Sarah Jacobson 
Artificial intelligence and Blockchain are two modern technologies spearheading innovations across various industries. AI has made gathering and synthesizing large volumes of data from different sources easier and can identify attack patterns from past breaches. Blockchain is the foundation for providing democratized services, applications, and products. These two technologies also combine to enhance cybersecurity in many ways, from automating threat detection and response to learning user behavior and improving privacy and transparency. Here’s an overview of how AI and Blockchain technologies are converging to protect individuals and businesses from cyber-attacks:
Enhancing Identity Authentication
AI and Blockchain can converge to enhance the security, transparency, and efficiency of identity management systems. Sites that allow users to create accounts can deploy AI systems to learn normal user behavior. For instance, when playing at online casinos, players make deposits to explore slots, blackjacks, roulettes, and other games. They also claim specific bonuses and visit unique pages within the casino site. Over time, AI systems can learn normal patterns and Blockchain systems can keep these records private, secure, and tamper-proof. When an unauthorized user gets a hold of the account, their patterns will be different and AI systems can immediately flag the activity, block them from the account, and notify the authorized user or support staff.
AI’s behavioral analysis allows many other businesses to learn user behavior and flag the suspicious activity of unauthorized users. Companies can also deploy AI systems in advanced authentication management systems like facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and other biometric analysis. The data gathered is then stored in tamper-proof Blockchain ledgers. Once records are added to a blockchain, they can’t be altered, making audits easier to perform. Blockchain also offers decentralized storage and gives users control over the personal data they share. Enhanced identity authentication prevents unauthorized users from gaining full control of accounts, systems, and resources. If someone breaches a network, AI systems will notice changes quicker and execute security protocols automatically, mitigating potential damage.
Improving Threat Detection
AI-powered systems can analyze millions of data including records, training models, and real-time activity. Thanks to machine learning, these systems can be trained to identify patterns hackers use to attack systems. Once the patterns are learned, the AI systems can monitor networks around the clock and flag suspicious activity. AI-powered systems also provide automated threat response. Activity flagging prompts communication to relevant security teams for further assessment. The systems can also automatically log users off or block them until the necessary security checks are done. Blockchain technology also provides immutable ledgers that can be used to further enhance threat detection.
Cybersecurity teams can 24/7 timestamped snapshots of their critical networks and resources and store them cryptographically in a Blockchain ecosystem. AI systems can then monitor the records and flag suspicious activity. Since the records are immutable, companies are able to quickly determine who is responsible for the breach and when they entered the network. Hackers are also unable to hide or delete their trails. This results in more secure networks protected using AI and Blockchain systems. AI and Blockchain-powered cybersecurity systems can also flag malware activity, monitor IoT devices and networks identify potential phishing links, and block self-executing downloads.
Boosting Data Privacy
Artificial intelligence systems can augment data privacy and security by providing real-time monitoring and analysis of all activities on sensitive information. The systems are used to monitor how sensitive data is accessed and shared. AI-powered identity management systems also keep unauthorized users from gaining access to private data. The controlled access and automated verifications also align with data privacy laws and compliance requirements. Blockchain systems help to maintain data transparency and integrity by providing immutable records. The technology also makes it possible to design smart self-executing contracts that automate data sharing while maintaining privacy and compliance.
Blockchain ledgers create immutable audit trails that can be used to investigate breaches and other violations. If there’s suspicion of a security breach or non-compliance, AI systems can be deployed to analyze audit logs for unusual patterns. Blockchain records are accurate and trustworthy, so security audits are easier to perform. The convergence of AI and Blockchain results in transparent systems that discourage nefarious actors from gaining unwarranted access to user data, enhancing privacy and security. If someone accesses private user data, their activity is automatically logged and cannot be deleted. This creates a safer ecosystem around customer data stored by businesses. Blockchain’s decentralized ecosystem is also more resilient to attack as it eliminates the use of centralized databases that create single points of failure.
Key Takeaways
AI and Blockchain have become indispensable technologies in the modern digital world that relies on virtual systems and online services. Artificial intelligence provides the ability to synthesize millions of data swiftly and identify patterns. The systems can be trained to recognize specific patterns and make unique decisions. They also learn from ongoing actions and decisions. Blockchain allows security teams to provide accurate, tamper-proof records that AI systems can synthesize. Combining the technologies results in reliable security applications that improve threat prevention and detection while reducing attack response time.
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