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Is defensive AI the key to guarding against emerging cyber threats?

960 640 Stuart O'Brien

Google’s recent announcement of an artificial intelligence (AI) Cyber Defense Initiative to enhance global cybersecurity underscores the importance of defending against increasingly sophisticated and pervasive cyber threats.

And according to analysts at GlobalData, AI will play a pivotal role in collecting, processing, and neutralising threats, transforming the way organisations combat cyber risks.

Looking at AI cyber threat detection technology through the lens of innovation using GlobalData’s Technology Foresights tool reveals some compelling insights. Patent filings have surged from 387 in 2018 to 1,098 in 2023, highlighting a robust growth trajectory in AI-driven security solutions. Furthermore, the entry of 53 new companies in 2023, for a total of 239, showcases the expanding interest and investment in this critical area of technology.

Vaibhav Gundre, Project Manager of Disruptive Tech at GlobalData, said: “The ability of AI to improve threat identification, streamline the management of vulnerabilities, and enhance the efficiency of incident responses is key in addressing the continuous evolution of cyber threats. The rapid progression in the field of defensive AI is underscored by a 13% compound annual growth rate in patent applications over the last three years, reflecting a strong commitment to innovation. This trend is also indicative of the recognized importance of having formidable cyber defense systems in place, signifying substantial research and development activities aimed at overcoming new cyber threats.”

An analysis of GlobalData’s Disruptor Intelligence Center highlights the partnership between AIShield and DEKRA as a notable collaboration aimed at enhancing the security of AI models and systems. Through advanced training, assessment, and protection strategies, the partnership seeks to bolster cyber resilience across industries and foster trust in AI technologies.

Similarly, Darktrace’s collaboration with Cyware exemplifies a proactive approach to cybersecurity. By facilitating collaboration among security teams and sharing threat intelligence, the partnership enables organizations to mitigate risks and respond effectively to emerging cyber threats.

AI cyber threat detection finds application across diverse use cases, including threat detection in security cameras, real-time malware detection, network threat detection, anomaly detection in critical infrastructure, fraud prevention, and AI-powered surveillance systems.

Gundre concluded: “As organizations harness the power of AI cyber threat detection, they must also confront significant challenges. The rapid evolution of cyber threats, coupled with the complexity of regulatory landscapes, underscores the need for continuous innovation and collaboration. While patents and partnerships lay the foundation for robust cyber defense strategies, addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from industry stakeholders. By staying vigilant and embracing a proactive approach, organizations can navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape with confidence, safeguarding critical assets and preserving digital trust.”

Photo by Mitchell Luo on Unsplash

Over 90% of online trackers are from Facebook, Microsoft and Google

960 640 Stuart O'Brien
93.7% of online trackers are from Facebook, Microsoft and Google, with the latter’s making up 49.9% of all trackers found on the web.
That’s according to research from Atlas VPN, which notes that Google’s YouTube and ad network Doubleclick also have a significant share of trackers online. YouTube has a 13.8% share, while Doubleclick trackers make up 8.3%.
Out of all trackers, Facebook’s trackers make up 15.7% of the share. Facebook, Atlas VPN reminds us, has suffered multiple data breaches in the past and has been involved in privacy scandals.
Microsoft’s trackers are the least common in this list, with 6% of the share. Finally, Hotjar has a 6.3% share of trackers online. Their tracker helps websites collect IP address, device type, operating system browser type, window size, and content.
Beyond trackers, other web privacy threats exist that can corrupt your safety online.
Session replay script was found in 35% of the scanned websites. This type of threat captures visitors’ journey on the website. During the recording of the user’s session, the script may also capture personal identifiable information (PII).
Fingerprinting scripts were present in 30.9% of websites. About one out of four (24.9%) websites had a newly registered domain name. Foreign actors from countries like Russia, Belarus, China, and Iran originated 9% of malicious scripts. Malware and bad SSL were each present in just 0.1% of websites.
To read the full research result, click here.

Google, Microsoft back UK government on cyber security

960 640 Stuart O'Brien

Major businesses including Google and Microsoft have pledged to help the UK tackle the most damaging cyber security threats.

Up to £117 million of private industry investment will be combined with £70 million of government funding through the modern Industrial Strategy to develop new technologies.

These will range from a new and secure hardware prototype that can cope with cyber-attacks, to software protected from new vulnerabilities appearing online.

The government says that with cyber threats constantly evolving, the best defence in the future is seen as developing innovative solutions that can work independently and protect against threats even during attacks. It also wants to ensure that every UK organisation is as cyber secure and resilient as possible.

Nearly all UK businesses are reliant on digital technology and online services, yet more than 30% have experienced a cyber-security breach or attack in the last 12 months, according to the government’s own data.

For example, hackable home wifi routers can be used by attackers in botnets to attack major services and businesses.

The government says businesses are having to spend increasing amounts on cyber security, up to 20 to 40% of their IT spend in some cases. And as more and more systems are connected, whether in the home or businesses, there is a need for security that is secure by design.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “Digital devices and online services are powering more of our daily lives than ever before, from booking a doctors’ appointment to buying online shopping. While these devices and services bring great benefits to businesses and consumers, they come with the associated risks of cyber-attacks and threats that are becoming increasingly complex to tackle.

“As we move to a more data-driven economy, nearly all UK businesses and organisations are reliant on these digital technologies and online services – but the threat of cyber-attacks is ever-present, with more than 30% of businesses having experienced a cyber-security breach or attack in the last 12 months.

“With government and industry investing together as part of our modern Industrial Strategy, we will ensure that the UK is well placed to capitalise on our status as one of the world leaders in cyber security by ‘designing in’ innovative measures into our technology that protect us from cyber threats. This will also help us bring down the growing cybersecurity costs to businesses.”

This expected joint investment will create projects to develop new solutions to cyber security over the next 5 years, with the aim of applying the findings in real-world markets through dedicated demo-projects led by business.

For example, these demo projects could include testing the new technology in the health sector to ensure a higher level of protection for patient data, or in consumer markets to ensure consumers’ personal data is fully protected as far as possible.

Dr Ian Levy, National Cyber Security Centre’s Technical Director said: “The National Cyber Security Centre is committed to improving security from the ground up, and we have been working closely with government to promote adoption of technology and practices to protect the UK.

“We hope this additional investment will drive fundamental changes to products we use every day. This is vital work, because improving hardware can eradicate a wide range of vulnerabilities that cause significant harm.”

Developing innovative solutions to cyber security will help put the UK at the forefront of the AI and data revolution, in support of the government’s AI and Data Grand Challenge.

Details on the upcoming rounds of funding for this Digital Security by Design challenge, which will likely bring together academics, research institutions, start-ups, SMEs and large businesses, will be announced later this year.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay