Survey: 80% of people believe AI and machine learning will help fight computing threats

Researchers from security company ESET have spent the last few months thoroughly analyzing artificial intelligence (Machine Learning - ML) and the role it actually plays in the fight against cyber threats. After the research, the company announces the publication of a report titled "The era of machine learning in cybersecurity: a step towards a safer world or on the brink of chaos?" Last year, the same company conducted a survey in which 82% of respondents believed their companies had already implemented a cybersecurity product using Machine Learning (ML), and only 23% of them said they do not plan to implement an ML-based cybersecurity solution in the future. And a more important piece of data: 80% of respondents also believe that ML already helps or will help their organization detect and respond to threats more quickly, and 76% of respondents agree that these technologies will help solve the cybersecurity skills shortage problem in their workplace. ESET researcher Juraj Jánošík, an artificial intelligence expert, says that although machine learning has transformed various fields of human activity for some time, its potential for total transformation still needs improvement. ML-based technologies will increasingly help fight fraud, evaluate and optimize business processes, improve testing procedures, and develop new solutions for existing problems. However, like most innovations, even Machine Learning has its downsides. "Both business and our personal lives are increasingly involved in the digital world – with that, new risks emerge. Cybercriminals can use ML in various ways: to improve their malware, target specific victims and extract important data, search for day-to-day vulnerabilities, or protect hijacked infrastructures like botnets," says Jánošík. Source: Security Report  

Frequently asked questions

What does the ESET survey reveal about artificial intelligence and cybersecurity?

The ESET survey shows that most companies already use or plan to use Machine Learning (ML) based security solutions. According to the study, 82% of respondents believed their companies had already implemented a cybersecurity product using ML, and only 23% said they had no plans to adopt this technology in the future. The research led to the report "The era of machine learning in cybersecurity: a step towards a safer world or on the brink of chaos?".

How does machine learning help companies detect and respond to cyber threats?

According to the ESET survey, 80% of respondents believe ML already helps or will help their organizations detect and respond to threats more quickly. In addition, 76% agree these technologies help address the cybersecurity skills shortage. Researcher Juraj Jánošík notes that ML is also used to fight fraud, optimize business processes, and improve testing procedures.

Can cybercriminals also use artificial intelligence against companies?

Yes. According to ESET researcher Juraj Jánošík, cybercriminals can use Machine Learning to improve their malware, target specific victims, extract important data, search for day-to-day vulnerabilities, or protect hijacked infrastructures such as botnets. In other words, the same technology that strengthens defense can also be exploited as an offensive weapon.