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Machine-Learning Era in Cybersecurity: A Step Towards a Safer World or the Brink of Chaos?

Created: 2019-02-25 00:00:00

While the idea of artificial intelligence (AI) and the real applications of machine learning (ML) have been influencing various fields for years now, their full transformative potential is yet to be realized.

ML-based technologies increasingly help fight large-scale fraud, evaluate and optimize business processes, improve testing procedures and develop new solutions to existing problems. Like most innovations, however, even machine learning has drawbacks.

Attackers recognize the opportunities and value of this technology and misuse it for their own advantage. Machine learning can – if it isn’t already – power new malware strains, target specific victims and extract valuable data, hunt for zero-day vulnerabilities and protect the cybercriminals’ own infrastructure (such as botnets).

On top of that, ML solutions deployed by legitimate organizations will also become attractive targets. By creating poisoned data sets, attackers can try to manipulate these otherwise beneficial systems into incorrect decisions or force them to provide distorted views of the monitored environment, causing damage, chaos and disruption.

It is difficult to say which effects of machine learning – positive or negative – will prevail. What we see already, however, is an undeniable growth of ML-powered systems on both sides of the cybersecurity divide, irreversibly transforming the safety of the whole internet.

This document seeks to describe the hype that machine learning technology has caused in various fields and how it influences business decision makers. It also outlines cyberattacks observed in-the-wild that show strong indications of ML use. Last but not least, we’ll show you ESET’s approach to machine learning and its application in ESET’s current products. Read more here. 

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About ESET

For 30 years, ESET® has been developing industry-leading IT security software and services for businesses and consumers worldwide. With solutions ranging from endpoint security to encryption and two-factor authentication, ESET’s high-performing, easy-to-use products give individuals and businesses the peace of mind to enjoy the full potential of their technology. ESET unobtrusively protects and monitors 24/7, updating defenses in real time to keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. Evolving threats require an evolving IT security company. Backed by R&D facilities worldwide, ESET became the first IT security company to earn 100 Virus Bulletin VB100 awards, identifying every single “in-the-wild” malware without interruption since 2003.