AI and innovation at Barracuda

The topic of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity is extensive, and so far, we've only explored a few examples of how it all works. We’ve covered a variety of topics, including the evolution of AI and how it is changing the threat landscape, and the ways AI is being used in cybercrime and cybersecurity. In this post, we’ll look at the use of AI in Barracuda security and data protection solutions.

There are dozens of subsets of AI, each with a distinct function. Many of these rely on other types of AI to perform their work. For example, the subset of behavioral analysis relies on machine learning, pattern recognition, and anomaly detection. By mixing, matching, and training these subsets properly, we can build effective cybersecurity solutions that continuously adapt to the latest threats.

The strongest defenses include various combinations of these technologies:

• Machine Learning is critical for threat detection and prevention by analyzing network traffic, identifying unusual behavior, and predicting potential threats.
• Natural Language Processing allows machines to understand and interpret human language. NLP is used to analyze communication for signs of phishing, fraud, and other malicious activities.  
• Generative AI (GenAI) creates new content based on existing data. Security teams use GenAI to simulate phishing campaigns that train employees on email security. Teams also use GenAI to simulate network or application cyberattacks to test defenses and reveal security gaps.
• Anomaly Detection identifies and flags any deviations from established patterns, allowing for immediate detection and intervention.
• Behavioral Analysis leverages AI and machine learning to analyze and identify patterns in human behavior for authentication and fraud detection purposes.
• Content Analysis examines email messages in real-time for malicious intent. This analysis recognizes known phishing patterns and identifies anomalies in sender behavior.

Barracuda employs various sophisticated AI models to strengthen defenses against a wide range of cyber threats. Our recent ebook includes details on the history and current use of AI in our security solutions.

Threat Intelligence and Barracuda Advanced Threat Protection

Barracuda Advanced Threat Protection (BATP) leverages our global threat intelligence network that ingests vast amounts of information from millions of collection points deployed around the world. This infrastructure uses a hardware-accelerated machine-learning farm that analyzes this data by looking at over 900 attributes per artifact.

All products that are covered with Barracuda Advanced Threat Protection become a part of this highly diverse network that shares threat intelligence across all the threat vectors for real-time protection for its subscribers. When BATP detects a threat propagated over one threat vector, it instantly extends the protection to all other threat vectors secured through the service. The intelligence capabilities multiply when deployed with our comprehensive cybersecurity platform or Barracuda SecureEdge.

Barracuda Impersonation Protection

Barracuda Impersonation Protection integrates with Microsoft 365 and uses historical email data to train AI models. The process involves API-based ingestion of extensive email data and leverages shared threat intelligence data from other sources to enhance detection accuracy.

This AI-powered protection relies on content analysis, anomaly detection, and natural language processing. The dynamic, self-learning nature of the AI minimizes false positives and enhances overall email security.

Barracuda Email Threat Scan

Barracuda Email Threat Scan is a free tool that identifies threats hiding in your Microsoft 365 inboxes. Using artificial intelligence and API integration with Microsoft 365, this tool has identified over 10 million spear-phishing attacks sitting in organizations’ email environments.

Our AI platform recognizes social engineering and other attacks that slipped through your email gateway. A scan will give you a comprehensive look at each of these threats, broken down by time, employee, and threat type, and an overview of your domain DMARC status.

Application Protection

Barracuda Application Protection combines full Web Application and API Protection (WAAP) functionality with additional advanced security services. This solution uses machine learning and other AI features to provide advanced bot protection, automated API discovery, and an automated configuration engine that identifies and helps mitigate errors in security settings.

Managed XDR and SOC

Barracuda Managed XDR combines extended detection and response (XDR) technology and a 24x7 security operations center (SOC) to detect and proactively respond to threats. Machine learning is once again the main character in establishing baselines and making it possible to identify patterns and detect unusual activities. Automated incident classification and playbook orchestration minimize the impact of insider threats and cyberattacks.

These are just a few examples of how Barracuda solutions use the power of artificial intelligence to defend our customers. If you’d like to see how we can help protect your company, visit our website at www.barracuda.com