Smart Defense: How Artificial Intelligence Can Reduce Ransomware Risks – FedTech Magazine

Another day, another ransomware attack. Encouraged by expanding networks and empowered by the ongoing global shift to a hybrid and remote workforce, threat groups are aggressively developing new ways to extort money from vulnerable organizations.

In late summer, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned about potential ransomware attacks on federal services over Labor Day weekend.

While no breaches were reported, The Washington Post notes that ransomware attacks on government operations have steadily increased over the past few years, with at least 400 U.S. cities and counties compromised since 2016. CISA has launched a Stop Ransomware site, which offers educational and operational guidance to help agencies avoid attacks.

But information alone isn’t enough to curb ransomware. Organizations need solutions capable of proactively protecting endpoints, networks and services from security threats at scale. Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies provide the foundation for improved defense — but how do they work in practice?

“We pioneered AI and ML in security and bringing these tools to the endpoint,” says Tom Cameron, a sales engineer at BlackBerry, which completed its acquisition of Cylance in February 2019. Now, the company is developing new ways to outsmart attackers and reduce ransomware risks.

DISCOVER: Learn how to protect your agency’s endpoints with advanced security…