The presence of AI-related threats is leading the cybersecurity community at large to change strategies and focus more on prevention capabilities. According to Deep Instinct, a cybersecurity company that implements artificial intelligence for the purpose of preventing and detecting malware, 75% of security professionals had to change their cybersecurity strategy in the past year due to AI-powered threats. In particular, deepfakes are on the rise with 61% of organizations experiencing a rise in deepfake incidents over the past year. This shift is causing cybersecurity professionals to step away from relying on legacy, reactive cybersecurity tools like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and implement a “prevention-first” approach as these threats continue to rise.

Defending against AI attacks with a prevention-first approach

According to the report, 41% of organizations still rely on EDR solutions which cannot combat next-generation, AI-powered cyber threats. EDR should be a last resort. Prevention-first strategies are designed to block an attack from ever reaching the endpoint, significantly reducing the need to respond to threats.

In-depth analyses show that a prevention-first cybersecurity strategy is easier, more effective, and more cost-efficient than reliance on detection methodologies alone. It requires a shift in mindset to be proactive rather than reactive. This happens as an organization develops a security-first culture. According to many, a prevention-first approach is the only way to effectively combat the rising risk posed by AI threats. Fortunately, the industry is starting to shift its mindset from “assume breach” to prevention. For more information, visit Help Net Security.