When you’re considering the scope of artificial intelligence security tools, it’s safe to say that’s a loaded topic. Over the last few years, the world has seen overwhelming advancements in AI and ML technology. This considers a vast range of applications, many of which should be eye-openers and a better way to protect yourself.
The same goes for the business you run, as network security is an ever-changing landscape. A harsh reality is that modern cyber threats need more modern solutions. While traditional firewall tech is still highly relevant, AI and ML features are becoming more common with newer generations. From AI to its many related security tools, this article focuses on automation for the sake of your network security.
AI’s Role in Business Network Security
Even if you’re familiar with the tech, most people aren’t fully aware of the benefits of AI in cyber security. In the scope of your company’s needs, the role of AI and machine learning in cyber security is heavily supported by evolving firewall solutions.
Here are a few key points that make AI and ML tech so helpful in the context of your internal network:
- Adaptive threat detection
- Automated security, such as real-time threat mitigation
- Better continuity for daily operations
- No delay due to a manual approach
- Less human error and better at identifying anomalies
It’s important to note that automated features do their best with human oversight. Automation isn’t meant to handle it all on its own but simply pick up the slack that humans can’t keep up with. In short, these types of features complement your current objectives while making you better prepared to adapt to the future.
AI-Driven Firewall Technology
Another term that’s commonly associated with AI tech in this space is next generation firewalls (NGFWs). Part of what makes it next generation are the many modern features found inside, with AI and ML being two leading examples.
You always want to look at the specs up close, as older firewall models won’t deliver NGFW-level features. The features of next generation firewalls can be impressive, from behavioral analysis to real-time monitoring and more.
1. Real-Time Traffic Monitoring
Offering a continuous scan of your network traffic, real-time offers just that: actionable traffic monitoring in the moment. You’ll always be able to review historical data, and AI can even assess the ongoing traffic for abnormal activity. Real-time solutions aren’t necessarily brand new to firewall tech, but coupling it with AI takes it to another level.
2. Adaptive Threat Prevention
AI, machine learning, and cyber security are a recipe for success on multiple fronts. Threat prevention is also a common part of firewall solutions, but the keyword you want to focus on here is “adaptive.”
This means businesses can rest easy knowing your security policies adjust automatically. Keep in mind this is entirely based on growing security risks while improving defensive measures. Not only is this a proactive defense against things like zero-day attacks, but it isn’t something a team of humans would be able to execute so flawlessly.
3. Improving on Signature-Based Detection
When you’re working with the best next generation firewall solutions, this means you can work with a little bit more hindsight. ML has the ability to identify potential new vulnerabilities in the network. This is without the need for any predefined signature for it to work from, hopefully catching what humans might miss on their own.
The Future of AI and ML in Network Security
As businesses grow, the IT industry and the rest of the world continue to adopt automation, but it’ll only become more prevalent in network security. It’s already becoming a sought-after integration, and leading firewall manufacturers are already on top of it.
Even though it isn’t hard to find automation in network security tools, making a choice on what’s right for your business is a whole other consideration. Find some time to reach out to us at Firewalls, and let’s talk about which NGFWs would be best for your organization.
