ROLE OF

IN STRENGTHENING
CYBERSECURITY
MEASURES

© 2024. United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI® ). All Rights Reserved. www.uscsinstitute.org
Generative AI is the latest advancement in the field of AI that has been transforming every industry since its
inception. Now organizations across the globe and from different sectors are embracing it to maximize their efficiency.
Cybersecurity is also one such domain that has been highly benefitted with the introduction of Generative AI.

Technology these days basically serve as dual-edged sword when it comes to cybersecurity. While the cybersecurity
professionals use it to enhance their security measures, malicious actors use it to make their cyber-attack more
innovative and more sophisticated. Generative AI is the latest addition in the list. It is used to automate several
cybersecurity defense tasks, and in the same time can be used to carry out cyber-attacks at the large scale.

GEN-AI FOR CYBER DEFENSE

69% 47% 21%

More than two-thirds Nearly half (47%) are One- fifth (21%) are already
(69%) say they’ll use GenAI already using it for Cyber seeing benefits to their cyber
for Cyber Defence in the risk detection and programmes because of
next 12 months. mitigation. GenAI- mere months after
its public debut.

So, let us explore in detail how this incredible technology will affect the world of cybersecurity.

CHALLENGES POSED BY GENERATIVE AI IN CYBERSECURITY

First let us see how cyber-criminals can use Generative AI to exploit vulnerabilities.

AMPLIFY SOCIAL ENGINEERING ATTACKS

Generative AI could create highly personalized and believable phishing emails, deepfakes, or
social media profiles, making it difficult to differentiate between what’s real and what’s fake.

BUILD MORE SOPHISTICATED MALWARE

AI could be used to design malware capable of adapting its behavior and bypassing
traditional detection methods, which can increase the risk of affecting computer systems.

© 2024. United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI® ). All Rights Reserved. www.uscsinstitute.org
 HEIGHTENED RISK OF DATA BREACHES AND IDENTITY THEFT
AI-generated synthetic identities or deepfakes could be used to bypass security measures and gain
unauthorized access to sensitive data which can further lead to data breaches and identity theft.

EVADING TRADITIONAL DEFENSE SYSTEMS

Malicious actors could leverage AI to develop new attack techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in
existing security systems, and reduce their efficiency against newer innovative threats.

MANIPULATING MODELS AND DATA POISONING

Attackers could manipulate training data used for AI models, and add bias that can cause them to
produce inaccurate results, and compromise the effectiveness of AI-powered security solutions.

These are a few ways Generative AI can be used to strengthen cyber-attacks by cyber-criminals.

POTENTIAL USES OF AI IN CYBERSECURITY

53% 50% 48%

Monitoring network traffic User behavior Automatic incident

and malware detection analysis response

45% 45% 45%

Automating cybersecurity Predictive analytics to Cybersecurity defense

infrastructure configuration identify future incidents test generation

© 2024. United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI® ). All Rights Reserved. www.uscsinstitute.org
GENERATIVE AI USE CASES AND APPLICATION
IN CYBERSECURITY
Now, let us see how cybersecurity experts can use Generative AI technology to enhance cybersecurity efforts.

SCENARIO-DRIVEN CYBERSECURITY TRAINING

Traditional cybersecurity training methods often rely on static scenarios, that fail to effectively mimic
the real-world adaptability of cybercriminals. Generative AI, however, can create realistic simulations
of various cyberattacks, including phishing emails, malware deployment, and network intrusions.
These simulations train cybersecurity personnel to identify red flags, respond effectively to incidents,
and improve their overall threat detection skills.

SYNTHETIC DATA GENERATION

A huge amount of data is required cybersecurity to train the cybersecurity AI models that can
raise concerns related to privacy and data scarcity. Generative AI addresses this challenge by
creating anonymized and realistic synthetic data. This synthetic data can be used to train AI models
to detect threats, analyze security logs, and identify vulnerabilities, without compromising sensitive
information.

THREAT HUNTING AND DETECTION

The sheer volume of data generated by modern IT systems makes it challenging for security
professionals to identify potential threats in real time. Generative AI can analyze vast amounts of
data from various sources, including network traffic logs, user activity, and system events. They can
identify patterns and anomalies to significantly improve threat detection efficiency.

PASSWORD AND ENCRYPTION KEY MANAGEMENT

Weak passwords and predictable encryption keys are a major security vulnerabilities. Generative AI
addresses this issue by generating complex and unique passwords and encryption keys. These keys
are virtually impossible to guess or crack through brute force attacks, thus resulting in significant
improvements in the security of systems and data.

SECURITY POLICY AUTOMATION AND OPTIMIZATION

Maintaining and adapting security policies can be time-consuming and resource-intensive task.
Generative AI can analyze existing security policies and suggest improvements or automation
opportunities. This allows security teams to focus on strategic initiatives while ensuring their policies
remain effective against evolving threats.

© 2024. United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI® ). All Rights Reserved. www.uscsinstitute.org
HOW TO IMPLEMENT GENERATIVE AI IN CYBERSECURITY?
Implementation of Generative AI in the cybersecurity domain can vary depending upon the organization’s structure and
requirements. Still, new organizations can follow these simple standard processses of implementation.

Begin by analyzing existing vulnerabilities and cybersecurity needs of your organization such as threat
detection, training, data, generation, etc.
Choose the right Generative AI solution by considering factors like their functionality, compatibility, and ease
of integration.
Ensure high-quality data is used to train your generative AI model
First implement the preferred AI solution on a small scale for testing its effectiveness.
Continuously monitor, evaluate, and tune the models as and when required
Once a satisfactory result is obtained, integrate the AI solution into organization’s cybersecurity framework
and scale accordingly.
Continuous monitoring and refinement is necessary to enhance its efficiency and ensure it is relevant to
industry.

IMPACT OF GENERATIVE AI IN DIFFERENT PHASES OF

THREAT IDENTIFICATION

Lessons
Preparation Identification Containment Eradiction Recovery
Learned

used by 20% used by 100% used by 65% used by 55% used by 50% used by 40%
CURRENT of analyzed of analyzed of analyzed of analyzed of analyzed of analyzed
Cybersecurity Cybersecurity Cybersecurity Cybersecurity Cybersecurity Cybersecurity
companies companies companies companies companies companies

Recommended Recommen- Incident

containment of
responses to dations and best- responses
lower-level
Generative AI Threat Detection lower-level practices instru- reports will be
threats could be
FULL should streamline and hunting
further automa-
threats could be ctions. could be much improved,
POTENTIAL cybersecurity will become
ted, but full
further automate further automa- but organiza-
analyst training more dynamic but full ted, but full tional and
automation
and automated automation automation process changes
unlikely in next
unlikely in next unlikely in next will still need
decade, if ever
decade, if ever decade, if ever humans.

Impact of
Generative AI by
Incident response stage Little Impact Moderate Impact High Impact

Notes: Percentages rounded; analysis is of cybersecurity comapnies that are using Generative AI to enhance solutions
Source: Bain & Company

© 2024. United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI® ). All Rights Reserved. www.uscsinstitute.org
PROS AND CONS OF GENERATIVE AI IN CYBERSECURITY

Enhanced threat
Bias and explainability
detection and
issues
response

Can be used for

Improved
cyber-attacks and
security training
malicious activities

PROS
Automated Continuous evolution
security tasks CONS of regulatory policies

Implementation be
Synthetic
expensive and require
data generation
great expertise

Personalized Can lead to job

security solutions displacement

Generative AI is still in its nascent phase and can consist of huge errors leading to potential loss and cybersecurity risk.
The graph below represents the generative AI related risks that organizations think are relevant and are working to
mitigate.

© 2024. United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI® ). All Rights Reserved. www.uscsinstitute.org
GENRATIVE AI- RELATED RISKS THAT ORGANIZATIONS CONSIDER
RELEVANT AND ARE WORKING TO MITIGATE,
% OF RESPONDEMTS’

Organisation considers risk relevant Organisations working to mitigate risk

Inaccuracy 56 32
Cybersecurity 53 38
Intellectual-property infringement 46 25
Regulatory compliance 45 28
Explainability 39 18
Personal/individual privacy 39 20
Workforce/labor displacement 34 13
Equity and fairness 31 16
Organizational reputation 29 16
National security 14 4
Physical safety 11 6
Environment impact 11 5
Political stability 10 2
None of the above 1 8
Source - McKinsey Global Survey

TOP GENERATIVE AI PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR CYBERSECURITY

Google Cloud
Microsoft Security Crowdstrike Cisco Security Airgap Networks
Security AI
Copilot Charlotte AI Cloud ThreatGPT
Workbench

SentinelOne Synthesis Humans SecurityScorecard Sophos

© 2024. United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI® ). All Rights Reserved. www.uscsinstitute.org
FUTURE OUTLOOK

GENERATIVE AI IN CYBER SECURITY MARKET

Size, by Type, 2022-2032 (USD Billon) Threat Detection and Analysis
Adversarial Defense
Insider Threat Detection
Network Security
12 11.2
Other Types
10 9.0

8 7.3
6.2
6 5.0
4.4
3.7
4 3.0
2.3
2.0
1.6
2

0
2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032

THE MARKET WILL

GROW AT THE CAGR OF: 22.1% THE FORECASTED MARKET
SIZE FOR 2032 IN USD: $11.2B
source: MarketResearch

Generative AI is at its starting phase now and its impact is already visible across domains worldwide. If we look at
the future scenario, the use of generative AI in cybersecurity is expected to only grow as indicated in the above
representation. According to MarketResearch, the Generative AI the in cybersecurity market is expected to grow
up to $3 billion by 2025 growing at a CAGR of 22.1%.

The future of generative AI in cybersecurity is bright, with continuous advancements in AI research promising even
greater capabilities. We can expect to see:

More sophisticated Enhanced threat detection

simulations and response

Personalized security
solutions

© 2024. United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI® ). All Rights Reserved. www.uscsinstitute.org
SUMMARY

To conclude, generative AI is a powerful tool that has enormous capability

to enhance cybersecurity measures. It offers great improvements in threat
detection, automated response systems, and personalized security solutions.
Though there are few challenges related to bias, potential threat of misuse,
and regulatory compliances, responsibly developing generative AI models
and collaborating with stakeholders can ensure this technology strengthens
organization’s defenses against the ever-evolving cybersecurity threats.

© 2024. United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI® ). All Rights Reserved. www.uscsinstitute.org
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