OpenAI wowed the world six months ago when it released ChatGPT, a language processing tool driven by artificial intelligence (AI) technology. ChatGPT had one hundred million users two months later, and by April 2023, active users exceeded 173 million. “Big Tech” has since released AI search tools as alternatives to ChatGPT, including Microsoft Bing and Google Bard, among other companies jumping into the marketplace with more choices. So, whether it is a ChatGPT alternative for coders, writers, or even people with simple search engine queries, there is something for everyone.
Artificial Intelligence has become integral to our daily routines. We use AI without a second thought as we engage with:
So, what is artificial intelligence? Simply put, AI leverages computers and machines to mimic the problem-solving and decision-making capabilities of the human mind. AI is a field that combines computer science and data sets to enable problem-solving. Artificially intelligent machines can remember behavior patterns and adapt their responses to conform to those behaviors or encourage changes to them. AI complements human intelligence. Devices still need to gain the creativity, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills of humans, and with these human capacities, machines will always be unlimited. Without human intelligence, artificial intelligence would not exist.
AI involves machine learning and deep learning. These disciplines comprise AI algorithms that create expert systems to make predictions or classifications based on input data. Another AI discipline is Natural Language Processing (NLP), a linguistic tool that enables machines to read and interpret human language and to allow to translate human language into computer inputs.
AI has been an area of study for many years. The earliest substantial work in artificial intelligence occurred in the mid-20th century by the British logician and computer pioneer Alan Turing (1912-1954). Turing speculated about “thinking machines” similar to humans, and the rest, shall we say, is history. Read more about him in the 1983 biography Alan Turing: The Enigma or enjoy The Imitation Game, a 2014 film loosely based on his life.
In response to unrelenting cyberattacks, the world market for AI-driven cybersecurity products is expected to increase to 135 billion by 2030, a dramatic increase from fifteen billion in 2021. Global cyberattacks increased by 7% in Q1 2023, and while no industry is immune, small businesses, healthcare, government agencies, financial institutions, education, energy, and utility companies are most vulnerable to attack. The consequences of a successful cyberattack can be devastating, and as a result, cybersecurity has become a top priority for businesses of all sizes.
IT and security teams increasingly rely on AI with more traditional tools such as identity and access management, antivirus protection, data-loss prevention, fraud detection, and other measures. Some of the benefits of AI as a cybersecurity strategy include the following.
Artificial Intelligence is a powerful tool that helps improve your cybersecurity strategy and protect your data from cyber threats. Yes, it can provide insights to help you make better decisions, but it is not a magic bullet that can solve all your cybersecurity problems. AI can augment, not replace, human capabilities. By using AI wisely and responsibly, you can enjoy its benefits and avoid its pitfalls.
