conduct Comprehensive Risk Assessments

Identify Vulnerabilities 

Start with a thorough risk assessment of your AI systems. This involves understanding the specific threats associated with AI, such as data poisoning, adversarial attacks, and model inversion. Identify weak points at every stage, from data collection and model training to deployment and maintenance.

Regular Audits

Conduct regular security audits to ensure that AI models are functioning as intended and are free from potential vulnerabilities. These audits should be part of a continuous process that evolves with emerging threats.

Implement Strong Data Governance Policies

Data Integrity

Ensure the integrity of the data used to train AI models. Poor data quality or compromised data can lead to flawed models and significant security risks. Implement strict data validation and cleansing processes to maintain high data standards.

Access Control 

Establish stringent access controls to limit who can access and manipulate AI data. Use role-based access control (RBAC) to ensure that only authorized personnel can handle sensitive data and models.

Invest in Robust AI Security Solutions

Advanced Tools

Utilize advanced security tools designed specifically for AI. These tools can help detect and mitigate threats such as data poisoning and adversarial attacks. Solutions like AI-driven security platforms can offer real-time monitoring and automated threat response.

Encryption

Encrypt data at rest and in transit to protect it from unauthorized access. This ensures that even if data is intercepted, it cannot be easily exploited.

Foster Collaboration Between AI and Security Teams

Interdepartmental Cooperation

Encourage close collaboration between AI developers (or those choosing your AI-based software) and your cybersecurity team or provider. This collaboration ensures that security considerations are integrated into every stage of AI adoption and deployment.

Shared Knowledge 

Promote knowledge sharing between teams to stay updated on the latest threats and best practices. Regular training sessions and workshops can help both teams stay aligned and proactive in addressing security challenges.

Adopt a Proactive Security Posture

Threat Intelligence

Stay informed about the latest threats and vulnerabilities specific to AI. Use threat intelligence services to gain insights into emerging risks and adjust your security measures accordingly.

Incident Response Plan

Develop and regularly update an incident response plan tailored to AI-related breaches. Ensure that your team is prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to mitigate any potential damage.

Leverage AI for Cybersecurity

AI-Powered Security

Use AI to enhance your cybersecurity efforts. AI can help detect anomalies and potential breaches more quickly and accurately than traditional methods. Implementing AI-driven security solutions can provide an added layer of defense against sophisticated attacks.

Continuous Monitoring

Employ continuous monitoring of AI systems to detect unusual behavior or anomalies that may indicate a breach. Automated monitoring tools can alert your security team to potential issues in real time, allowing for rapid response. Many companies are already using IT system monitoring, so ensure it includes AI-related threats.

Contact Unbound Digital for Help Defending Your AI-based Systems

The rise in AI-based data breaches poses a serious risk to companies of all sizes. Building a robust defense against attacks on AI requires continuous effort and adaptation. As AI technologies evolve, so too must the strategies and tools used to secure them. 

Unbound Digital has a team of cybersecurity experts that can help your company with vigilance and dedication in the ongoing battle against cyber threats. Contact us today to schedule a cybersecurity consultation. Call 423-467-7777 or reach us online.