In today’s fast-paced digital world, cybersecurity is evolving just as rapidly as the threats targeting it. Amid this constant change, generative AI has emerged as a powerful tool with both promising opportunities and significant risks. We had the pleasure of interviewing with Ali Haider, a Senior Cybersecurity Consultant at Secureworks, to explore how this groundbreaking technology is transforming the cybersecurity landscape, and why we need to be cautious as we embrace it.
Ali Haider’s career in cybersecurity spans over 14 years across international markets. He began his career at Corvit Networks in Pakistan, eventually rising to Senior Executive Engineer. His expertise was recognized in projects for prominent clients, such as Coca Cola International and major banks in Pakistan. Later, he worked on national-level projects in Saudi Arabia, securing major smart city developments like King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh.
Currently, as a Senior Cybersecurity Consultant at Dell Secureworks, Ali has been pivotal in delivering managed security solutions across EMEA, APAC, and the USA. His work focuses on the design and deployment of extended detection and response (XDR) systems, ensuring enterprises stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. Ali’s insights and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the future of cybersecurity, particularly in integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI.
Generative AI is all over the news lately. How do you see it shaping the future of cybersecurity?
Ali Haider: It’s a game-changer. Generative AI is revolutionizing how we approach threat detection and response. Traditional cybersecurity methods rely heavily on static signatures and predefined rules, which makes it difficult to keep up with the pace of emerging threats. But AI is different, it continuously learns from massive datasets, allowing us to spot anomalies and patterns in real-time. This ability to evolve with the threat landscape is something we’ve never seen before.
Can you explain how AI, particularly generative AI, is improving threat detection and automated response in cybersecurity, especially in situations like ransomware attacks?
Ali Haider: Yes, in many ways. For instance, AI is helping us identify threats faster and more accurately. It automates responses to incidents, which is crucial when time is of the essence. Take a ransomware attack: generative AI can detect the attack in its early stages, isolate the affected system, and deploy patches or backups, all without human intervention. That speed can mean the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic breach.
That sounds like a cybersecurity dream. But surely there’s a downside?
Ali Haider: Absolutely. The very strengths of AI, its ability to automate and evolve can also be exploited by cybercriminals. Malicious actors are using AI to create highly sophisticated phishing attacks. They’re crafting emails or messages that mimic legitimate communications almost perfectly. And it doesn’t stop there; deepfake technology, powered by generative AI, is allowing attackers to impersonate trusted individuals through convincing video or audio clips. These AI-driven attacks are much harder to spot and can cause significant damage.
What about malware? Are cybercriminals using AI in that space too?
Ali Haider: Yes, and it’s a major concern. Cybercriminals are leveraging AI to develop malware that can constantly evolve, changing its code to avoid detection. This makes traditional antivirus solutions ineffective because they rely on known malware signatures. We’re now dealing with threats that mutate, meaning they can bypass even the most sophisticated security systems. AI can also be used to obfuscate malicious code, giving attackers more time to operate undetected.
How can organizations balance the benefits of generative AI in strengthening cybersecurity while ensuring that AI systems themselves remain secure from potential threats?
Ali Haider: It’s all about balance. The key is to harness the power of generative AI while also safeguarding against its misuse. For example, AI is excellent at simulating potential attacks and identifying vulnerabilities in a system before they can be exploited. This allows organizations to proactively patch their systems and strengthen their defenses. But at the same time, we must ensure that AI systems themselves are secure. We can’t afford to have our defense mechanisms become targets.
How do we protect AI systems from being compromised?
Ali Haider: Securing AI models is crucial. Attackers can try to corrupt AI systems by feeding them manipulated data, what we call “data poisoning.” This could trick the AI into missing threats or incorrectly classifying malicious activity. To combat this, we need to safeguard the data pipelines feeding into AI systems and continuously monitor and audit AI models to ensure their integrity. Ethical guidelines are also essential, ensuring AI is developed and used responsibly.
You’ve talked about automation a lot. How much of cybersecurity can we realistically automate with AI?
Ali Haider: AI can take over a lot of high-volume, repetitive tasks, like analyzing large datasets for anomalies or automating responses to basic cyber incidents. But humans are still crucial for making strategic decisions. A hybrid approach works best, let AI handle the routine work, while human experts focus on more complex issues that require a nuanced understanding. Combining human expertise with AI’s speed and accuracy will give us the best of both worlds.
What does the future of cybersecurity look like with generative AI at the helm?
Ali Haider: I see a future where AI and humans work hand in hand to create a more secure digital world. AI will continue to enhance our defenses, allowing us to predict and prevent threats before they cause damage. But we must remain vigilant, cybercriminals will keep finding ways to exploit AI, so we need to be one step ahead. With the right strategies, generative AI can be a powerful ally in the fight against cybercrime. However, it’s essential that we manage its risks carefully to prevent it from becoming a tool for those with malicious intent.
