Mr. Akilnath Bodipudi

AI-ENHANCED CYBERSECURITY REDUCING VULNERABILITIES IN AN INCREASINGLY DIGITAL WORLD

Abstract:

This chapter provides a foundational overview of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), introducing their core principles, terminologies, and distinctions. The narrative begins by tracing the evolution of AI from rule-based systems to modern deep learning architectures, explaining key concepts such as supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning in the context of cybersecurity.

The chapter then bridges these technical constructs with real-world security applications. It explores how ML models can process vast amounts of network data to detect anomalies, classify threats, and predict future attacks more effectively than traditional signature-based systems. The distinction between reactive cybersecurity (based on rules and signatures) and proactive, adaptive AI-based security is emphasized to highlight the transformative shift underway.

Furthermore, the chapter introduces readers to core algorithms—including decision trees, neural networks, support vector machines, and clustering models—while discussing their relative strengths and trade-offs in security tasks like intrusion detection, phishing analysis, and behavioral profiling.

It concludes with a forward-looking discussion on the promise and limitations of AI in cybersecurity, underscoring the need for hybrid models that combine automated intelligence with human oversight. Key challenges such as data quality, model explainability, and the adversarial use of AI are briefly outlined to set the stage for deeper exploration in subsequent chapters."

Profile:

Akilnath Bodipudi is a Senior Security Engineer at Common Spirit Health with over 8 years of experience in cybersecurity across healthcare, IT, and telecom sectors. He holds an MS in Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism from NJIT, along with CRISC, CISM, CEH and CyberArk certifications. Akilnath specializes in cyber threat hunting, network security, ethical hacking, and cyber forensics. He has published over 20+ papers, featured in major presses, and secured Top Infosec Innovator, Cyber Excellence Awards and other awards  He is adept at incident response, vulnerability management, and developing security policies. A strong advocate for continuous learning, he is committed to enhancing cybersecurity awareness and resilience within organizations.