General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), in partnership with Splunk, has released a new research study on Federal agencies’ defensive cyber operations, revealing the vital role of AI in preemptively identifying and mitigating cyber threats.
Specifically, agencies said they recognize the potential of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, with 26 percent valuing its capacity for real-time threat detection and 25 percent underlining the consequential role of automation in real-time mitigation and countermeasures.
“The landscape of cyber threats is vast and ever evolving, but our research paints a picture of federal agencies innovating, adopting proactive measures, and adapting their strategies as needed,” GDIT Vice President of Cyber Matthew McFadden wrote in the report issued on Nov. 7. “Our research provides insights into the role of real-time data, the potential of AI, and the impact of automation; and this report provides a clear-eyed view of where we stand and where we need to go.”
GDIT’s Digital Consulting Practice partnered with an independent research firm to design an online survey of 200 Federal government leaders across defense, civilian, intelligence and homeland security agencies.
“In light of the White House’s recent executive order on artificial intelligence, agencies are poised to further integrate AI to bolster their cyber defenses,” the report says. “This directive catalyzes a strategic shift, encouraging a proactive stance in adopting AI-driven solutions to anticipate, identify, and neutralize cyber threats more efficiently.”
Specifically, the report says that Federal agencies must begin harnessing AI to navigate the data surge.
The research finds that 41 percent of respondents find themselves overwhelmed with data, pointing to the need for more skilled professionals and better analytic tools to identify critical threats.
“The way forward hinges on adeptly navigating this burgeoning data landscape, bolstering real-time analytics with AI-driven tools, and harnessing skilled personnel for deeper data insights. Adopting security data management strategies, especially for hybrid environments, and leveraging cloud-native security paired with advanced AI and ML tools, can provide agencies with a decisive edge in tackling these challenges,” the report says.
The report also finds that human oversights – often unintentional – can create significant vulnerabilities, a sentiment echoed by 42 percent of respondents. The report called on agencies to leverage automation to offset this human error.
“The roadmap to fortification involves focusing on resilience, repeatability, and automation, adopting a ‘secure by design’ ethos, and integrating AI to enhance decision-making processes,” the document reads.
GDIT’s research offers agencies six recommendations for advancing defensive cyber operations, including emphasizing a cyberdata strategy, force multiplying with AI and ML, and championing automation.
