SafetyDetectives spoke with Tim Hankins, Senior VP at Judy Security, about the challenges of implementing AI and ML cybersecurity solutions and how they are changing the cybersecurity space. Published on: July 12, 2023

Can you introduce yourself and tell me about your current role at Judy Security?

My name is Tim Hankins and I’m the Senior Vice President of Growth at Judy Security, responsible for driving revenue growth, sales, customer success and marketing as well as growing the demand for Judy, our all-in-one cybersecurity platform, leveraging AI and machine learning to deliver next-generation, 24/7 protection and support for companies who lack the time, expertise and capital to successfully implement these solutions on their own.

What is Judy, and how is it different than traditional cybersecurity protection?

Judy is a virtual cybersecurity assistant designed to help SMB teams work safely and
efficiently, while leveraging powerful, industry-leading technology to protect customer endpoints and environments. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, Judy delivers 24/7 protection and support for companies that lack the time, expertise, and capital to implement these solutions on their own. Unlike existing point products in the market, Judy’s comprehensive suite of security features provides enterprise-grade protection at an affordable price for SMBs:

• Endpoint Detection and Response
• DNS Filtering
• Password Manager
• Judy’s Blue Team Cloud SIEM + XDR
• Automated Compliance Management and Reporting
• Secure Authentication
• Security Awareness Training

What are some of the key challenges in implementing AI-driven cybersecurity solutions?

In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, implementing AI-driven solutions can seem like a daunting task, especially for businesses lacking in-house expertise. Let’s dive into the top challenges they face:

• Challenge #1: Data Quality and Availability – AI algorithms thrive on high-quality, diverse datasets. However, obtaining relevant and labeled data can be as tricky as cracking a secret code. Additionally, data privacy regulations can limit access to certain types of data, making it even more challenging.
• Challenge #2: The Talent Gap – Finding skilled professionals who understand both cybersecurity and AI/ML is like searching for a needle in a digital haystack. The shortage of these talented individuals poses a real hurdle for businesses looking to develop, deploy, and maintain AI-driven solutions effectively.
• Challenge #3: Battling Adversarial Attacks – Those mischievous adversaries are always ready to throw a wrench into the works. Adversarial attacks aim to deceive AI algorithms, making them less effective in detecting threats. Protecting AI models from such attacks and building robust defenses is an ongoing cat-and-mouse game.
• Challenge #4: Embracing Explainability and Transparency – AI algorithms can be as complex as unraveling a tangled web. Understanding why an AI system made a particular decision can be perplexing. Yet, transparency and interpretability are vital for building trust and complying with regulations.

What roles does machine learning play in improving the accuracy and effectiveness of cybersecurity systems?

Machine learning (ML) emerges as the superhero of cybersecurity, boosting accuracy and effectiveness in several key areas:

• Swift Detection – ML algorithms spot anomalies faster than a speeding bullet. By learning from historical data, they can quickly identify deviations that might indicate malicious activities. Say goodbye to lurking intrusions; ML saves the day with faster incident detection.
• Malware Menace Neutralized – ML algorithms train on vast datasets, equipping them to recognize patterns and features of malicious code. Like vigilant guardians, they thwart new malware variants, keeping systems safe from digital mischief.
• User Behavior Insights – ML algorithms analyze user activities, sniffing out potential insider threats and compromised accounts. They become the watchful eyes that distinguish normal behavior from the villains’ sneaky tactics.
• Real-Time Defense – With ML, network security transforms into an impenetrable fortress. Algorithms scrutinize network traffic, headers, and other attributes, enabling real-time detection of suspicious activities. The cyber villains won’t know what hit them.

How do AI-driven solutions contribute to proactive threat intelligence and incident response?

Imagine a utopia where AI-driven solutions act as vigilant protectors, ensuring proactive threat intelligence and incident response:

• Automated Vigilance – These solutions automate data analysis, predict threats, and provide real-time monitoring and alerts. They become the trusty sidekicks, keeping businesses one step ahead of potential dangers.
• Unmasking Hidden Threats – AI assists security analysts in uncovering hidden patterns and indicators of compromise, making it harder for cyber villains to hide. It’s like having a superhero’s sixth sense for detecting lurking threats.
• Adaptive Defenses – When incidents strike, AI automates response actions, allowing human analysts to focus on the bigger picture. Like superheroes, AI systems continuously learn and adapt to stay ahead of ever-evolving threats.

In the battle against cyber villains, AI-driven solutions empower businesses to protect themselves from digital miscreants. So, buckle up and embrace the power of AI, as we unveil a safer digital world for the good guys!

How do you see cybersecurity evolving, and what new advancements or trends do you anticipate?

Cyber threats to small and mid-sized businesses are really the same as they are for larger enterprises, the differences being the size and complexity of the attack surface and little to no dedicated security resources. Recently, there has been an uptick in the number of ransomware attacks, however phishing, malware, and credential stealing, along with ransomware, continue to be the biggest threats to any organization. Additionally, businesses are struggling with the fundamentals of security hygiene: vulnerability management, credential and privilege management, multi-factor authentication and defined (and tested) incident response plans. As the adage goes as much as things change, they stay the same.

SHAULI ZACKS PUBLISHED ON: July 12, 2023