How AI is Helping Us Make Network Security even Better

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic right now, and with good reason—it’s a technology that could transform our lives for the better. According to a recent IT Risk and Compliance Benchmark report, around 80% of respondents consider AI integral to their operational strategies. However, AI also brings certain risks, such as the potential for cybercriminals to exploit it to bypass network security systems and commit identity theft.

Should you be concerned? Yes, in that AI will likely speed up the capabilities of threat actors. But also no, because, as long as best practices are followed, the industry remains capable of managing the risks of network breaches or malware attacks.

While criminals might abuse AI to escalate threats, the industry is also using it to enhance protection and make security solutions more responsive and intuitive.

Enterprise-Level Protection at SMB Costs

Zyxel Networks has been integrating AI and machine learning (ML) into their offerings, including the Nebula cloud platform and global threat prevention network, for quite some time. For instance, AI is embedded into the new Zyxel USG FLEX H firewall appliances, delivering high-quality security at small to medium-sized business (SMB) pricing.

All USG products benefit from continuous updates via the security cloud, which collects and processes data from connected devices globally, ensuring that networks are safeguarded against evolving threats. This results in ongoing improvements in Zyxel’s device security and the protection of the networks they serve.

Protection is also built into WiFi access points and switches, enabling data sharing between Nebula-connected devices. AI and ML technologies analyse this data, identifying frequent threats and applying specific security profiles to ensure better protection.

Collaborative Detection and Response

Nebula’s collaborative detection and response (CDR) system continuously monitors for potentially unsafe devices and isolates them as needed, according to conditions set by network administrators or Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Additionally, sandboxing functionality allows suspicious files or network traffic to be contained until thoroughly examined.

AI and ML have also enhanced WiFi user experience, simplifying tasks for MSPs and network administrators. Features such as WiFi Health monitor connections for interference, while WiFi Aid investigates the wider network if users encounter slow speeds, providing greater insight into network health and performance issues.

AI Driving Positive Change

All this has been made possible by advances in AI and ML, and despite the potential challenges and threats, we believe that AI presents an opportunity—to get results faster, more efficiently and more accurately, to accelerate research and development, and address challenges in ways not previously imagined.

As AI continues to develop and improve, there will be even more potential to harness it as a positive force. AI can be used to make network defenses smarter and better equipped to recognise and repel more sophisticated efforts to infiltrate or corrupt systems. AI can also make networks faster and more reliable than ever and monitor the health of networks to prevent potential problems from becoming real issues.

Credits to Mr. Gary Chen, SEA regional head at Zyxel Networks.