Impact of Machine Learning on Cybersecurity

By CIOReview | Thursday, May 10, 2018

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In this age of technology, computers are capable of performing tasks that only humans have been able to do. Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is the new age software technology that imitates human intelligence, and machine learning is one of its most appraised developments.

Machine learning enables computer programs to make self-improvements by learning through experience that results in one-of-a-kind technological advancements such as self-driving cars and voice-powered virtual personal assistants Siri and Alexa as examples.

Machine learning, or ML, is capable of performing tasks that pertain to large amounts of data because it can mirror natural intelligence. ML algorithms can apply complex mathematical formulas to large data sets repeatedly, and as the software learns and adapts to new data, the process becomes faster and produces better solutions. These abilities are very advantageous in the field of cybersecurity, which utilizes large data sets and behavior pattern analysis. Hence, it is presently having a significant impact in the cybersecurity industry.

Enterprises face threats related to security breaches that require costly solutions and people with the skill sets to deal with these rising threats. The advancements in security software with machine learning have helped fill these gaps. ML uses advanced algorithms to learn from previous incidents, which makes it more capable the next time threats arise. ML also identifies patterns of malicious activity and analyzes large sets of data to determine new imminent threats.

Machine Learning and AI enhance the capabilities of cybersecurity, and although cybercrime will not go away, machine learning is providing much more powerful solutions to help organizations fend off criminal threats.