Cary, USA, June 20, 2024, CyberNewsWire
2024 is shaping up to be a defining year for generative AI. AI emerged as a powerful new technology in 2023, but business leaders are now grappling with how to best harness its transformative power to improve efficiency, security, and revenue. As AI becomes nearly universally integrated into global technology, the need for AI-enabled cybersecurity teams has never been greater. INE Securitythe world’s leading cybersecurity training and cybersecurity certification provider, predicts that large language model (LLM) applications such as chatbots and AI-driven virtual assistants will be particularly at risk.
“AI systems are invaluable, able to process vast amounts of data with unparalleled speed and accuracy to detect anomalies, predict threats, and respond to incidents in real time. But these innovative technologies are also empowering attackers, leveling the playing field in unprecedented ways,” said Lindsey Rinehard, COO and head of AI integration at INE Security. “As automated attacks increase, defensive strategies must also become automated and intelligent. The accelerating arms race between cyber attackers and defenders highlights the critical importance of continuous training and development for cybersecurity teams.”
by IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2024Last year, cybercriminals mentioned AI and GPTs in over 800,000 posts on illegal markets and dark web forums. Training and preparation for AI in information security is no longer optional. Organizations must provide employee training on AI and cybersecurity to remain effective and stay one step ahead of attackers.
Strategies for optimizing your team for AI and cybersecurity
1. Incorporate a structured team training program
The first step in building an AI-enabled cybersecurity team is to implement a structured training program that focuses on both foundational cybersecurity principles and advanced AI applications. These programs should offer certifications and courses from accreditation bodies and industry leaders to meet high standards. For example, courses offered by INE Security provide comprehensive training covering both traditional cybersecurity skills and new AI-based tools. An ideal training program would include:
- Skills Gap Analysis: Conduct an analysis to identify areas where your team’s capabilities can be improved, especially around AI integration.
- Customized Curriculum Development: A training curriculum that incorporates both core cybersecurity principles and advanced AI applications to address identified cybersecurity skills gaps.
- Blended Learning Approach: We combine online courses, hands-on labs, and real-world scenario simulations to accommodate a variety of learning styles and strengthen practical application skills.
2. Foster a learning culture
It’s equally important to build a culture that encourages continuous learning and curiosity. At Google, for example, we foster a learning culture that encourages employees to spend 20% of their time learning new skills or working on side projects, many of which relate to AI and cybersecurity innovations. This not only keeps employee skills up to date, it also helps with talent retention and fosters a proactive approach to security challenges.
To effectively implement a learning culture that supports the development of AI-enabled cybersecurity teams, organizations can adopt several strategies.
- Providing access to resources: We offer subscriptions to leading industry publications, access to specialized online courses, and participation in relevant conferences and seminars focused on AI and cyber security.
- Encourage continuous learning: Establish a reward system that recognizes and incentivizes team members who proactively take on new skills or obtain new certifications, especially those who integrate AI technologies with cybersecurity practices.
- Creating an Innovation Lab: Create dedicated spaces and time where employees can experiment with new technologies and develop new solutions outside of their regular work, encouraging creative thinking and practical application of learned skills.
3. Use simulation-based learning
Simulation-based learning tools like cyber ranges provide hands-on experience dealing with real-world cybersecurity scenarios and help users learn how to use AI. Cyber ranges provide a simulated environment where experts can safely use AI tools to deal with real-world cyber threats without the risk of impacting actual operations.This hands-on lab from INE Security is a great example:). This hands-on experience is essential to understanding how to integrate AI into cybersecurity practice to detect, analyze, and mitigate threats. Training at a cyber range allows team members to develop and refine their skills in a controlled, realistic environment, improving their ability to effectively leverage AI in real-world settings. Hands-on experience also helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, increasing the team’s overall readiness and ability to respond to emerging cyber threats.
To effectively leverage cyber scope to build an AI-enabled cybersecurity team, consider implementing the following strategies:
- Regular tabletop exercises: Include regular sessions at cyber ranges in your team’s training schedule, ensuring consistent practice and skill development in handling AI-driven security scenarios.
- Variety of scenarios: Develop a variety of threat scenarios that reflect the latest AI-powered attack techniques and the most common threats specific to your organization’s industry. This variety prepares your team for a range of potential real-world situations.
- Cross-functional exercises: Include team members from different functional areas in your cyber range sessions to foster a comprehensive understanding of how AI impacts different aspects of cybersecurity across your organization.
- Post-exercise review: Debriefings will be conducted after each cyber range exercise to discuss what was learned and how it can be applied, reinforcing and integrating lessons learned into daily practice.
4. Encourage participation in hackathons and competitions
Participating in hackathons and cybersecurity competitions also plays an important role in continuous learning. These events challenge participants to solve complex problems with innovative solutions, often under time constraints. They’re a great way to learn new skills, test existing ones, and keep up with the latest in cybersecurity and AI technologies.
To effectively implement a strategy to drive participation in hackathons and competitions, organizations can adopt the following approaches:
- Raise awareness: Regularly inform team members about upcoming events Hackathons and Contests Highlight the benefits of participation, such as improved skills and increased awareness, through internal newsletters, conferences, or dedicated communication channels.
- Encourage participation: Offer incentives to participants, especially those who perform well in these events, such as bonuses, extra vacation days, and recognition within your organization.
- Post-event learning sessionAfter each event, we hold a session where participants can share their experiences, learnings and new techniques they discovered during the competition, spreading new knowledge across the team and strengthening the skill base of the organization.
Conclusion
Integrating AI into cybersecurity is not just an enhancement to existing frameworks; it is a fundamental change that requires new expertise. Continuous learning is essential for cybersecurity professionals to remain effective in their role as defenders of digital assets. Embracing a culture of continuing education and leveraging advanced training tools and techniques can help cybersecurity teams become more resilient and adaptable, needed to stay one step ahead of attackers in this rapidly changing digital world.
As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, so must the capabilities of those charged with protecting against them. An investment in continuous learning is an investment in the future security of our digital lives.
For more information on INE Security’s cybersecurity training and certification, click here. here.
About INE Security:
INE Security is a leading provider of online networking and cyber security training and certification. With the world’s most powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, a global video delivery network, and world-class instructors, INE Security is the premier training destination for business cyber security training for Fortune 500 companies around the world, as well as IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INE Security’s suite of learning paths is committed to delivering unparalleled cyber security expertise, delivering advanced technical training, and lowering the barriers to entry for people around the world looking to succeed in IT careers.
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