NIST’s Cybersecurity Framework: Why Enterprises Must Embrace AI and Cybersecurity Synergy
We’ve seen industries turned upside down with the emergence of Generative AI (GenAI), and the mad dash companies have taken to leverage its powers continues over a year after ChatGPT’s debut to the public. Furthermore, since the advent of publicly available GenAI tools like ChatGPT, security professionals have become well aware of the risks associated with this technology.
While the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has provided its initial frameworks for AI in the past, the “Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework (AI RMF 1.0),” emphasizing the crucial intersection of AI and cybersecurity, enterprises are currently fighting to achieve a workable synergy between the two concepts. The White House’s Executive Order around artificial intelligence (AI) in late 2023 raised more questions on how these enterprises can safely deploy and utilize AI.
Still, there are avenues for business leaders today to achieve this synergy, formulate comprehensive defensive strategies, and acquire business growth.
The Cybersecurity Playbook’s New Chapter
As of April 29 this year (2024), the NIST has released a draft publication based on its AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF) to help manage the risks of GenAI, such as the resiliency and security of AI models, privacy concerns and bias management.
The framework was developed from feedback collected from public comments, workshops and other opportunities where experts provided their thoughts after the White House Executive Order on sections such as:
- EO Section 4.1 focused on “Developing Guidelines, Standards, and Best Practices for Safety and Security.”
- EO Section 4.5 on “Reducing the Risk of Synthetic Content.”
- And EO Section 11 on “Advanc[ing] responsible global technical standards for AI development.”
However, what does this mean in practice for organizations looking to create that synergy between the use of GenAI for productivity benefits and for boosting cybersecurity?
Protecting Against AI-Driven Cyberattacks: The Role of GenAI
In 2023, we witnessed a surge in conversations surrounding AI and its potential to revolutionize businesses. While many leaders recognized the opportunities for increased productivity, efficiency, and content generation, they also remained cautious about the inherent cybersecurity risks.
A promising approach lies in leveraging GenAI to bolster existing cyber defenses. By augmenting security strategies with AI, organizations can:
- Stay ahead of evolving threats: GenAI can help identify and respond to new AI-driven cyberattacks.
- Automate routine tasks: Free up security professionals to focus on more strategic initiatives.
- Enhance threat detection: Utilize machine learning algorithms to analyze data patterns and identify anomalies.
- Proactively address vulnerabilities: Identify potential weaknesses in security systems and take preventive measures.
There’s no doubt that by embracing GenAI as a strategic tool, organizations can strengthen their cybersecurity posture and mitigate the risks associated with AI-driven attacks. However, we need to acknowledge that such capabilities come with their own set of risks that need to be managed.
AI-Driven Attacks: Building A Comprehensive Defense
Teams that lag on AI adoption and integration may also be at an increased risk of data breaches. IBM’s 2024 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index indicates that GenAI is already utilized among threat actors. According to the IBM report, AI and GPT mentions have been observed in over 800,000 dark web and illicit market online areas.
Cyberattack efforts such as ransomware and phishing campaigns have also seen a dangerous boost in credibility with AI’s help. One major AI-driven deep fake phishing scam already saw success earlier in 2024 as a finance employee at a multinational firm fell victim to threat actors deploying the technology, resulting in a 25 million dollar payout to the fraudsters.
Threat actors actively seek ways to abuse AI and overcome the current defenses, making it crucial that the foundations for a comprehensive defense with strong guardrails are set now.
Making The Case For Enterprises To Implement a Trustworthy AI TRiSM Platform
As both organizations and malicious actors race to implement GenAI into their workflows, it’s undeniable that enterprises must begin embracing the natural synergy between AI and cybersecurity. Augmenting security processes boosts security layers by streamlining arduous tasks and automating risk management, making AI the inevitable next chapter in any cybersecurity playbook. However, these same enterprises must lay the correct groundwork for GenAI to utilize this synergy appropriately, which will mean the difference between a strong defense and an easily penetrated network.
The cornerstones of the relationship between AI and cybersecurity must be built on core capabilities like forensics, Gen AI governance, and GenAI employee training. Organizations can lay this groundwork to improve internal AI monitoring, track and retain historical AI use for reporting purposes, and ensure employees have the tools and education to support responsible AI use.
Furthermore, the learned GenAI insights from this level of visibility will ultimately cultivate roles such as the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO). As organizations and their leaders move toward leveraging GenAI for their purposes, the CAIO will ensure the synergy flows appropriately and can be harnessed for innovation.
Beyond Cybersecurity: The Broader Challenges of GenAI Adoption
While the potential benefits of GenAI and its cybersecurity synergy are undeniable, enterprises must also address the significant challenges associated with its adoption. In addition to cybersecurity risks, organizations are facing the following hurdles:
- Lack of Visibility: Limited understanding of how employees are using GenAI and for what purposes.
- Evolving Business Landscape: GenAI is rapidly changing the way businesses operate, requiring adaptation and adjustment.
- Transparency Issues: The lack of transparency in GenAI usage creates challenges for governance and control.
- Untrained Workforce: Many employees are adopting GenAI without proper training or guidance.
- Increased Exposure: The widespread use of GenAI exposes organizations to heightened risks related to intellectual property, compliance, security, and data privacy.
- Inadequate Security Teams: Security teams often lack the tools and expertise to effectively monitor, investigate, and manage GenAI-related risks.
These challenges underscore the importance of a comprehensive GenAI risk management strategy and solution that addresses not only cybersecurity but also the broader implications of this transformative technology.
Portal26: Your Solution for GenAI Risk Management
Portal26’s AI Trust, Risk & Security Management Solution allows enterprises to manage GenAI Risks by gaining visibility into GenAI Usage, implementing security and privacy guardrails, enforcing GenAI policy, and enabling GenAI related monitoring and investigations.
The full stack solution provides organizations with the means to:
- Eliminate Shadow AI
- Observe, audit, and investigate
- Visualize/analyze usage, prompts, and productivity
- Create, educate, trigger, and enforce policy
- Measure and mitigate GenAI risk
- Deliver security, privacy, and compliance
- Understand GenAI impact on business and enable responsible adoption.
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