Welcome to the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI)! In this blog post, we dig deep into the concept of artificial intelligence and explore its history, current applications and even its role in cybersecurity. So, what exactly is the artificial intelligence definition, and how has it evolved?

Artificial Intelligence Definition: A Brief Overview

Artificial intelligence, often abbreviated as AI, is a revolutionary field of computer science that empowers computer systems to adapt to changing scenarios and perform tasks typically associated with human intellect. While some may perceive AI as nothing more than a buzzword, its origins can be traced back to the visionary ideas of luminaries like Alan Turing in the 1950s. 

Turing envisioned a future where computers could mimic human intelligence, whether it was in a game of chess or more complex endeavors. 

A Historical Journey Through AI

Let’s take a quick journey through the history of AI to understand its evolution better:

• 1950: Alan Turing introduces the Turing Test.
• 1956: The term “artificial intelligence” is coined.
• 1963: Machine learning theory is developed.
• 1965: Chatbot ELIZA makes its debut.
• 1972: AI aids in the discovery of bacteria.
• 1982: Theories about neural networks gain popularity.
• 1991: The U.S. military develops DART for logistics.
• 1997: AI defeats the reigning chess world champion.
• 2000: AI becomes pivotal in data analysis for large organizations.
• 2006: The NSA employs AI for speech recognition.
• 2011: IBM’s Watson makes history by winning at Jeopardy!
• 2014: AI gains the ability to describe images.
• 2016: AlphaGo triumphs over the Go champion.
• 2023: OpenAI’s ChatGPT surpasses 100 million users in two months.

This historical journey showcases the gradual progression of artificial intelligence from its inception to becoming a prominent force in the world of technology.

AI: From Hype to Hero

In the last two decades, AI has made tremendous strides in terms of capability and recognition. Think back to IBM’s Deep Blue narrowly defeating the world chess champion Gary Kasparov in 1997 or their Watson AI outsmarting Jeopardy Champions Brad Rutter and Ken Jennings in 2011. These milestones marked the turning point when artificial intelligence entered the mainstream.

Today, AI is an integral part of our daily lives. Consider these examples:

• Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft employ AI and machine learning to calculate fares, predict rider demand and estimate pickup times.
• Depositing checks via a smartphone requires AI to accurately convert handwritten checks into digital text.
• Video games utilize AI to create challenging adversaries that learn from past encounters.
• Music and movie recommendations on platforms like Spotify, Netflix and Pandora are tailored to your preferences thanks to AI.
• Investment management relies on AI to develop and manage financial portfolios in real time.
• Chatbots and virtual assistants handle a wide array of tasks and have become the first line of customer support for many brands.

The adoption of artificial intelligence is set to accelerate further, with a projected economic impact of $15.7 trillion by 2030, as reported by PwC. 

However, this growth also raises concerns, from potential job displacement due to automation to the ability of machines to perform complex tasks like driving.

AI: A Double-Edged Sword in Cybersecurity

One of AI’s standout benefits lies in its capacity to amplify human capabilities, aiding in processing vast amounts of complex data and automating repetitive tasks. While this is promising across various sectors, it also presents challenges in cybersecurity and managed IT:

1. Bypassing CAPTCHA systems: AI techniques enable attackers to bypass CAPTCHA, a tool designed to distinguish humans from bots. Columbia University researchers achieved a 98 percent success rate in breaking Google’s reCAPTCHA using AI.

2. Elevating phishing accuracy: Cybercriminals can use AI to sift through extensive target data and craft highly convincing phishing messages. ZeroFox demonstrated this by targeting Twitter users with SNAP_R, achieving a 30 percent click rate on malicious links.

3. Crafting elusive malware: Hackers have turned to AI to create malware with enhanced evasion capabilities. AI helps malware identify hardware configurations, distinguish between sandbox and physical environments, and determine human versus automated operations. IBM Research’s DeepLocker serves as an example of AI-driven malware with multiple layers of concealment.

Does your organization have the right cyber security essentials? Learn more about getting the right security tools with our free checklist.

How AI Can Help Protect Your Business

As cybersecurity evolves, we find ourselves on the cusp of a new phase where AI and machine learning will wield increasing influence in both offense and defense in the cloud.

Understanding the artificial intelligence definition is not just about recognizing it as a buzzword but appreciating its rich history, its transformative impact on various industries and its potential challenges, especially in cybersecurity. 

If you’d like to know more about how AI can be a game-changer for your large or small business, we invite you to download our comprehensive “AI Technology Guide.”

 In this guide, you’ll find invaluable insights into how AI can address the challenges of security expertise scarcity, resource constraints and the ever-looming threat of zero-day and evasive malware. 

AI can become your automated security analyst, tirelessly safeguarding your organization 24/7. If you want to learn more about AI, contact us or book a meeting with one of our experts.

Download the Guide Now!