Cybersecurity is a very important issue in today’s world because many activities are now done online. People use the internet for banking, communication, school, work, and entertainment. Because of this, cybercriminals are always looking for ways to steal information, hack systems, or cause problems. Cybersecurity means protecting computers, networks, and data from these attacks. One way people are trying to solve cybersecurity problems is by using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

AI is useful in cybersecurity because it can work very fast and handle large amounts of data. Unlike humans, AI does not get tired or distracted. It can monitor systems all the time and look for anything that seems strange. For example, AI can notice unusual login attempts, strange file changes, or abnormal network traffic. When these things happen, the AI system can raise an alarm or block the action immediately. This helps to stop cyberattacks before they cause serious damage.

Another way AI helps with cybersecurity is through threat detection. Cyber threats are becoming more complex, and it is hard for traditional security systems to keep up. Hackers are always changing their methods. AI can learn from past attacks and recognize patterns. Once it understands these patterns, it can predict or detect similar attacks in the future. This makes security systems smarter and more effective over time.

AI is also helpful in fighting malware and viruses. Malware is harmful software that can damage systems or steal data. AI-powered tools can scan files and programs to check if they are safe or dangerous. Even if the malware is new and has never been seen before, AI can still identify it based on behavior. This is better than old systems that only recognize known viruses.

In addition, AI can reduce human error in cybersecurity. Many cyberattacks happen because people click on fake links, use weak passwords, or make mistakes. AI can help by reminding users to update passwords, warning them about suspicious emails, and automatically fixing security weaknesses. This makes systems safer even when users are not very careful.

However, using AI in cybersecurity also has some challenges. AI systems need good data to work well. If the data is poor or biased, the AI may make wrong decisions. Also, cybercriminals can use AI too. Hackers can use AI to create smarter attacks, fake emails, or break into systems faster. This means there is always a competition between attackers and defenders.

In conclusion, AI is a powerful tool for solving cybersecurity issues. It helps in detecting threats, preventing attacks, reducing human errors, and protecting data. Although there are challenges, the benefits of using AI in cybersecurity are very important. With proper use and continuous improvement, AI can help make the digital world safer for everyone.

By Precious Oyewole.