With cybercriminals themselves increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) in rolling out attacks or crafting phishing emails, it is critical that security teams learn to fight with the same weapons. AI helps these teams analyze larger amounts of data, identify threats faster and even predict potential future risks. This AI-driven automation allows analysts to focus on more complex threats. In addition, automation ensures consistent execution of response protocols, which significantly reduces human error and strengthens the overall level of security.
Cyber threats are becoming increasingly complex, putting pressure on security teams. According to the Fortinet Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report 53% of organizations will have experienced cyber attacks costing more than a million dollars by 2023. These figures underscore the need for effective security solutions that are both flexible and future-proof.
Security problems are often exacerbated by the use of disparate, non-integrated security solutions. While each individual solution may add value, this fragmented approach can unnecessarily add to the workload of security teams already struggling with a shortage of qualified personnel. The answer is an integrated, AI-supported Security Operations Center (SOC) strategy that enables a centralized and coordinated approach to threats.
Added value of generative AI
The integration of AI, particularly generative AI (GenAI), can add tremendous value to security teams. GenAI can recognize threat patterns faster and unburdens security teams by automating routine analysis and generating reports. This technology provides a welcome expansion of SOC analysts’ detection capabilities and helps them respond quickly to emerging threats. By embracing GenAI, organizations can not only respond faster, but also develop a proactive security strategy focused on prediction and prevention.
AI plays a key role within SecOps at multiple levels, from detection to response and risk assessment. Fortinet therefore developed its own FortiRecon, a SaaS-based service that is part of the Fortinet SecOps platform and deploys AI-driven technologies to continuously scan internal networks for vulnerabilities. This allows analysts to focus on the most critical threats. External threats, such as data breaches and stolen login credentials on the dark web, are also actively monitored so organizations can respond quickly and prevent further damage.
Solid foundation
In the first phase of a SecOps strategy, AI creates a solid foundation, of which centralized log data management and automated threat detection are an integral part. AI-driven analytics provide security teams with real-time data streams, detecting anomalies and identifying hidden patterns that could be missed in manual checks. This accelerates threat detection and allows for faster identification and isolation.
Continuous improvement
Another added value of AI within the SecOps strategy is its adaptability. AI algorithms can improve themselves based on feedback, meaning they become more accurate and effective over time. This self-learning ability is crucial in a landscape where attackers are constantly adapting their techniques to evade detection. By using complementary Machine Learning (ML) models that analyze patterns and anticipate new variations of known attacks, organizations can stay one step ahead of potential threats and respond to threats that were previously invisible.
As a SecOps strategy progresses, AI can increasingly support advanced tasks.
Patrick Commers, cyber security evangelist Fortinet Belux
As a SecOps strategy progresses, AI can increasingly support advanced tasks. For organizations with extensive security needs, AI can contribute to advanced analytics, such as User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA). With this, suspicious actions of users and entities can be identified. AI and ML-driven UEBA makes it possible to recognize subtle patterns that may indicate internal threats, such as compromised accounts or unauthorized activities. By leveraging AI for behavioral analysis, security teams can more quickly see which activities are risky and stop potentially harmful actions before they escalate.
Automated actions
At its most advanced SecOps stage, AI can fully automatically address complex incidents. Using Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) allows organizations to set up complex workflows that automatically respond to sophisticated attacks. When a threat is detected, a preset set of actions automatically kicks in to neutralize it. The strength of AI within SOAR lies in its ability to make decisions and execute actions based on real-time data and preset policies. This high level of automation ensures a rapid and consistent response to threats, regardless of the scale or complexity of the attack.
More than a tool
A strong cybersecurity strategy requires more than just technology. By adopting a flexible, phase-based approach that ranges from basic security to advanced AI integration, organizations can build a resilient SOC ready for future threats. It is no longer enough to be reactive; companies must anticipate threats using the latest AI and automation technologies to stay ahead of them. Integrating AI within security operations not only allows organizations to respond faster and more efficiently, but also to proactively fend off threats. In doing so, AI becomes more than a tool; it becomes the foundation of a new, intelligent security strategy capable of dealing with the growing complexity and speed of cyber threats.
This is a submitted contribution from Patrick Commers, cyber security evangelist at Fortinet Belux. Click here to learn more about the company.