Cyber Security Vs Machine Learning? (Differences Checked)


Over the years, technology has gradually become an integral part of the world, guiding businesses, education, and our daily lives. This development has led to the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and just as much, a rise in cybercrime. Therefore, it is important to learn the distinction between cybersecurity and machine learning, their connection, and their contribution to the technological environment. 

So, what is the difference between cyber security and machine learning? Machine learning involves using algorithms to design and program artificial intelligence (AI), while cybersecurity is protecting computer networks from malicious external attacks. As technology becomes more advanced, it will require more complex skills to detect malicious activities and computer networks’ flaws.

Large data sets are transferred daily within computer networks and servers, making it challenging for specialists to detect suspicious activities. With few experts in information technology (IT) available, artificial intelligence may be one important strategy for improving cybersecurity. Read on to learn more about machine learning and cybersecurity.

What Is the Difference Between Cybersecurity and Machine Learning?

Machine learning is the process of designing and programming artificial intelligence to enable a system to learn by establishing patterns to give output. On the other hand, cybersecurity is the defense mechanism used to prevent malicious attacks on computers and electronic devices.

Cyber insecurity is one of the many challenges of human interference with technology. Hackers use their skills to infiltrate weak systems to steal data or destroy computers and other devices.

Globally, cybersecurity threats have increased rapidly. Every year there are cybercrime reports in various sectors with cases at the individual level, company level, and even an entire country. According to RiskBased Security, there were an astounding 7 billion fraud cases in the first months of 2019. A figure that is almost double the value of the previous year.  

Experts argue that anyone with vast knowledge in machines and computer applications can easily manipulate machine learning by requesting unauthorized access. Other experts state that machine learning is one of the remedies to alleviate cybercrime. Given that vast data is transferred between different devices daily, we need a more advanced system to detect even the slightest inconsistencies.

We can deploy machine learning to detect any cybersecurity threats. It is also faster and more accurate compared to using analysts. Many firms are incorporating machine learning and artificial intelligence to aid in cybersecurity.

Users enjoy the following from machine learning regarding cybersecurity: Scanning and detecting malware and malicious activities, fast data analysis of extensive data, and adjustment of systems without the need for professional input.

There is a visible and necessary integration between machine learning and cybersecurity. Over the years, firms have deployed machine learning to aid in curbing cybercrimes. It has proven to be a fast and easy way to analyze a large volume of data, making it one of the best options in detecting the slightest security breach.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity protects networks, servers, computers, and other electronic devices from malicious external attacks. It refers to the process of keeping sensitive data away from unauthorized users.

Categories of Cybersecurity

The main goal of cybersecurity is to maintain the safety of the user’s private files to prevent access by unauthorized parties. The following are some forms of cybersecurity.

1. Application Security

It is the protection of software data, especially in applications, from unauthorized access. This includes the design stage of the app with securing a user’s data being one of the primary goals. Hackers can easily infiltrate apps to access personal files.

2. Information Security

Daily, network users store and transfer data. Therefore, the data must be safe at all times. Cybersecurity is keen on the users’ information integrity to ensure that any information you feed to a system does not leak to external sources.

3. Network Security

Expert hackers can easily find a loophole in a network and attack the system. Network security is concerned with the safety of computers and other devices.

4. End-User Education

It entails the incorrect use of electronic devices by the user. One can introduce viruses to their systems if they do not adhere to the laid down procedures. For instance, users can cause faults in a system by opening malicious emails, using wrong plugins for their devices, or generally not following instructions.

5. Operational Security

It involves the permissions that users give to networks to access personal data, including; data storage and data sharing. During set up or download of data from the internet, the user accepts specific actions. Unsuspecting users may unknowingly allow access to their private information.

Threats to Cybersecurity

The following are some common cybersecurity threats on electronic devices. These are used by fraudsters to spy or commit cybercrime.

1. Malware

The term stands for malicious software. Malware is used by hackers to damage a user’s computer. Various types of malware that can affect a device include adware, ransomware, Trojans, viruses, botnets, and spyware.

2. Phishing

Unauthorized parties use phishing to dupe unsuspecting users into providing sensitive personal data such as credit card information. They send emails posing as companies requesting for personal information to target victims.

3. SQL Injection

It stands for Structured Language Query that attackers use to obtain data illegally. They use applications to gain user’s information by sending codes that can access personal data when accepted.

4. Man-in-the-Middle

It is when hackers infiltrate communication channels to obtain personal information. Attackers take advantage of unsecured Wi-Fi to steal data that a user provides to a network.

To prevent such attacks on your devices and networks, you need a service that guarantees your data privacy. AWS is a web service that offers data protection by detecting malicious activities and preventing unauthorized data access, especially from common attacks. It also monitors your network to keep it safe and note any irregularities.

What Is Machine Learning?

Machine learning is the process of designing and developing algorithms to enable artificial intelligence (AI) to learn or improve without programming. It involves providing computer applications with information that they can use to learn for themselves without human involvement. By establishing patterns, they can make their own decisions in the future.

Categories of Machine Learning

There are various forms of machine learning. It all depends on the task you need to perform and the bulk of the data.

1. Supervised Machine Learning

The algorithm relies on a sample of well-labeled data that are part of a broader data set. With this information, the algorithm gets trained on what the final output should be, and by the end of the training, it can model a relationship between inputs and outputs. One can compare the values with the correct output then correct the model if errors are present.

2. Unsupervised Machine Learning

Unlike supervised machine learning, this method does not require human involvement. The system uses unlabeled data; hence, it can take on more extensive data sets. It does this by creating hidden structures, which makes it one of the most versatile techniques.

They can easily model relationships between the inputs and the outputs and give accurate results since they use more massive data sets. The main advantage of this method is that it is easy to manipulate the data, given that it can automatically change hidden structures.

3. Semi-Supervised Machine Learning

It relies on both labeled and unlabeled data using both small and large data sets. If more skills and resources are available, unlabeled data is used, but labeled data does not require many resources. Combining these systems ensures more accuracy during the training process, unlike only supervised methods.

4. Reinforcement Machine Learning

This method trains the algorithm to give the best possible result using trial and error. The technique is almost psychological, as with humans, where the system runs the output on an interpreter to shows how accurate/ effective the solution is. Better results are encouraged by the use of a reward system.

Suppose the solution is inaccurate, the algorithm iterates until it reaches a more useful output. It encourages the system to produce the most effective answer possible.

There are AWS machine learning services that you can use in your day-to-day activities. These services include:

  • Text to speech output.
  • Image recognition.
  • Natural language processing.
  • Speech to text output.
  • Detection and comparison of faces.

Final Take

Generally, cybersecurity is distinct from machine learning. One is used to enhance artificial intelligence (machine learning), while the other keeps networks and systems safe (cybersecurity).

While machine learning aims to improve and modernize technology, cybersecurity threats derail growth. Machine learning reduces human involvement by making decisions automatically; hence, more accurate.

However, experts can integrate the two by using machine learning to promote cybersecurity. Since large data sets are transferred daily within computer networks and servers, it becomes a challenge for specialists to detect suspicious activities. They can incorporate artificial intelligence technology in machine learning to detect and solve cybercrimes.

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