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Abstract:
The escalating number and intricacy of cyber attacks have underscored the urgent requirement for
innovative solutions to bolster the security of digital infrastructure. Among these solutions, Artificial
Intelligence (AI) emerges as a promising technology with the potential to significantly enhance
cyber security and incident response. It has the aptitude to improve the speed and accuracy of threat
detection, response and mitigation while also reducing the workload on security professionals. This
research paper focuses on the role of AI in key areas of cyber security and incident response, specifi-
cally vulnerability assessment, intrusion detection and prevention, and digital forensics analysis. It
elucidates how AI, with its innate capabilities, can be a game-changer by empowering organizations
to detect, respond to, and mitigate threats more effectively. However, AI is not a silver bullet for
Cyber Security. Like any technology, it possesses its limitations and potential vulnerabilities. Conse-
quently, this paper also addresses the need for ongoing development in the field of AI to overcome
these limitations and challenges. By recognizing the need for continuous advancements, the research
paper emphasizes the importance of future research and development efforts to maximize the poten-
tial benefits of AI in the realm of cyber security.
Keywords: Innovative solutions, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, incident response, machine
learning, sophisticated attacks, vulnerabilities
turned into used become to manner categorized reviews, which can suggest that an incident
statistics one degree at a time and "sanitize" the took place. The aim of the formulation of the
device after the jobs from one stage have been response strategy is "thinking about the totality
run and earlier than the jobs for the subsequent of the occasions" that surround the incident.
stage were run. This approach to pc protection These occasions include the criticality of the
became referred to as durations processing affected systems or statistics, what sort of
because the jobs for every level had been all attacker is suspected, and what the overall
run over their particular length of the day. This harm would possibly amount to. A business
becomes an inefficient manner to use the enterprise's response posture, which defines its
device, and an effort changed into made to coverage concerning the response to pc protec-
locate greater green software solutions to the tion incidents, might also have a big effect on
multilevel security problem. Another approach the choice of a reaction method. During the
is including extra functions or mechanisms in a research of the incident, exceptional varieties
laptop gadget another manner of enhancing of proof relevant to the incident, e.g. Host- or
laptop security. The mechanisms offered in this network-based proof, are accumulated with the
phase are grouped into authentication mecha- purpose to reconstruct the occasions that
nisms, get admission to control and inference comprise the computer protection incident.
manipulation. The other approach to improv- This reconstruction ought to provide reasons
ing the safety of a system is to difficulty the for what came about, when, how, or why it
system to rigorous warranty strategies on the occurred, and who is accountable. To gain this,
way to increase one's self-belief that the an investigation is usually divided into two
system will perform as preferred. Among those steps: Data Collection and Data Analysis. The
strategies are penetration analysis, formal cause of the Resolution section is to take the
specification and verification, and covert right measures to contain an incident, remedy
channel evaluation. None of these techniques the underlying troubles that brought on the
assure a stable system. The best boom is one's incident, and take care that a similar incident
self-belief inside the protection of the gadget will now not occur once more. All the import-
[1]. ant steps completed must be taken and their
progress supervised to verify that they may be
During the Initial Response, the gathering of powerful. Adjustments to the affected systems
data regarding the incident that began inside must be best completed after amassing viable
the previous section maintains. The goal is to evidence, otherwise, that evidence is probably
accumulate enough data to allow the formula lost. After the resolution of the incident is
of an adequate response method in the next entire, it may be necessary to update protection
step. Typically, the data this is amassed in this rules or the IR techniques, if the reaction to the
step includes interviews of any individuals incident uncovered a weak spot in contempo-
concerned in reporting the suspected incident, rary exercise [2].
and available network surveillance logs or IDS
Artificial intelligence in cyber security is rus and antimalware solutions. Then possibly
beneficial as it improves how safety profes- they'll face your intrusion detection/intrusion
sionals examine, look at, and understand prevention answers (IDS/IPS), and many
cybercrime. It complements the cyber protec- others [3].
tion technology that businesses use to fight
cybercriminals and assist keep groups and Not a lot of scarce literary resources describing
customers secure. On the opposite hand, artifi- attempts to apply Artificial Intelligence strate-
cial intelligence can be very aid extensive. It gies in Incident Handling, however, based on
may not be sensible in all applications. More our enjoyment of the introduction of Artificial
importantly, it can also serve as a new weapon Intelligence strategies in Tactical, and particu-
inside the arsenal of cybercriminals who use larly, Operational Cyber Intelligence, we've
the generation to hone and enhance their cyber got come to the conclusion that gift the primary
attacks. Synthetic intelligence in cyber security characteristic of Artificial Intelligence in
is beneficial as it improves how safety profes- Incident Handling can be fixing a category
sionals examine, look at, and understand challenge, i.e. The unambiguous reference of
cybercrime. It complements the cyber protec- the modern-day incident to one of the elements
tion technology that businesses use to fight of the Classification Scheme, where for every
cybercriminals and assist keep groups and element applicable techniques and workflows
customers secure. On the opposite hand, artifi- have been developed [4].
cial intelligence can be very aid extensive. It
may not be sensible in all applications. More For the long term, the IR technique has been
importantly, it can also serve as a new weapon driven and completed with the aid of people.
inside the arsenal of cybercriminals who use Automation in the execution of cyber attacks
the generation to hone and enhance their cyber has significantly expanded the tempo with
attacks. Artificial intelligence is a developing which assaults are now carried out, making it
area of interest and investment in the cyber difficult for human analysts to follow. Alert
protection community. Let's hash it out. How fatigue is a commonplace problem among
artificial intelligence cyber security features safety teams that are overwhelmed with the aid
improve digital safety ideally, if you're like quantity and pace of in recent times automated
many modern-day corporations, you have cyber assaults. AI rises as a method to address
more than one tier of protection in location — this problem, being already gifted within the
perimeter, community, endpoint, software, and discipline of cyber security, both in literature
statistics security measures. For example, you and security products. AI is also used as an
could have hardware or software firewalls and offensive device for carrying out cyber
network security answers that track and deter- assaults, leading to the necessity of leveraging
mine which network connections are allowed AI for protection as a way of tackling the speed
and block others. If hackers make it past these and volume of such assaults. It is equally
defenses, then they'll be up against your antivi- important, even though, to not forget the AI it
as a goal for the cyber attack. For the long realm of cybersecurity administration. It
term, the IR technique has been driven and entails the meticulous identification of vulner-
completed with the aid of people. Automation abilities present in software and systems,
in the execution of cyber attacks has signifi- constituting a proactive process of scanning
cantly expanded the tempo with which assaults and scrutinizing potential targets and emerging
are now carried out, making it difficult for threats with the aim of averting malicious
human analysts to follow. Alert fatigue is a attacks [6]. The domain of Vulnerability
commonplace problem among safety teams Assessment has reached a considerable level of
that are overwhelmed with the aid quantity and maturity; however, keeping up with the wide
pace of in recent times automated cyber range of computing and digital devices requir-
assaults. AI rises as a method to address this ing scrutiny poses a significant challenge [7].
problem, being already gifted within the This practice revolves around a methodical
discipline of cyber security, both in literature approach to pinpointing and assessing vulnera-
and security products. AI is also used as an bilities existing within an organization's IT
offensive device for carrying out cyber infrastructure, applications, and systems. It
assaults, leading to the necessity of leveraging encompasses proactive scanning, testing, and
AI for protection as a way of tackling the speed analysis of potential weaknesses that may be
and volume of such assaults. It is equally exploited by malicious individuals. Conven-
important, even though, to not forget the AI as tional approaches to vulnerability assessment
a goal for cyber attack [5]. have predominantly relied on manual
techniques and static rule-based systems,
2. Vulnerability Assessment which frequently struggle to match the pace of
the evolving threat landscape and the relentless
In the contemporary interconnected and growth in both the volume and intricacy of
digitized world, the cybersecurity landscape vulnerabilities [8]. The advent of artificial
has grown increasingly intricate and sophisti- intelligence (AI) has brought about a transfor-
cated. Organizations now confront a myriad of mative shift in the realm of cybersecurity,
perils posed by cyber criminals who exploit encompassing vital aspects such as vulnerabili-
vulnerabilities in their systems and networks, ty assessment and incident response. AI
aiming to illicitly access sensitive information, introduces fresh capabilities and efficiencies
disrupt operations, or inflict financial losses. that hold the potential to greatly enhance the
To confront and mitigate these risks, organiza- effectiveness and efficiency of these pivotal
tions employ a range of security measures, security processes. Through harnessing
among which vulnerability assessment emerg- machine learning algorithms, natural language
es as a pivotal component of their comprehen- processing (NLP), and deep learning method-
sive cybersecurity and incident response strate- ologies, AI-powered vulnerability assessment
gies. Undoubtedly, vulnerability assessment empowers organizations to identify, analyze,
assumes paramount importance within the and address vulnerabilities in a more proactive,
prioritization, leave no stone unturned. tion technology and its associated products,
Conduct a meticulous scan of every spanning across different levels and compo-
component within the system. nents of an information system. These
deficiencies directly impact the smooth opera-
4. Effective Reporting: Establish a stream-
tion of the entire information system. When
lined reporting mechanism to promptly
maliciously exploited, they can gravely
communicate any ambiguities or concerns
compromise the integrity, confidentiality, and
to higher-level staff.
availability of the system. Consequently, the
5. Vulnerability Assessment and Ticket study of security vulnerabilities stands as a
Assignment: Assess the vulnerabilities fundamental aspect within the realm of infor-
discovered and assign tickets based on the mation security research [11]. In light of the
level of risk acceptance and urgency. escalating complexity of cyber threats,
traditional security techniques are no longer
6. Solution Verification and Remediation:
sufficient to safeguard against these
Verify the effectiveness of applied
ever-evolving risks. Consequently, businesses
solutions and ensure they successfully
are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to
mitigate the identified vulnerabilities.
bolster their cybersecurity strategies. AI offers
7. Continuous Improvement: Embrace an enhanced capabilities for detecting and
iterative approach by repeating the responding to threats, bolstering vulnerability
improvement cycle to enhance the assess- management, and improving compliance and
ment process continually. governance practices. By leveraging AI
technologies such as machine learning, natural
language processing, behavioral analytics, and
deep learning, organizations can fortify their
cyber defenses and shield themselves against a
wide array of cyber threats, including malware,
phishing attacks, and insider threats. AI has
numerous applications in the cyber security
industry, including [10].
powered by AI algorithms monitor network detect and prevent policy violations, ensuring
traffic, detecting trends and abnormalities that policy compliance across the organization
may signify a security breach. Additionally, [11].
AI-driven cyber threat hunting helps uncover
and track advanced persistent threats (APTs) 2.2. Identifying Vulnerabilities
lurking within networks. Predictive analytics There are a lot of ways that we can use in order
further empowers organizations to proactively to automate the process of identifying the
identify and address potential threats before vulnerabilities. Some of these ways are listed
they materialize, bolstering proactive defense and explained below:
strategies [10].
2.2.1. Automated Code Analysis
2.1.2. Vulnerability Management Utilizing AI algorithms, software code can
AI is instrumental in effective vulnerability undergo comprehensive analysis to unveil
management, offering robust solutions for potential vulnerabilities. This approach facili-
vulnerability scanning and prioritization. tates the early identification of vulnerabilities.
AI-enabled tools assist businesses in identify- Static analysis techniques examine code
ing and prioritizing issues that require remedi- without executing it, seeking out known code
ation. Vulnerability management encompasses patterns, unsafe practices, or insecure coding
automating tasks such as penetration testing, methodologies that may give rise to vulnerabil-
security policy enforcement, and patch admin- ities. Dynamic analysis techniques, on the
istration. Through AI, penetration testing can other hand, involve executing the code in
be automated, simulating attempts to exploit controlled environments, closely monitoring
vulnerabilities and assessing the efficacy of its behavior, and uncovering any security
existing security measures [10]. weaknesses. It's worth noting that dynamic
analysis, in contrast to static analysis, conducts
2.1.3. Compliance and Governance its evaluation during runtime on a live system.
AI finds valuable applications in ensuring This entails executing the code with specific
compliance and governance within organiza- test cases to fulfill defined coverage criteria,
tions. It aids in risk detection, monitoring albeit this process tends to be time-intensive
adherence to regulations and policies, and [12].
enforcing compliance. For instance, AI
automates compliance reporting and monitor- 2.2.2. Network Traffic Analysis
ing, ensuring companies adhere to regulations AI plays a pivotal role in scrutinizing network
like HIPAA and GDPR. By analyzing exten- traffic data to discern anomalies or patterns
sive data sets, AI can assess risks, identify that may indicate potential vulnerabilities. By
potential threats and weaknesses, and provide monitoring the flow of network traffic, AI
recommendations for suitable mitigation algorithms can identify suspicious activities
strategies. Furthermore, AI can automatically like port scanning, atypical packet behaviors,
packet headers and contents to identify mal data volumes or unusual communication
patterns or anomalies indicating potential patterns. Network flow data can also be
intrusions. Common techniques employed in utilized to visualize network activity and detect
packet analysis include deep packet inspection patterns that may not be discernible through
(DPI) and protocol analysis [16]. other analysis techniques [19].
Anomaly detection is another crucial aspect of 6.2 Host-based Intrusion Detection and
NIDP, involving the establishment of baseline Prevention (HIDP)
behavior for comparison against current Host-based Intrusion Detection and Prevention
network activity to identify deviations. Statisti- (HIDP) focuses on monitoring activities and
cal methods, machine learning algorithms, and events on individual hosts or endpoints to
behavioral analysis are frequently employed in protect against internal network-based attacks.
anomaly detection to identify anomalies. By HIDP techniques provide detailed visibility
comparing present network traffic patterns to into host-level activities, playing a vital role in
historical data or predefined thresholds, NIDP safeguarding systems. Log analysis is a key
systems can generate alerts or implement component of HIDP, as system logs contain
preventive measures [17]. valuable information regarding host activities,
including login attempts, file accesses, system
Signature-based detection is a well-established calls, and configuration changes. Analyzing
technique in NIDP, which entails comparing log files enables security analysts to identify
network traffic against a database of known suspicious or unauthorized activities. Auto-
attack signatures. If a match is found, the mated log analysis tools aid in detecting
system raises an alert. Although signa- patterns or events of interest, facilitating
ture-based detection efficiently identifies efficient intrusion detection [20].
known attacks, it may struggle with detecting
novel or previously unseen attack patterns. To System call monitoring is another important
overcome this limitation, intrusion detection HIDP technique that involves capturing and
and prevention systems often combine signa- analyzing system calls made by programs or
ture-based detection with anomaly-based processes running on a host. By monitoring
approaches for heightened security [18]. system calls, HIDP systems can detect
malicious or abnormal behavior, such as unau-
Network traffic monitoring is an integral part thorized access attempts, privilege escalation,
of NIDP, encompassing the collection and or file manipulation. Anomalies detected
analysis of network flow data, including through system call monitoring can trigger
source and destination IP addresses, ports, alerts or proactive measures to mitigate poten-
protocols, and session duration. Through tial risks. File integrity checking is a mecha-
network flow analysis, security administrators nism employed to ensure the integrity of
can identify suspicious patterns such as abnor- critical system files. HIDP systems often main-
tain hash or checksum values for each file and gies, methodologies, and algorithms to recog-
periodically verify their integrity by recalculat- nize and mitigate security threats. To find
ing the hash and comparing it with the stored malicious actions and potential vulnerabilities,
value. The detection of discrepancies indicates they use cutting-edge detection techniques like
potential file modifications or tampering, signature-based detection, anomaly detection,
which could signify a security breach [21]. and behavior-based analysis. [23].
automated response capabilities, the AI tool Overall, the example highlights how automat-
sends instructions to the organization's ed response, facilitated by AI, can enhance an
network infrastructure, specifically the organization's ability to respond quickly and
firewalls or routers. These instructions result in effectively to cyber threats. By leveraging AI's
the immediate blocking of the identified IP speed and precision, organizations can reduce
addresses, effectively stopping the malicious response times, minimize the impact of
traffic from reaching the organization's attacks, and improve the efficiency of their
network resources. Simultaneously, the AI security operations [28].
system also initiates actions to isolate any
infected systems within the organization's 6.4.4. Predictive analysis
network. It identifies the compromised devic- AI can also be used for predictive analysis,
es, such as computers or servers that may be which involves using historical data to identify
participating in the DDoS attack, and quaran- potential future threats. By analyzing patterns
tines them from the rest of the network. By and trends in network activity over time, AI
isolating the infected systems, the AI tool algorithms can identify potential vulnerabili-
prevents the attack from spreading further and ties and anticipate potential threats before they
causing additional damage to other network occur. This can help organizations to proac-
components [27]. tively mitigate these threats before they can
cause any damage.
In this scenario, the automated response
capabilities provided by AI-powered security However, it's important to remember that AI is
tools play a vital role in containing and mitigat- not a panacea for all cyber security challenges,
ing the DDoS attack. By automatically block- and it should be used in conjunction with other
ing suspicious traffic and isolating infected tools and techniques. For example, AI
systems, the AI system helps prevent the attack algorithms may not be able to detect advanced
from disrupting the organization's network persistent threats (APTs) or zero-day vulnera-
services and causing significant downtime. bilities, which require human expertise and
Furthermore, by automating these routine intuition to identify. Additionally, AI
response tasks, the AI system reduces the algorithms may be susceptible to false
workload on human analysts. Instead of spend- positives or false negatives, which can lead to
ing time manually identifying and blocking unnecessary alerts or missed threats [29].
malicious traffic, analysts can focus on more
complex and strategic security tasks, such as 7. Incident Response
investigating the root cause of the attack,
identifying potential vulnerabilities, or Although they use different process methodol-
fine-tuning the AI system's response ogies, incident response and computer foren-
algorithms. sics have similar goals. While both situations'
primary goals are to investigate computer
security incidents and contain their effects, emphasise the critical role SIEM systems play
incident response is more focused on bringing for SOCs, address current operational barriers
things back to normal while computer foren- to properly employing SIEM systems, and
sics is more focused on producing evidence identify upcoming technical problems that
that can be used in court. SIEM systems will need to overcome to
remain relevant [32].
An organization's response to improper or
undesirable behavior using a computer or 7.2. Automated Incident Triage
network component is known as an incident Recent years have seen a dramatic rise in the
response. A methodical and well-planned number of computer security incidents across
approach should be employed to react rather all industries. Even small businesses suffer
than being caught off guard and launching a significant financial and reputational losses as
disorderly and potentially disastrous response. a result of these accidents. Naturally, there has
As a result, events are typically handled by a been a rise in demand for incident management
team known as the Computer Security Incident relating to computers. Today, incident handling
Response Team, or CSIRT, which is made up is still a challenging job that is primarily
of individuals who possess the various certifi- carried out by human expert teams. It is
cations required for the response procedure exceedingly expensive to retain such a team on
[30]. call around-the-clock, especially in large
organizations with extensive networks. Conse-
7.1. Real time analysis of security events quently, it is highly desirable to have automat-
The gathering, storing, and analyzing of all ed incident handling. It was extremely difficult
data relating to the incident that has occurred to automate this process due to its complexity
or is still occurring is one of the key activities and reliance on humans [33].
in dealing with cyber security incidents [31].
Data triage is used by Security Operation
Detecting security threats in real time is the Centers to separate the real "signals" from a lot
responsibility of the security operations centre of noisy alerts and "connect the dots" to answer
(SOC), a centralised organisation. It is an some higher-level questions about the activi-
essential part of a CSIRT (Corporate Security ties of the attack. This work intends to natural-
Incident Response Team). A key piece of ly produce information emergency robots
technology used in SOCs, SIEM systems straightforwardly from network safety investi-
collect security events from various sources gators' activity follows. Data triage automatons
within enterprise networks, normalise the that are currently in use, such as SIEMs and
events to a standard format, store the Security Information and Event Management
normalised events for forensic analysis, and systems (SIEMs), require expert analysts to
correlate the events to detect malicious activi- dedicate time and effort to the creation of event
ties in real time. The authors of this essay correlation rules [34].
information about potential threats before they proactively address potential security risks.
can cause significant harm. By leveraging
advanced algorithms and machine learning 7.3.5. Behavioral analysis
techniques, AI systems can differentiate AI can analyze user behavior and identify
between normal and abnormal patterns, anomalous patterns that may indicate insider
helping to identify potential security incidents threats or other malicious activity [37].
in real-time. The quick alerting capability of AI
systems is beneficial for several reasons. First, 8. Forensics Analysis
it allows security teams to respond swiftly,
minimizing the time window for attackers to The development of digital technology over
exploit vulnerabilities or escalate their activi- the past ten years has had a significant impact
ties. By receiving alerts in near real-time, on our day-to-day lives and business practices.
security professionals can take immediate As a result, the digital forensics field will face
action to investigate and contain the incident, numerous challenges as this evolution contin-
preventing further compromise of systems and ues [38].
data. Second, early detection and rapid
response help mitigate the impact of security The goal of forensic analysis is to uncover and
incidents. By identifying threats at an early interpret evidence that can help investigators
stage, organizations can limit the potential understand what happened, identify potential
damage caused by unauthorized access, data suspects or perpetrators, and provide evidence
breaches, or malicious activities. Security for use in court. Forensic analysts may work
teams can implement appropriate countermea- for law enforcement agencies, government
sures, such as isolating affected systems, agencies, or private companies, and their work
blocking malicious traffic, or initiating may be used in criminal investigations, civil
incident response protocols to contain and lawsuits, and other legal proceedings. There-
mitigate the incident swiftly [36]. fore, Digital forensics is a complex and evolv-
ing field. To conduct effective forensic analy-
7.3.3. Automated investigation sis in cyber security, analysts must have a deep
AI can help automate the process of investigat- understanding of computer systems, network
ing security incidents. This can help reduce the protocols, and cyber threats. They must also be
time and resources required to identify and familiar with the legal and regulatory require-
remediate security issues. ments for handling digital evidence, as well as
the ethical considerations involved in handling
7.3.4. Threat intelligence sensitive data [39].
AI can analyze vast amounts of threat intelli-
gence data and provide insights into emerging 9. How AI Can Assist in Foren-
threats and vulnerabilities. This can help sics Analysis
security teams stay ahead of the curve and
mitigate the damage caused by a cyber attack. mining the origin and cause of a security
For example, if a predictive model identifies a incident. It involves a systematic examination
potential threat in real-time, security teams can of digital evidence to understand what
investigate the issue and take steps to prevent happened, how it occurred, who was responsi-
the attack before it causes any damage. The use ble, and the extent of the damage [45]. Below
of predictive analytics in cyber security can are steps involved in conducting forensic
help organizations to stay ahead of potential analysis to identify the source and cause of a
security threats and to anticipate new attack security incident:
methods, allowing them to implement proac-
1. Secure the Affected System: The initial
tive security measures to prevent cyber attacks.
step is to isolate and secure the affected
Additionally, predictive analytic can be used to
system to prevent further harm or data
identify vulnerabilities in systems and applica-
loss. This may entail disconnecting the
tions, enabling organizations to take corrective
system from the network or taking it
action to secure their infrastructure and reduce
offline.
the risk of a successful attack [42].
2. Document the Incident: Promptly docu-
9.4. Natural Language Processing (NLP) ment the incident by taking comprehen-
AI-powered NLP algorithms can analyze text sive notes, photographs, or videos of the
data, such as emails, chat logs, and social affected system. Capture relevant infor-
media posts, to identify keywords or phrases mation like error messages, timestamps,
that may be related to an incident. This can or any unusual behavior observed.
help investigators identify potential suspects or 3. Preserve Evidence: To maintain the integ-
gain insights into the motives behind an attack rity of the evidence, create a forensic copy
[43]. of the affected system's storage media.
This involves making a bit-by-bit replica
9.5. Malware Analysis of the entire storage device or disk
AI can help in analyzing malware by detecting partition. The copy will be used for analy-
and classifying malicious code. It can also sis while leaving the original evidence
identify patterns in the behavior of malware to untouched.
help investigators identify its origin and the
extent of the damage caused. The makers of the 4. Conduct Initial Analysis: Analyze system
Magnet Axiom forensic examination tool, logs, network traffic logs, firewall logs,
Magnet Forensics, included machine learning intrusion detection system (IDS) logs, and
in their Magnet [44]. other relevant data sources to gather initial
information about the incident. Look for
10. Identifying The Source And signs of unauthorized access, unusual
Cause Of A Security Incident activities, or anomalies.
Forensic analysis plays a critical role in deter- 5. Recover Deleted or Hidden Data: