For tech professionals, keeping their organizations’ most important and sensitive data safe from hackers can feel like playing Whack-A-Mole. No sooner is one threat put down than two or three more pop out to rear their ugly heads. Firewalls and other security measures offer a modicum of protection, but these are only as strong as their weakest spots, and they only protect against certain types of threats.
Other vulnerabilities don’t even exist in your code — they take the form of carelessness or ignorance from your network’s human users. One click on an innocent-looking attachment can be the single spark that starts a raging inferno that can burn down your entire system.
In the face of these many-headed menaces, you need help from a partner that doesn’t need to take vacations or even clock out at all. Artificial intelligence can be the help you’ve been looking for, filling in the gaps in your cybersecurity strategies with advanced capabilities that are always on the lookout for any signs of suspicious behavior and the skills needed to stop a threat in its tracks.
Your 24/7 Security Guard
Security systems armed with AI run all day and all night, responding to threats as soon as they emerge. For example, they can watch your firewalls for any signs of unauthorized access attempts. If any are detected, the system can automatically restrict the user from getting any further until it can be determined whether or not the attempt is legitimate. These solutions also can maintain encryption on data while it’s being analyzed, so there’s a lower risk of anyone sneaking in and swiping it.
These programs also help protect employees from making unfortunate mistakes and allowing hackers to take advantage of their trusting natures. Phishing emails depend on people not looking closely enough and believing that what they’re seeing is legit. But with AI-enabled security measures, these emails can be intercepted before they even arrive in the recipient’s inbox. They can be quarantined and eventually eliminated altogether before they come into contact with a human user who might misinterpret them as official.
One Pillar of a Strong Security System
Having artificial intelligence working for you behind the scenes can be extremely helpful for knocking down cybersecurity threats before they have an opportunity to cause problems. However, it remains just one element of a comprehensive strategy for protecting your company’s financial data.
Even with advanced security software on your side, it’s still imperative that you encourage your employees to use good protocols when they access your network. These include using a VPN when connecting remotely, as well as keeping antivirus software up-to-date. Using strong passwords and changing them on a regular basis remains one of the most important steps users can take to prevent data breaches.
Keeping your financial information secure can seem like a never-ending struggle — because it is. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it entirely on your own. For more details about how artificial intelligence can bolster your organization’s cybersecurity efforts, take a look at the accompanying resource.
Infographic created by DFIN
