Written Assignment 8 LIB-4950 Randy Barham
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Thomas Edison State College *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
4950
Subject
Communications
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
6
Uploaded by SuperHumanBookStingray38
Written Assignment 8
Randy Barham
Thomas Edison State University
LIB-4950 Liberal Arts Capstone
Dr. Augustus Black
March 3, 2024
Introduction
The emergence of generative AI technology in the field of cybersecurity signifies a major
shift in our digital age, bringing about both incredible opportunities and significant challenges. This technology’s ability to autonomously learn, adapt, and create new data has changed the game in how we develop and implement cybersecurity defenses. By making the detection and response to cyber threats automatic, generative AI greatly improves the efficiency and effectiveness of security measures, offering a stronger defense against the complex cyber attacks we see today.
Yet, the impact of generative AI isn’t just defensive; it introduces new complexities and ethical concerns. If used improperly, the same technology could give cyber attackers new tools to
develop more advanced strategies that might bypass existing security measures. This double-
edged sword highlights the importance of a balanced approach to using generative AI in cybersecurity, stressing the need for thorough consideration of the ethical, regulatory, and technical guidelines that oversee AI’s use to ensure we maximize its benefits while minimizing risks and vulnerabilities. This approach requires a careful exploration of how we apply this technology (Boulanin, 2019; Katz, 2020).
Discoveries and Insights
Generative AI is praised for its ability to significantly improve cybersecurity defenses, enabling automatic identification and mitigation of cyber threats with remarkable efficiency. This goes beyond speed to include thorough analyses that can spot complex patterns and vulnerabilities that might be overlooked by humans. The significant role of generative AI in
cybersecurity is demonstrated by its adaptability and learning capabilities, allowing defense strategies to evolve in step with emerging threats.
However, the capability of generative AI to assist in creating advanced cyber-attacks presents a real challenge to current security measures. The same features that make AI invaluable
in defense could be used to develop highly complex and targeted cyber-attacks. This potential misuse highlights the need for careful deployment of generative AI within cybersecurity, ensuring that the advancements in defense do not inadvertently facilitate more effective attack methods (Gerstein, 2022; Horowitz, 2020).
Areas of Agreement and Disagreement
In examining the impact of generative AI on cybersecurity, there's a general consensus on
its defensive benefits. Researchers agree on its role in improving threat detection and response, indicating a belief that generative AI can significantly strengthen cybersecurity, making digital spaces safer against attacks. Kania (2017) points out the strategic benefits generative AI offers in
cybersecurity, including its ability to automate complex processes and enhance threat detection.
The conversation, however, splits when it comes to the offensive risks associated with generative AI. While some experts highlight the transformative potential of generative AI in cybersecurity practices, others point to the ethical and control challenges it poses. Guyonneau & Le Dez (2019) emphasize the ethical questions and the risk of losing control over AI systems, arguing that without proper safeguards, the application of generative AI could unintentionally increase cyber threats. This debate reflects a wider discussion on balancing the innovative potential of generative AI against the need to address its ethical implications and misuse risks.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Personal Opinion
Reflecting on the literature, I strongly believe that the benefits of using generative AI in enhancing cybersecurity significantly outweigh the risks, provided that there is thorough ethical oversight and regulatory control. This viewpoint is based on the conviction that progress in AI-
driven security is crucial for effectively dealing with the constantly evolving cyber threat landscape.
However, the implementation of such technologies must be approached with a strong ethical foundation. Ensuring AI’s use in cybersecurity is governed by strict ethical standards and legal regulations is critical, to not only improve security measures but also to ensure these technological advancements are in line with moral values and legal requirements (Kasapoğlu & Kırdemir, 2019).
Support and Challenges to the Thesis
Support for my thesis comes from the documented impact of AI in improving cybersecurity capabilities, particularly in enhancing threat detection and response. Braw (2023) highlights AI’s transformative effect on security, providing sophisticated solutions that considerably narrow the opportunity for cyber threats to exploit system weaknesses. This technological progress is key to my argument for the potential of AI to mitigate the risks it might
bring.
On the other hand, the discourse on AI in cybersecurity is not without its challenges. Ethical issues regarding the misuse of AI technology pose a significant barrier. Conti & Fanelli (2019) stress the importance of a comprehensive governance framework that addresses ethical and regulatory requirements. The focus here is on AI’s dual-use nature, which, while beneficial for strengthening cybersecurity, could also be used to develop advanced cyber threats.
Addressing these issues demands a collective effort to innovate responsibly. The advancement and application of AI in cybersecurity should be pursued with an acute understanding of its ethical implications, advocating for governance frameworks that promote technological progress while preventing ethical breaches.
Conclusion
The in-depth review of generative AI’s role in cybersecurity reveals a complex interplay between its potential to improve digital security and the ethical challenges it presents. This analysis brings to light the strategic benefits of AI in automating and enhancing threat detection and response, backed by strong support in academic literature. It also acknowledges the obstacles
posed by ethical concerns and the potential for misuse, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive governance frameworks. Future research should aim at developing ethical standards that keep pace with security technology innovations, ensuring that the rapid advancements in AI technology are matched with high ethical and regulatory standards. This balanced approach guarantees that AI’s deployment in cybersecurity not only bolsters defense mechanisms but also adheres to ethical and legal norms, protecting the digital landscape from emerging threats.
References
Boulanin, V. (2019). Artificial Intelligence: A Primer
. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Braw, E. (2023). AI and Gray-Zone Aggression: Risks and Opportunities
. American Enterprise Institute.
Conti, G., & Fanelli, R. (2019
). How Could They Not: Thinking Like a State Cyber Threat Actor
. The Cyber Defense Review.
Gerstein, D. M. (2022). Better Anticipating and Managing Today’s Growing Cyber Risks
. The Cyber Defense Review.
Guyonneau, R., & Le Dez, A. (2019). Artificial Intelligence in Digital Warfare: Introducing the Concept of the Cyberteammate
. The Cyber Defense Review.
Horowitz, M. C. (2020). AI and the Diffusion of Global Power.
Centre for International Governance Innovation.
Kania, E. B. (2017). Battlefield Singularity: Artificial Intelligence, Military Revolution, and China’s Future Military Power
. Center for a New American Security.
Kasapoğlu, C., & Kırdemir, B. (2019). Wars of None: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Conflict
. Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies.
Katz, B. (2020). The Intelligence Edge: Opportunities and Challenges from Emerging Technologies for U.S. Intelligence
. Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help