Machine Learning and Information Security: Impacts and Trends
Gone are the days when we needed to patiently sit and teach computers how to perform complex tasks that were backed by human intelligence. Today, the machine teaches itself– far from ‘magic’, it’s a tool that has revolutionized industries across the board today.
For context, machine learning is as significant a change for the world as the introduction of the Internet was. The future of machine learning encompasses more than just tech and related industries. Cybersecurity– more specifically, information security– has been heavily impacted by the introduction of machine learning in a mostly positive manner, but some grey areas exist.
What is Information Security?
InfoSec is the network of processes and systems designed for and deployed to safeguard confidential information, largely business-related, from destruction or modification in any way. InfoSec is not the same as Cybersecurity, albeit it is the part of it that is dedicated exclusively to data protection.
The types of Information Security span cloud security, cryptography, infrastructure protection and detection and management of vulnerabilities. Most Machine Learning training courses brief students about these facets, not least because they’re universal in their use across industries.
Machine Learning in InfoSec: Impacts and Trends
Automate repetitive tasks
Setting up ML algorithms to take care of everyday threats can help ensure a regular check on the underlying security. This also allows security analysts, supported by more complex algorithms, to focus their strength on bigger tactical fights an set up bulletproof systems. This frees up a lot of time on the team’s hands and cuts costs on holding onto employees for repetitive tasks alone.
Endpoint security control in mobile devices
With mobile passwords being the quickest and easiest springboard to accessing information worth selling, cybercriminals are increasingly preferring to target mobile devices. To counter this, machine learning techniques include ‘zero trusts’ no sign-on approaches that eliminate passwords and cloud-based authentication systems.
Predict and preempt strikes on systems
Predictive analytics is fast becoming a core facet of InfoSec systems today because continuous analysis and correlation mean better chances of recognizing patterns and threats ahead of the actual strike. Using AI and machine learning techniques to capture, analyze and classify data in real-time is a benefit that no other system has offered so far, least of all human systems. By identifying potential threats, businesses can prepare in advance by strengthening security, putting extra authentication processes in place and running audits.
Cloud-based security systems
In place of saving millions of customer data on chunky servers prone to breach, businesses are increasingly moving to cloud-based security systems. These systems allow all information to be kept in one place with hefty security barriers in place, with the help of machine learning, to prevent breaches. These systems keep the reins of authority in the hands of a few, making it easier to trace leaks, if any, and allow for timely intervention.
The future role of machine learning
In setting up a top-of-its-class, dynamic security landscape, machine learning plays several roles, both routine and complex. Machine learning training is the talk of the town today because companies want their employees to be more than capable of using machine learning data for the betterment of InfoSec at any organization.
