Traditional security approaches are not effective for AI. Generative AI technology is already transforming our world and has immense positive potential for cybersecurity and business processes. However, traditional security models and controls are not enough to manage the security risks associated with this new technology. Agile Security with AI and Zero Trust is crucial to protecting these advances effectively.
A new white paper was recently published that examines the security challenges and opportunities of generative AI, what security must do to adapt to managing the risk related to it, how a Zero Trust approach is essential to effectively protect this AI technology (and the underlying data), and how the different roles in an organization need to work together for effective AI security.
Navigating the unique challenges of AI
AI presents new types of problems that require different thinking and different solutions.
Zero Trust as a strategy
Generative AI is dynamic
At its most basic, generative AI is a type of computing that does not always produce the same result every time it is used. For example, if you ask an AI model to draw a kitten in a security guard uniform several times, each drawing will probably be a little different (even if they all look similar). Traditional security methods assume that vulnerabilities will always look the same, so they are not very effective at detecting and blocking attacks on AI. Security controls designed specifically for AI are needed.
Generative AI is data-centric
AI analyzes and creates data, so the security and governance of that data are essential to ensuring secure AI applications and reliable results. A security approach that adapts to dynamic change is needed, based on the concept of "Zero Trust." Zero Trust focuses on protecting business assets both inside and outside the traditional network perimeter, in hybrid environments.
Digital criminals are using generative AI against you
AI needs a great deal of data to train its models, which makes that data a prime target for cyberattackers. Criminals also use AI to improve their attacks. Organizations must quickly adjust their security strategies to protect data, AI applications, assets, and people. Zero Trust principles can help reduce risk and take advantage of the opportunities AI offers.
Key strategies to help manage AI security risks
Provide guidance to users
Cyberattackers use AI to improve fraudulent emails and calls. Organizations must educate everyone, especially financial and high-impact roles, on how to recognize these fake communications and how to react appropriately. It is crucial that they understand the basics of AI and the risks it poses.
Protect AI applications and data
Cybercriminals are actively attacking AI systems. Integrating security early in AI development is crucial to avoid costly fixes later on.
Adopt AI security capabilities
Although AI cannot replace human experts or existing tools, it can considerably improve security operations (SecOps). It makes effective use of data and tools easier, enables rapid report writing and analysis of attack impact, and guides new analysts through their investigations.
Policy and standards
Organizations need written security standards and processes to guide their team's decisions and to demonstrate to regulators that they are exercising due diligence. These standards should cover security, privacy, and ethical considerations: you can use Microsoft's Responsible AI Standard as a reference to guide this work.
Zero Trust and AI: a symbiotic relationship
We have found that there is a symbiotic relationship between Zero Trust and generative AI, in which:
- AI requires a Zero Trust approach to effectively protect AI data and applications.
- AI capabilities accelerate Zero Trust by analyzing large volumes of data, extracting key insights, guiding processes, and automating repetitive tasks. This allows teams to cut through the noise, respond quickly to threats, and continuously improve their expertise.
The Zero Trust security approach allows organizations to stay current in the face of constantly evolving threats and the rapid technological transformation that AI represents. We therefore close by citing the following from the Microsoft white paper that addresses this topic:
"By integrating security from the start and adopting Zero Trust principles, organizations can take advantage of AI and mitigate risks, just as the brakes on a car allow people to travel faster safely."
