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Prioritizing Cybersecurity for the Future of Artificial Intelligence

As artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionizes various industries, prioritizing the security and integrity of AI systems becomes an increasingly vital concern. The average breach costs a company $9.4 million in the U.S. according to Gartner, but a company that invests in AI security reduces that number to $1.76 million or less in damages. In a recent Telarus High Intensity Technology Training (HITT) call, we discussed securing AI, and experts shed light on the best practices and approaches to safeguarding these transformative technologies. Let’s explore these to better understand how we can secure AI effectively.  

Securing AI requires a multi-layered approach that addresses data protection, user integrity, and infrastructure resilience

To effectively secure AI systems, businesses must go beyond traditional cybersecurity measures. The protection of AI requires a multi-layered approach that encompasses data protection, user integrity, and infrastructure resilience. Data protection is critical, whether it’s company data, employee data, or client data.  Second, user Integrity is essential to ensure the right person has access to the correct applications and each user is authenticated using multi-factor authentication (MFA) or identity and identity access management (IAM) measures to validate each login attempt.  Third, protecting the crown jewels for an organization, intellectual property, is extremely important to ensure sensitive corporate data does not get in the hands of the wrong person. Each layer has a unique responsibility in safeguarding AI from potential threats, creating a comprehensive and holistic security system while protecting users both internally and externally.  

Securing AI requires a multi-layered approach that addresses data protection, user integrity, and infrastructure resilience

To effectively secure AI systems, businesses must go beyond traditional cybersecurity measures. The protection of AI requires a multi-layered approach that encompasses data protection, user integrity, and infrastructure resilience. Data protection is critical, whether it’s company data, employee data, or client data.  Second, user Integrity is essential to ensure the right person has access to the correct applications and each user is authenticated using multi-factor authentication (MFA) or identity and identity access management (IAM) measures to validate each login attempt.  Third, protecting the crown jewels for an organization, intellectual property, is extremely important to ensure sensitive corporate data does not get in the hands of the wrong person. Each layer has a unique responsibility in safeguarding AI from potential threats, creating a comprehensive and holistic security system while protecting users both internally and externally.  

AI models must be regularly tested and optimized for vulnerabilities 

AI models, just like any other software or system, are susceptible to attacks especially when it looks for vulnerabilities that are technology-driven or created. That’s why it is crucial to conduct regular tests to identify and address risks and vulnerabilities. By continuously assessing and optimizing AI models for weaknesses and exploitations, businesses can effectively stop potential threats and prevent malicious actors from exploiting vulnerabilities to their advantage.  

Establishing robust authentication and access control mechanisms is vital for AI systems. Organizations need solid protection in place against any unauthorized access to these systems. By implementing strong authentication practices, like multifactor authentication, and combining them with effective identity and access control protocols, IT teams can ensure that only authorized individuals can interact with their organization’s AI models and data. This mitigates the risk of any unauthorized alterations or malicious intent.   

AI systems require the ability to detect and respond to adversarial attacks  

Adversarial attacks can wreak havoc on AI systems. These malicious attacks manipulate the input data to deceive or misdirect a company’s trusty AI algorithms. It’s no easy task, but organizations must equip their systems with cutting-edge anomaly detection techniques and real-time monitoring to quickly identify and respond to any suspicious behavior or anomalies that arise.   

Privacy-preserving AI techniques, such as federated learning, can help ensure data privacy during model training  

Ensuring data privacy in AI security is of utmost importance. It is essential to take proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with data sharing and cross-organizational collaborations. One effective technique to achieve this is through privacy-preserving AI methods. Federated learning, for instance, offers a solution where model training can be done on decentralized data sources without the need to transfer sensitive information. This approach enhances data privacy and security, providing organizations with a reliable means to protect their valuable data.  

Developing AI-specific threat intelligence is crucial for staying ahead of evolving threats  

The dynamic nature of AI security threats necessitates the development of AI-specific threat intelligence. Machine learning-based anomaly detection and threat intelligence frameworks can enable organizations to proactively identify emerging risks and formulate effective countermeasures, reinforcing the overall security of AI systems.  

Final thoughts: The technology advisor’s opportunity to guide smarter security strategies

As a technology advisor, you have an incredible opportunity to help your clients stay vigilant while keeping their AI systems safe and secure. But you don’t have to do it alone. Securing AI systems is a complex task that demands a multi-layered approach and a deep understanding of AI-specific vulnerabilities. Lean on Telarus’ expert cybersecurity team and robust supplier portfolio to help ensure your customers are adopting the best practices highlighted above, including rigorous testing, robust authentication, identity and access control, and privacy-preserving techniques. We can help you build a comprehensive security strategy for your customers to unlock the full potential of AI while mitigating the associated risks effectively.   

 About Telarus 

Telarus, a premier global technology services distributor, has devoted more than two decades to driving technology advisor impact and growth through deep market insights and experience, a partnership-first approach, and a comprehensive set of services, solutions, and tools. With a focus on collaboration with advisors and suppliers, Telarus enables technology advisors to source, purchase, and implement the right technology for the greatest impact. To learn more, visit www.telarus.com. 

Jason Stein is VP of Advanced Solutions – Cybersecurity, Telarus  

 

 

Jason Stein