05 April 2019

Thorsten Kurpjuhn, European security market development manager, Zyxel

The reliance on IT systems from hotels, schools and businesses across the UK in general has grown immeasurably. Nearly every member of staff now needs a PC and laptop to carry out their day-to-day tasks. Guests, pupils and suppliers all need to connect their myriad devices to access networks. In a world where technology underpins everything we do, there is a continual need to spin multiple plates to ensure operational efficiency across the network.

The overwhelming amount of data present on a network and the growing number of connected mobile devices, as well as and the ever-increasing risk of cyberthreats, means that the role of network managers in the UK is now a very different beast than before.

The biggest challenge for UK network administrators is now dealing with the sheer volume of cyberthreats. High profile global incidents – including the WannaCry epidemic in May 2017 – demonstrate the lasting impact that cyberthreats can have. Since then there has been a 46 per cent increase in new variants of ransomware, making it increasingly difficult for those in charge to protect their networks.

Also, cryptocurrencies have seen cybercriminals adopt more sophisticated tactics to attack UK businesses. In 2018, the Cyber Threat Alliance reported a 459 per cent increase in the rate of illegal crypto-jacking, suggesting that businesses are yet to implement effective measures to combat the threat. In the midst of these pressures, how can UK businesses combat everything that is thrown at them? Enter artificial intelligence (AI).

AI might sound like a futuristic concept, but its application within network security management is vital. The application of AI within a network firewall adds a valuable layer of self-learning to the monitoring and management process. Effectively, it provides a dedicated pair of eyes and ears across the network. A firewall bolstered with a layer of AI can recognise a threat in real-time, quarantine and analyse it, helping the system to effectively respond and defend against future attacks.

The demands on the network are constantly changing, so it makes sense for its management to also evolve and scale. Doing so ensures that networks operate at optimum efficiency. Also, the network administrator can stay one step ahead and focus on maintaining operational excellence, rather than spending time repairing damage caused by malware attacks.

Far from dismissing AI, embracing the benefits of machine learning for network management is the next natural step for small UK businesses. Simply trusting your firewall will only get you so far.