AI is becoming BT’s most important weapon in the battle against cyber attacks. With an investment of £10.5 billion, the company aims to protect its customers from online threats and strengthen businesses’ digital infrastructure.
In a statement by the company, it was said that they will receive support from artificial intelligence to help detect and destroy threats targeting business customers.
According to The Guardian, British businesses are constantly facing hacking attempts. Well-established companies such as Capita, Royal Mail, and British Airways are among the victims.
BT is investing heavily in AI for cybersecurity
To combat this, BT is leveraging AI to detect and thwart cyberattacks. They’ve even patented technology that analyzes attack data and recommends firewall policies to better safeguard against future attacks. Launched in 2021, this system, dubbed Eagle-i, has become a critical weapon in BT’s cybersecurity arsenal.
But AI’s benefits extend beyond just preventing attacks. It can also detect and resolve network issues that have gone unnoticed for long periods, leading to faster repair times.
However, the rapid pace of technological change can be unnerving for some businesses. A study conducted by BT revealed that a staggering 86% of company executives find technology to be a source of stress when modernizing their operations. This fear primarily stems from the potential disruption new technologies pose to existing business processes.
Despite these concerns, businesses are still pouring money into new technologies to streamline operations and gain a competitive edge. According to BT’s research, 88% of businesses invested in new technologies this year, with overall tech investment experiencing a significant 31% year-on-year increase.
BT itself is ramping up its AI investments. The company plans to streamline its workforce by replacing 55,000 positions with AI-powered systems by 2030. Analysts predict BT’s annual profit, to be announced on Thursday, will hover around £8 billion.
What can AI provide in cybersecurity?
- Faster threat detection: AI can analyze vast amounts of data, pinpointing deviations from normal behavior and anomalies that might indicate a cyberattack.
- Enhanced attack prevention: AI can better protect against new threats by learning from past attacks. It can also analyze attacker tools and techniques, developing tailored solutions to counter them.
- Swifter response: AI can be programmed to react automatically to cyberattacks, allowing for immediate measures to be taken to contain the attack and minimize damage.
- Strong network security: AI monitors network traffic for suspicious activity, strengthening overall network security.
Acknowledging that AI isn’t a silver bullet in cybersecurity is important. AI systems require constant updates to stay ahead of evolving attacker techniques and tools. Otherwise, cybercriminals could potentially exploit these gaps and find ways to bypass AI defenses.
The future of cybersecurity looks increasingly intertwined with AI. The IT industry’s advancements will pave the way for a more secure digital world.
Featured image credit: Freepik
