In today’s increasingly digitised landscape, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for businesses worldwide.

Kamla Hamilton, cybersecurity professional and senior product manager at C&W Business is advocating for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cybersecurity measures as the most effective defence against evolving threats.

According to Hamilton, traditional methods, such as relying solely on antivirus applications, are no longer sufficient to safeguard against sophisticated cyber-attacks, many of which are now AI-driven. 

While hackers have been a concern for enterprises for over two decades, the threat they pose has increased in recent times as they employ more advanced technology to achieve their goals.

Modern hackers use AI to automate aspects of their attacks, gather and analyze large volumes of data and generate highly convincing social engineering tactics, such as phishing emails. AI overall gives hackers powerful tools to target and adapt their attacks, making it more challenging for organisations to defend against them. 

Hamilton stressed the importance of adopting AI-enhanced cybersecurity measures, particularly in detecting and responding to behavioural anomalies associated with malware and ransomware attacks.

“An antivirus application offers a static approach to protection, whereas AI-powered solutions enable real-time detection of emerging threats based on patterns,” Hamilton explained. “By incorporating AI methodologies into cybersecurity controls, businesses can effectively combat the rising tide of AI-driven attacks.”

She shared these insights during her presentation on the ‘Infrastructural Enablers of the Digital Economy’ at the 19th annual JSE Regional Investment Conference.

Hamilton highlighted the vulnerability of the Caribbean to cyber threats, noting that its growing economic significance has made it an attractive target for hackers and bad actors. She underscored the need for businesses and governments alike to make cybersecurity an essential component of the digital economy’s infrastructure.

Hamilton also outlined the importance of investing in talent with diverse skill sets, including cybersecurity expertise and auditing backgrounds. She urged organisations to take a proactive approach to cybersecurity, starting from top management and advocating for policies and legislation that support robust cybersecurity frameworks.

Furthermore, she highlighted the need for a data-driven approach to cybersecurity decision-making, urging businesses to analyze past attacks and industry trends to inform their security strategies effectively. She encouraged organizations to view cybersecurity not as a cost centre but as an enabler for business growth and risk mitigation.

“Investing in cybersecurity is an investment in the trust and resilience of your business,” Hamilton remarked. “By prioritising security measures, organisations can safeguard their reputation, mitigate financial risks, and foster innovation in the digital economy.”

Hamilton concluded by urging businesses to embed security considerations into every aspect of their operations, emphasizing the crucial role of trust in driving customer engagement and business success.