Exploring the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Cybersecurity and Strengthening Threat Detection and Response
Noorulain Balouch
Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation
College: The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Major: Information Technology
Faculty Research Mentor: Mira Franke
Abstract:
As cyber threats become more sophisticated, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a crucial component of modern cybersecurity systems. Traditional security measures are frequently ineffective against modern cyber attacks, making AI-driven threat identification and response critical for system resilience. With the use of machine learning and deep learning models, artificial intelligence (AI) has shown impressive performance in recognizing and preventing sophisticated threats, such as ransomware attacks, phishing schemes, and advanced persistent threats (APTs). However, integrating AI into cybersecurity presents a number of obstacles. One of the most serious concerns is the lack of transparency in AI models. Many of these systems operate as "black boxes," making it difficult for security professionals to completely comprehend how decisions are made. Additionally, AI is vulnerable to adversarial attacks as well as making it easier for cybercriminals to modify data and trick AI-driven security processes. Ethical problems are also important, especially in terms of data privacy and the possibility of biased algorithms that can have unexpected consequences. In addition, it's critical to grow the workforce since security personnel need to be able to understand data generated by AI and react appropriately. Despite these limitations, this study emphasizes the importance of incorporating AI into cybersecurity initiatives. Effective oversight guarantees that AI systems can not only detect and combat emerging threats but also adapt to new cyber risks. Businesses can enhance defensive skills and maintain a secure digital environment by combining algorithmic AI solutions with human experience. This research contributes to global AI cybersecurity insights by focusing on ongoing research efforts to construct explainable AI models, adversarial defenses, and ethical development methods.Key Terms: Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Threat Detection, Machine Learning, Adversarial Attacks, Ethical Governance.