Cary, United States, June 20th, 2024, CyberNewsWire

2024 is quickly shaping up as a year of significance for generative AI. Business leaders are grappling with the best way to leverage its transformative power in order to grow efficiency and revenue. AI is now a part of nearly all global technology. This makes it more important than ever to have AI-ready cybersecurity teams. INE security, the leading global cybersecurity training provider and cybersecurity certification provider predicts that large language models (LLM) such as chatbots and virtual assistants powered by AI will be particularly vulnerable.

“AI systems are invaluable. They enable us to process vast quantities of data at unmatched speeds and accuracy, detect anomalies and threats, and respond in real-time to incidents. But these revolutionary technologies also empower attackers and level the playing field on unprecedented levels,” said Lindsey Rinehard COO and Head AI Integration at INE Security. “As the number of automated attacks increases, our defense strategies need to be intelligent and automated.” The increasing arms race between cyber attackers, and defenders, underscores the need for ongoing training and developing cybersecurity teams.

According to the IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, 2024 cybercriminals discussed AI and GPT on more than 800,000 posts made in dark web forums and illicit markets last year. AI training and preparation in infosec is no longer optional. Organizations must train their employees on AI and cybersecurity so that they can remain effective and stay ahead of attackers.

Strategies for optimizing teams for AI and Cybersecurity

1. Incorporate structured team training programs

To build an AI-ready team, the first step is to implement structured training courses that combine both foundational cybersecurity principles with advanced AI applications. These programs should provide certifications and courses offered by recognized institutions and industry leaders in order to meet high standards. For example, INE Security offers courses that cover both traditional cybersecurity skills as well as newer AI-based technologies. The ideal training program includes:

• Analysis of Skills Gaps: Perform an analysis to identify areas where the team may need to improve, especially in AI integration.
• Tailored curriculum development A training program that addresses identified cybersecurity skill gaps, incorporating core cybersecurity principles as well as advanced AI applications.
• Blended learning approach: A combination of online courses, labs and simulations that simulate real-life scenarios to accommodate different learning styles.

2. Promote a culture of learning

It is important to create a culture of curiosity and learning. Google, for example, encourages its employees to spend 20% of their work time learning new skills and working on side projects. Many of these involve AI and cybersecurity innovations. This not only helps to keep their skills current, but also helps retain talent and foster a proactive approach towards security challenges.

Organizations can adopt a variety of strategies to effectively implement a learning culture that supports the development and deployment of AI-ready cybersecurity teams:

• Provide Resources: Offer access to industry publications, online courses and relevant conferences and seminars focusing on AI and cybersecurity.
• Reward Continued Learning: Create a rewards program that recognizes team members that actively learn new skills or earn new certifications. This is especially important for those who integrate AI technologies into cybersecurity practices.
• Create Innovation Labs : Set up dedicated areas or times where employees can experiment or develop new solutions independent of their regular duties. This can stimulate creative thinking and the practical application of skills learned.

3. Leverage simulation-based learning

Cyber ranges are simulation-based learning tools that help users gain experience with real-world cybersecurity situations and learn how to use AI. Cyber ranges are a simulated environment that allows professionals to safely engage and respond with real-world cyber-threats using AI tools without the risk of affecting actual operations. (This hands-on lab by INE Security is a good example). This exposure to real-world AI is essential for understanding how AI can integrate into cybersecurity practices in order to detect, analyze and mitigate threats. In a controlled, yet realistic environment, team members can refine and develop their skills, improving their ability to use AI in real-life environments. The hands-on training also helps to bridge the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge, improving the team’s overall preparedness and responsiveness in the face of emerging cyber threats.

Consider implementing these strategies to build a cybersecurity team that is AI-ready.

• Regular Tabletop exercise: Include regular sessions in the cyber range training schedule. This will ensure that AI-driven security scenarios are handled consistently and with skill refinement.
• Scenario Varieties: Develop different threat scenarios that reflect AI-driven attack methods and the most common threats in the organization’s field. This variety prepares the team for many different real-world scenarios.
• Cross Functional Exercises Include team members from different functional areas in cyber range session to foster a thorough understanding of how AI impacts various aspects of cybersecurity within the organization.
• Post Exercise Reviews: Conduct debriefings after each cyber range to discuss what you learned and how you can apply it. This reinforces lessons and integrates into everyday practices.

4. Hackathons, competitions and encouraging participation

Participation in hackathons or cybersecurity competitions can play a vital role in promoting continuous learning. These events require participants to solve complex issues with innovative solutions and often under time pressure. These events are great for learning new skills, testing out existing ones, and staying up to date with the latest AI and cybersecurity technologies.

Organizations can adopt these approaches to implement a strategy which encourages participation in competitions and hackathons.

• Promote Awareness : Inform team members regularly about upcoming competitions and hackathons via internal newsletters, meetings or dedicated communication channels. Highlight the benefits that come with participation, including skill enhancement and possible recognition.
• Incentivize participation: Offer incentives, such as bonuses, additional vacation days, or public acknowledgement within the organization, to those who participate, and especially those who perform well at these events.
• Post Event Learning Sessions After each event, host a session in which participants can share their experience, learnings and new techniques they discovered during the competition. This helps to disseminate knowledge throughout the team, enriching their skill base.

Conclusion

Integration of AI in cybersecurity is more than just an improvement of existing frameworks. It is a fundamental shift requiring a new type of expertise. For cybersecurity professionals to be effective in their role as defenders, they must continue to learn. By adopting a culture of continuous education and using advanced training tools, cybersecurity teams can develop resilience and adaptability to stay one step in front of attackers in today’s fast-paced digital environment.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, so must the abilities of those who are tasked with protecting themselves. An investment in continual learning is an investment for the future security of digital lives.

Click here to learn more about INE Security’s cybersecurity training and certificates.

About INE Safety:

INE Security is a leading provider of online cybersecurity and networking training and certification. INE Security’s hands-on lab platform is the most powerful in the world. It also features cutting-edge technology and a global video distribution network. World-class instructors are also available. INE Security offers a suite of learning paths that offer an unmatched depth of expertise in cybersecurity. The company is also committed to delivering advanced training and lowering barriers for those who want to enter or excel in an IT profession.

Contact us

Kathryn Brown

INE Security

[email protected]