Artificial intelligence (AI) supported tactics have created a new form of cyber attack, from malware cloaking to deep fakes to sophisticated spear phishing — making detection even more challenging. Countering these emerging threats involves evolving how we approach Managed Detection and Response (MDR), making it more adaptive and agile.
Navigating AI-Driven Security Challenges
Unfortunately, AI is a double-edged sword — great for automation and data analysis but unrestricted to malicious use cases. Cybercriminals have fully embraced the new age of AI. What used to be manually developing malware scripts and phishing emails has evolved into the most unpredictable of threats:
- Voice phishing (vishing): Uses AI to generate deep fake impersonations of real people (typically executives)
- Malware cloaking: AI manipulates malware code to appear harmless and undetectable to antivirus or other security tools
- Advanced phishing: AI does reconnaissance to find ideal targets and craft sophisticated phishing emails that appear legitimate
The playing field has changed — traditional security methods no longer suffice. Signature-based detection is useless if AI cloaks malware from your monitoring systems. Detection tools can’t rely on static rules for nuanced threat patterns. While it may seem hopeless, there is good news: Modern MDR solutions were built for this.
Combining expert personnel and security tools in one package, MDR provides 24×7 network monitoring, threat detection, and incident response. In the face of AI-driven cyber attacks, there’s no better service equipped to protect your business. In addition to running your security operations center (SOC), MDR works proactively to counter unforeseen threats targeting your business.
Redefining MDR for the AI Age
To combat the AI cyber threats of tomorrow, we must maximize our defensive capabilities. Here’s where a redefined MDR can provide an edge in the age of AI:
Advanced Threat Hunting
Traditional detection services can only match basic threat patterns. They use network and user traffic data to find behaviors that indicate something abnormal. Advanced threat hunting in MDR is far more proactive. It uses AI-powered analytics to actively search for signs of malicious activity and investigate it further. Anything deviating from “normal,” such as unauthorized logins or sudden spikes in network traffic, will quickly be remediated.
Automated Response and Remediation
Manual network monitoring can overwhelm your security teams — flooding them with false incident alerts. MDR uses AI to analyze large data sets, so you don’t have to select which events to investigate further by hand. Machine learning (ML) auto-prioritizes incident response based on threat severity and potential impact on critical systems. It triggers incident response procedures to contain threats, minimizing attack damage quickly.
Continuous Threat Modeling
The better you understand your cyber threats, the better you can adapt defenses and detection strategies. Analyzing data from threat intelligence feeds and adversary simulation tools with AI, MDR always keeps you one step ahead. With real-time threat and risk analysis, you can tackle any security challenge an AI-powered attack throws your way.
Human Expertise in the Loop
Human judgment is still vital in remediating an attack, no matter where you are in the cyber kill chain. AI can only take you so far for threat detection and incident response activity. Partner with MDR providers like CyberMaxx, with years of experience analyzing and interpreting AI security insights. The result — more effective guided responses and improved security programs that match today’s threats.
Critical Industries in the Crosshairs
Rigorous compliance demands loom over industries that handle personally identifiable information (PII), like healthcare and finance. And rightfully so:
- Hacking attacks targeting healthcare have bumped by 239% in the last four years
- The number of people affected by healthcare breaches rose 60% in 2023
- 74% of attacks on finance services have compromised client PII data
These industries are prime targets, particularly in the age of AI. Our most critical industries are vulnerable to various AI-enhanced attacks, from manipulating digital content and impersonating trusted individuals to deploying other sophisticated threats. Now, more than ever, these vulnerabilities are undeniable. Only MDR can combat the security challenges of tomorrow.
Not all MDR services will do the trick, however. It takes tailored solutions powered by industry-specific expertise that understand healthcare and its complexities surrounding HIPAA, mobile device usage, and other unique challenges. And leverage unmatched threat intelligence through an “Offense Fuels Defense” security approach. This level of MDR will play a pivotal role in finding and stopping AI threats before they impact your business.
Advance Your MDR Strategy or Risk Falling Behind
While MDR remains a critical solution for detecting and responding to cyber threats, traditional services no longer suffice against modern AI-powered attacks. You must adapt through automation, non-stop threat intelligence, and human-centered expertise to stay protected in the new age of AI.
