AI and Cybersecurity: Insights from RSAC 2023

RSA Conference 2023 was a spectacle of cybersecurity experts vying for attention. One of the most compelling themes this year was the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in strengthening zero-trust architectures and identity management. However, the flip side is that bad actors will also embrace AI to increase the sophistication of cybersecurity attacks. It’s a double-edged sword that will require continued sharpening by security operations teams and the organizations they support. AI is a new technology, and there is still a lot to learn. The role of AIOps is expanding to mitigate security threats arising from AI. Hundreds of announcements were made at RSAC 2023, but Zscaler's release of its 2023 ThreatLabz Phishing Report is especially noteworthy. The report looks at phishing trends, emerging tactics, and the corresponding industries and regions that are vulnerable. AI tools such as ChatGPT make it easier to steal credentials, so this report is an eye-opener. RSAC 2023 emphasized the advantages and disadvantages of AI and multiple cybersecurity reports designed to raise awareness of threats and subsequent remediation, in addition to cybersecurity platform enhancements. This is a welcome change from past RSAC events, which seemed to be zero-trust conventions. Emphasizing improving security outcomes benefits everyone, and I believe that AI is the future of cybersecurity. The country that takes the lead in quantum information systems and AI will have technological and economic advantages over the rest of the world for at least the next half-century. It is time for us to embrace AI and ensure that we are at the forefront of this technological revolution.