Page 60 - Cyber Defense eMagazine June 2024

AI as the Ultimate Defense to Outmaneuver Adversaries

In the ongoing cyber arms race, AI is beginning to emerge as a defense tool to help combat adversaries.
By analyzing vast data sets and identifying patterns indicative of potential threats in real-time, AI
empowers agencies to proactively detect and neutralize cyber threats before they can inflict harm.

For instance, as a new application comes online, AI can help recognize and auto-label the application.
AI might identify it as a customer service application, an internal tool, or a third-party service, depending
on the characteristics. Auto-labeling can help write basic rules that would typically require manual
intervention to classify the application, segment it within the network, and establish appropriate security
rules.

AI's ability to analyze and process information at scale gives defenders a strategic edge, enabling them
to anticipate and mitigate emerging threats more effectively than reactive security measures alone.
Leveraging predictive analytics and behavioral modeling, agencies can discern subtle indicators of
malicious activity and preemptively intervene to thwart attacks before they escalate.

Furthermore, AI-driven threat intelligence platforms empower agencies to aggregate and analyze data
from diverse sources, yielding valuable insights into emerging cyber threats and adversary tactics. This
comprehensive understanding of the threat landscape enables defenders to adapt their security
strategies proactively, closing gaps and fortifying defenses against evolving threats.

The Power of AI and ZTS Working in Tandem

Through rule writing, auto-labeling, and other functions, AI/ML – paired with Zero Trust Segmentation
(ZTS), also known as microsegmentation – can quickly and accurately create barriers and
compartmentalize networks governed by rigorous authentication protocols. The integration of AL/ML
plays a crucial role in Zero Trust frameworks, as these technologies enable continuous monitoring,
anomaly detection, and adaptive access controls. Together, they enhance the effectiveness of the Zero
Trust model in identifying and mitigating potential security threats in real-time.
ZTS is a foundational capability of Zero Trust that constantly verifies users through the visualization of all
communication patterns and traffic between workflows, devices, and internet – allowing agencies to
easily see and contain threats in the cloud, data center, network, and endpoints. ZTS protects against
any potential threats, unknown actors, or unusual behaviors, so if an attack does occur, the actor cannot
easily move throughout the environment and will be prevented from doing further damage.

Today, the convergence of AI and ZTS marks a critical juncture in defense strategies. AI augments ZTS
by supporting real-time threat detection capabilities, automating policy enforcement, and enabling
adaptive access controls. This symbiotic relationship empowers agencies to confront and neutralize
evolving cyber threats, safeguarding critical assets with unprecedented agility and efficacy.

In the increasingly complex landscape of cyber threats, the integration of AI with ZTS also offers a
formidable defense strategy. AI can continuously monitor network activities, user behaviors, and system
configurations to detect anomalies or suspicious activities in real-time. Meanwhile, ZTS ensures that even

Cyber Defense eMagazine – June 2024 Edition 60
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