Cyber threats continue to evolve and increase in sophistication. Large and mid-sized organizations are turning to AI-powered cybersecurity tools to bolster defenses and streamline security operations. These advanced solutions leverage machine learning, natural language processing and other AI techniques. They provide more effective monitoring, threat detection and response, and remediation capabilities.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most promising AI-powered cybersecurity tools available.
Discover how BPM’s AI-driven Cybersecurity Solutions can help your organization stay ahead of emerging threats.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms with AI capabilities
SIEM platforms have long been a staple of cybersecurity operations, providing centralized log management, real-time monitoring and incident response capabilities. However, traditional SIEM solutions often struggle to keep pace with modern IT environments. The volume, variety and velocity of data are challenges that AI can help solve.
AI-powered SIEM platforms use machine learning algorithms to:
- Automatically identify and prioritize security incidents
AI-powered SIEM tools can quickly identify patterns and anomalies that indicate potential security breaches. They achieve this by analyzing vast amounts of log data and network events. The tools prioritize them based on risk severity and impact. - Reduce false positives and alert fatigue
Traditional SIEM solutions often generate a high volume of alerts, many of which are false positives. AI algorithms can learn to distinguish between genuine threats and benign events. This significantly reduces the number of false positives, enabling security teams to focus on the most critical incidents. - Detect advanced and unknown threats
AI-powered SIEM platforms can identify sophisticated, never-before-seen attacks. They learn to recognize subtle patterns and deviations from normal behavior. This helps organizations detect and respond to advanced threats that might otherwise evade traditional rule-based detection methods.
Examples of AI-powered SIEM solutions include the following:
- IBM QRadar Advisor with Watson
- Splunk User Behavior Analytics
- LogRhythm’s NextGen SIEM Platform
Next-generation antivirus (NGAV) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools
Traditional antivirus solutions rely on signature-based detection methods. The methods struggle to keep pace with the rapid evolution of malware and zero-day exploits. Next-generation antivirus (NGAV) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools address this challenge. NGAV and EDR leverage AI and machine learning to provide more proactive and adaptive endpoint protection.
AI-powered NGAV and EDR solutions can:
- Detect and block unknown malware
AI algorithms can help identify and block previously unseen malware variants without relying on signature updates. They do this by analyzing the behavior and characteristics of files and processes. - Provide real-time visibility and response capabilities
EDR tools continuously monitor endpoint activity. They use AI to detect suspicious behaviors and give security teams real-time visibility. It also offers the ability to quickly contain and remediate threats. - Automate incident response and remediation
AI-powered EDR solutions can automatically triage and prioritize security alerts, guiding security analysts through the investigation and remediation process. Some tools can even automatically contain threats by isolating infected endpoints or terminating malicious processes.
Leading NGAV and EDR solutions with AI capabilities include the following:
- CrowdStrike Falcon
- SentinelOne Singularity
- Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection
User and entity behavior analytics (UEBA)
Insider threats and compromised user accounts pose significant risks to organizations. Traditional security tools often struggle to discern between legitimate and malicious user activity. User and entity behavior analytics (UEBA) solutions leverage AI and machine learning to address this challenge. The solutions analyze user and entity behavior to detect anomalies and potential threats.
AI-powered UEBA tools
These tools can significantly enhance an organization’s ability to detect and respond to insider threats and compromised accounts. They accomplish this by leveraging advanced behavioral analytics and machine learning.
- Establish baseline behavior profiles
UEBA solutions can create baseline behavior profiles by analyzing user and entity activity over time. The profiles represent normal activity patterns for each user and entity in the organization. - Detect anomalous and risky behavior
AI algorithms can then identify deviations from these baseline profiles, flagging anomalous and potentially risky activities. Examples of activities include unusual login attempts, data exfiltration attempts or privilege escalation. - Enable rapid investigation and response
UEBA solutions provide security teams with contextual information and risk scores for each identified anomaly. This helps enable them to quickly investigate and respond to potential insider threats or compromised accounts.
Examples of AI-powered UEBA solutions include the following:
- Gurucul Unified Security and Risk Analytics
- Exabeam Advanced Analytics
- Varonis DatAlert
AI-assisted threat hunting and vulnerability management
AI-powered tools can also assist security teams in proactively hunting for threats. The tools also help them manage vulnerabilities across their IT environment. Machine learning and natural language processing help automate and streamline time-consuming tasks. As a result, security professionals can focus on higher-value activities.
AI-assisted threat-hunting tools
These tools can transform how organizations detect and respond to sophisticated cyber threats. They leverage advanced machine learning and analytics capabilities.
- Identify hidden threats and attack patterns
AI algorithms can uncover hidden threats, suspicious activity and attack patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. Analyzing vast amounts of security data and threat intelligence makes this possible. - Provide guided investigation and remediation
AI-powered threat-hunting tools can guide security analysts through the investigation process. The tools offer contextual information, recommended actions and automated playbooks to streamline threat containment and remediation.
Examples of AI-assisted threat-hunting solutions include the following:
- Cisco Cognitive Threat Analytics
- Symantec Managed Adversary and Threat Intelligence
- Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR
AI-assisted vulnerability management tools
These tools can significantly enhance an organization’s ability to identify, assess and mitigate security risks with greater efficiency and accuracy.
- Continuously scan and prioritize vulnerabilities
AI-powered tools can automate vulnerability scanning and assessment processes. The tools provide organizations with a real-time view of their risk posture. This allows them to prioritize vulnerabilities based on their potential impact and likelihood of exploitation. - Recommend remediation actions
AI algorithms can analyze the context and dependencies of each vulnerability. It enables them to provide tailored remediation recommendations and automate patch deployment or configuration changes where possible.
Examples of AI-assisted vulnerability management solutions include the following:
- Tenable.io
- Rapid7 InsightVM
- Qualys VMDR
4 Considerations for implementing AI-powered cybersecurity tools
While AI-powered cybersecurity tools can offer significant benefits for large and mid-sized organizations, it’s important to approach their implementation strategically. The approach should recognize potential challenges and limitations. The following outlines key considerations for integrating AI into cybersecurity frameworks:
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Integration with existing security infrastructure
Organizations should verify that AI-powered tools can seamlessly integrate with their existing security technologies, processes and workflows. This helps to avoid silos and maximize their effectiveness.
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Skilled personnel and training
Implementing and managing AI-powered cybersecurity tools requires specialized skills and knowledge. Organizations should invest in training and hiring personnel with expertise in both cybersecurity and AI. This will help promote the successful adoption and ongoing operation of these solutions.
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Data quality and governance
The effectiveness of AI-powered tools depends heavily on the quality and relevance of data they train on. Organizations should ensure that they have robust data governance practices in place. The practices help maintain the accuracy, completeness and security of the data used to train and operate AI models.
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Continuous monitoring and refinement
AI-powered cybersecurity tools are not “set it and forget it” solutions. They require ongoing monitoring, tuning and refinement. Continuous monitoring and refinement help ensure that they remain effective. This is especially important in the face of evolving threats and changing IT environments.
Partnering with BPM for AI-powered cybersecurity success
Implementing AI-powered cybersecurity tools can be complex, requiring significant expertise and resources. BPM’s team of experienced cybersecurity professionals and AI specialists can help your organization confidently navigate this process.
Our AI-driven Cybersecurity Services include:
- Assessing your organization’s AI readiness
We’ll evaluate your current security infrastructure, processes and data assets. Our team of specialists will help determine your readiness for implementing AI-powered cybersecurity tools. We will also recommend a tailored adoption roadmap. - Selecting and implementing the right tools
Our specialists will help guide you in choosing the AI-powered cybersecurity solutions that best fit your organization’s unique needs. They will support you in seamlessly integrating and optimizing performance. - Providing ongoing support and knowledge
We’ll be your partner in the ongoing management, monitoring and refinement of your AI-powered cybersecurity tools. Our cybersecurity professionals offer the knowledge, experience and support to help you maintain a strong and adaptable security posture.
Take advantage of the transformative potential of AI-powered cybersecurity tools. Strengthen your cybersecurity defenses and streamline your security operations with BPM as your trusted partner.
We will help protect your critical assets by harnessing the power of AI. Learn how our cybersecurity solutions can support your large or mid-sized organization in staying one step ahead. Contact BPM today.
