Can AI Revolutionize Cybersecurity?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly enhanced cyber protection, according to industry experts at the 2024 Beijing Cyber Security Conference (BCS 2024), which started on Wednesday. They emphasized the global nature of cyberattacks and the need for international cooperation.

The theme of this year’s conference is “AI-driven security.” Participants highlighted that security is crucial for development, and development ensures security.

AI in Cybersecurity

Wang Yingkang, from the Cyberspace Administration of China, explained that with AI advancements, hackers can create more sophisticated cyberattacks and phishing tools. Cybersecurity has shifted from person-to-person and human-machine battles to AI-based attacks and defenses.

Qi Xiangdong, chairman of Qi An Xin Technology Group, pointed out the clear trend: AI is essential for safety. He noted the challenge of balancing limited security resources with the goal of 100 percent security, stating that AI is key to resolving this issue. Qi An Xin’s survey of 100 large enterprises revealed that 86 percent have fewer than 10 cybersecurity staff, and only 1 percent have over 30.

Qi emphasized that AI can significantly enhance cybersecurity across multiple stages, improving protection capabilities by tens or even thousands of times. However, this improvement depends on data, systems, and standards. He called for advancements in data, computing power, and algorithms to fully harness AI’s potential in cybersecurity.

Impact of AI on Cybersecurity

The rapid growth of AI is driving innovation in cybersecurity, and this effect will grow as AI becomes more integrated into various industries. Gong Ke, executive director of the Chinese Institute of New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Strategies, stated that AI is becoming a crucial productive force in China, and its trend towards increased intelligence is inevitable across industries. Gong stressed that not developing AI poses the biggest security risk, advocating for the integration of AI and cybersecurity innovation.

International Cooperation

Industry experts also stressed the need for global cooperation in cybersecurity, as cyberattacks are a worldwide issue in an increasingly connected, digital, and intelligent world.

BCS 2024 and Future Goals

Since its inception in 2019, the BCS has hosted over 2,000 politicians, industry leaders, and cybersecurity experts from more than 30 countries. The 2024 conference brought together over 100 experts from more than 10 countries, along with 200 corporate representatives from various industries, to discuss AI-driven security in fields like data, energy, finance, transportation, and manufacturing.

You Jing, an official from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, announced that Beijing aims to enhance its cybersecurity industry by improving policies and creating industrial clusters with complementary strengths. The development of a national cybersecurity industrial park in Beijing is expected to boost the cybersecurity industry both locally and nationally.