AI: Your Ally in Cybersecurity Compliance and Audits

When it comes to cybersecurity, AI is a game-changer – and MSPs that overlook this technology may find themselves behind the curve. In fact, according to a OnePoll survey, 83% of MSPs already employ an AI tool to support their operations.  

Knowing how to use AI to benefit productivity and customers can raise companies’ bottom line, reduce time spent on mundane tasks, and help ensure a simplified audit process.  In the end, AI in cybersecurity is not a conversation that is going away soon, and the applications and potential benefits of using AI will only grow as time progresses. 

Comprehensive Understanding at Multiple Levels 

One of the most applicable advantages of AI in cybersecurity is its ability to break down complex technical language into easily digestible explanations that help with drafting policy and implementing procedures to successfully meet controls. Whether you're an executive or a 10-year-old, AI can tailor its explanations to match your comprehension level. This versatility ensures that stakeholders at all levels of the organization grasp the importance of compliance, how it directly impacts their roles and responsibilities, and what needs to be done to improve their cybersecurity posture. AI allows for an organization-wide awareness and company-wide education that is crucial in today's threat landscape. 

Streamlining Compliance Processes 

AI not only helps MSPs understand and interpret regulatory frameworks but also automates the compliance process itself. Gone are the days of manual checks and verifications. With AI, MSPs can ask specific compliance-related questions and receive detailed explanations on how controls apply to their business. This empowers organizations to align their policies and procedures with the relevant regulatory requirements. AI allows IT security staff to focus on critical tasks and lightens their compliance workload. 

AI's Role in Cybersecurity Audits 

When it comes to cybersecurity audits, AI is a game-changer. It streamlines the policy writing process, ensuring that policies clearly demonstrate the practices in place and provide solid evidence of control compliance. AI-generated policy documents become invaluable tools during audits because they clearly organize the evidence to show how each control is met, allowing auditors to easily identify and verify an organization's adherence to regulatory frameworks. By automating policy writing, AI not only saves time and effort but also facilitates smoother compliance assessments. 

The Role of Human Intelligence 

While AI brings a new level of comprehension and documentation to cybersecurity compliance, human intelligence is (and always will be) irreplaceable. According to Christopher Brackett, owner and CEO of Greater Nashua Technology Consulting, AI will never fully take over the industry because of the in-depth and in-person implementation required for a strong cybersecurity posture.  

Rather, it is the collaboration between AI and human expertise that truly shines. AI can guide and support compliance efforts, but it is human critical thinking and judgment that ensure policies and procedures pass the "sniff test" and meet each organization's unique control requirements. By combining AI's efficiency with human intelligence, organizations can achieve optimal compliance outcomes. 

Embracing the Future 

According to Brackett, "We're just at the start of our journey into AI." As technology continues to advance, AI will revolutionize compliance processes even further. More sophisticated AI systems will be created, equipped with advanced capabilities to analyze, interpret, and implement regulatory mandates. MSPs and organizations will gain access to increasingly efficient tools that help them adapt to the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape and navigate complex compliance requirements seamlessly. 

An Advantage for MSPs 

AI is transforming the way organizations approach cybersecurity compliance, and MSPs are at the forefront of this revolution. By leveraging AI's capabilities in policy development, understanding, and implementation, MSPs can efficiently navigate the compliance landscape, reducing the burden on their staff while ensuring evolutionary regulatory controls are met. As AI continues to grow, its integration into compliance processes will provide MSPs with a competitive edge. Those who embrace AI tools will be well-positioned to stay ahead of emerging threats and effectively protect sensitive data.