Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 98 | Page 28

EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
EMAD FAHMY , SYSTEMS ENGINEERING DIRECTOR , NETSCOUT

For CIOs and CISOs , the benchmark for evaluating cybersecurity solutions must evolve to reflect the growing complexities of AI-driven threats . By adopting technologies that prioritise adaptability , predictive capabilities , and seamless integration , organisations can fortify their defences and stay resilient in an increasingly automated threat landscape .

Modern cybersecurity solutions integrate advanced AI capabilities such as large language models , LLMs to analyse and predict threats . These tools can process vast datasets , offering actionable insights through natural language queries .
Modern cybersecurity solutions integrate advanced AI capabilities such as Large Language Models , to analyse and predict threats .
For example , organisations can ask specific questions such as , what threats targeted this network segment yesterday ? or what risks are anticipated next week ? Such predictive analytics enable security teams to stay one step ahead of attackers .
AI-powered automation has enabled attackers to conduct persistent , adaptive campaigns , such as evolving DDoS attacks that exhaust organisational resources . Solutions must include adaptive response systems capable of recognising and mitigating these shifting attack vectors in real time .
Features such as behaviour-based threat detection and automated incident response are now essential for maintaining operational resilience during prolonged assaults .
With supply chain vulnerabilities remaining a critical issue , organisations are demanding greater scrutiny over software updates and third-party integrations . Modern cybersecurity solutions must offer robust risk management tools that evaluate the impact of updates before deployment , ensuring minimal disruption and safeguarding mission-critical systems .
The concept of platformisation is gaining traction as organisations seek unified ecosystems to reduce costs and streamline operations . Next-generation solutions emphasise seamless integration with third-party tools , enhancing overall security while simplifying workflows . These systems not only maximise the value of existing infrastructures but also ensure compatibility with broader operational ecosystems .
As cloud adoption continues to grow , visibility into distributed environments remains a challenge . Leading solutions address this by providing comprehensive monitoring tools tailored for hybrid and multicloud infrastructures . Additionally , businesses are encouraged to adopt multi-cloud strategies to mitigate risks associated with single-provider dependencies .
Phishing campaigns , bolstered by AI , have become more convincing , underscoring the need for solutions that blend human awareness with technical safeguards . Furthermore , expert system-based automation allows attackers to deploy precision strikes with minimal effort . Effective countermeasures include endpoint isolation , user behaviour analytics , and advanced access controls .
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