The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving technical and managerial cybersecurity tasks’ efficiency

Abstract

Purpose Artificial intelligence (AI) can assist in the worldwide shortage of cybersecurity workers in technical and managerial roles. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of AI in automating many of the routine tasks associated with cybersecurity. As such, AI enables cybersecurity personnel to reduce their workloads and focus on more strategic aspects of their work. Design/methodology/approach This study is an exploratory field study. The authors started by conducting a literature review to assess the possibility that AI tools can provide and how they can improve cybersecurity efficacy. Following this, the authors identified the specific core tasks for two cybersecurity work roles (technical and managerial) and searched for specific commercial tools that can perform each of the tasks. Then, the authors used the free ChatGPT 3.5 to list the current cybersecurity systems that use AI for the associated tasks, which the authors then reviewed with the tools’ documentation and websites to confirm these tasks were conducted or assisted by AI. Findings Results indicated that all 14 cybersecurity tasks of the technical work role are currently noted to be performed by commercial cybersecurity systems with AI-integrated capabilities, while only 11 of the 17 managerial work role tasks currently appear to be performed by AI. Practical implications The rapid integration of AI capabilities into commercial cybersecurity systems may suggest that the cybersecurity workforce must be currently trained on how to use AI tools in their daily operations, especially as it pertains to technical cybersecurity work roles. Social implications The cybersecurity workforce shortage is reported to exceed four million cybersecurity workers worldwide in 2023. Thus, further understanding of the role of AI in improving the efficiency of technical and managerial cybersecurity tasks is significant. Originality/value The value of this research lies in the initial assessment of the current AI capabilities of commercial cybersecurity systems, which will ultimately provide the “super-human” performances resulting from human-AI teaming.