Artificial intelligence and blockchain are 21st-century technologies driving innovations across the board. As the world moves toward decentralization, more apps and solutions will increasingly rely on blockchain technology. The modern data-centric informational age also calls for AI’s impeccable analytical capacity. Both technologies are being used to enhance security, privacy, personalization, audits, and decision-making. Here’s a look at how AI and blockchain combine to bolster security against cyber-attacks:
Securing Transactions Through Crypto
Blockchain-backed cryptocurrencies have become a popular choice for people seeking anonymity online. Cryptocurrencies were first embraced by the gaming industry, where casinos accepted Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals. Over time, crypto became synonymous with online gaming to a point where nearly all top US and UK top online casinos accept multiple cryptocurrencies for payments. Some even have exclusive bonuses, like slot free spins or live dealer show bets for crypto deposits. Other industries, like finance, banking, retail, healthcare, supply chain, and cybersecurity, have since caught on and fully embraced Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital coins.
Cryptocurrencies rely on blockchain, which is an immutable ledger built on advanced cryptography. Transactions recorded on a blockchain cannot be altered or reversed. The ecosystem is regulated by all existing nodes, with no particular central authority, reducing the risk of targeted attacks. Online stores like Amazon, Shopify, and Microsoft already accept crypto payments and e-Commerce sellers can easily integrate such options for their users. Buyers can send funds directly from the exchange site to the merchant’s crypto address.
Map User Behavior With Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence offers the opportunity to analyze user behavior for patterns. For instance, casino providers can gather data about games played, bonuses claimed, betting amounts, and time spent. Employers can also analyze login times, accessed files, and any edits made to existing databases. Thanks to machine learning, AI systems analyze all collected metrics to identify patterns that sum up user behavior. The patterns are stored and compared with new data to continue creating a robust profile.
If another user gains access to the account or network, AI can detect discrepancies in how they navigate and explore existing resources. For example, AI can note suspicious login times, withdrawal requests to new payment systems or bank details, and navigation patterns that don’t align with the usual behavior. Suspicious activity is flagged immediately and a notification is sent to the cybersecurity team or user. AI systems can also restrict access to sensitive parts or block the user from the account, requiring additional authentication. Mapping user behavior allows for autonomous monitoring to spot and block unauthorized access as early as possible.
Combining AI and Blockchain for Network Monitoring
Cybersecurity teams are already using AI and blockchain systems together to bolster security against attacks. Blockchain ledgers allow the creation of immutable records. Companies can take snapshots of their networks and resources and record them on a blockchain. The snapshots are taken every few seconds or minutes and timestamped. Blockchain records are then analyzed autonomously by sophisticated AI algorithms that can flag suspicious activity like DDoS attacks that overwhelm network resources.
Since blockchain records are permanent, hackers can’t hide or eliminate their trail after accessing a network. AI flags suspicious activity early, activating specific security protocols to kick out hackers. Early detection also protects the network from further infiltration and AI systems can then analyze the attack and update security patches to prevent similar breaches. There are many other ways AI and blockchain combine to enhance cybersecurity. Companies can use blockchain to record various data sets and AI to analyze them for accurate trails.
The Future of Cybersecurity
AI and blockchain provide enhanced security and defense against current and emerging threats. However, hackers have access to the same technologies and can analyze their steps to determine the reason for failure and create more sophisticated attacks. What arises is a never-ending rat race between cybersecurity teams and hackers, with either party gaining the upper hand for a short while, only for a new solution to force them back to the drawing board. The future of cybersecurity promises advanced AI-powered defenses and integrated technologies used to identify and neutralize sophisticated malware and attacks.
