AI Enhances Cybersecurity Software Across Major Categories, ISG Research Reveals

New research from Information Services Group (ISG), a global AI-centered technology research and advisory firm, highlights the growing importance of advanced cybersecurity software for enterprises as security threats continue to evolve and intensify. According to the study, organizations are increasingly adopting AI-driven solutions to enhance their security frameworks, which include automated access, endpoint protection, data recovery, and other critical tools. The ISG Buyers Guides™ for Cybersecurity, published recently, ranks and evaluates 57 providers and their products that cater to enterprise cybersecurity needs. These guides aim to assist security leaders in making informed decisions about selecting and deploying tools that bolster their digital security. The research emphasizes that the integration of AI, particularly generative AI (GenAI), is transforming the capabilities of security software in several key areas. Key Areas of AI Integration in Cybersecurity Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Role: SIEM platforms collect, aggregate, and analyze security data from various sources, providing real-time visibility into potential threats and helping organizations comply with data privacy regulations. AI Enhancements: By incorporating GenAI, these platforms can automate anomaly detection and threat response, significantly improving efficiency and effectiveness. AI algorithms process vast amounts of data, identifying patterns that might indicate malicious activity, and natural language processing (NLP) can generate detailed reports and recommendations for security alerts. Identity and Access Management (IAM): Role: IAM systems manage user identities and access permissions, ensuring secure access to resources for employees, contractors, and partners. AI Enhancements: GenAI enables the automation of routine functions such as provisioning and de-provisioning user accounts, streamlining processes. Future advancements may allow for fully autonomous management of access controls, adjusting permissions proactively based on emerging threats or changes in user roles. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Role: EDR software monitors endpoints for suspicious behaviors and indicators of compromise, helping organizations detect and respond to sophisticated cyberattacks. AI Enhancements: GenAI enhances EDR by automating the analysis of endpoint telemetry and prioritizing alerts based on risk, allowing security teams to focus on more critical issues. Data Backup and Recovery: Role: Essential for protecting against ransomware and other data threats, data backup and recovery tools ensure the availability of critical information even after an attack. AI Enhancements: By 2027, ISG anticipates that 75% of enterprises will adopt backup and recovery programs with continuous data protection. Real-time backups and the ability to recover to specific points in time will be crucial features, enhanced by AI for better detection and faster recovery. Provider Rankings SIEM: Overall Leaders: Microsoft, Splunk, ManageEngine Exemplary: Microsoft, Splunk, ManageEngine, Elastic, Google Cloud, OpenText, Sumo Logic Identity and Access Management (IAM): Overall Leaders: Microsoft, IBM, Oracle Exemplary: Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Broadcom, Google Cloud, Okta Innovative: Delinea Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Overall Leaders: Microsoft, SentinelOne, Palo Alto Networks Exemplary: Arctic Wolf, Bitdefender, Cisco, ManageEngine, Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, Trend Micro Innovative: SentinelOne Data Recovery: Overall Leaders: AWS, Microsoft, IBM Exemplary: Microsoft, IBM, AWS, AvePoint, Commvault, Druva, HPE, OpenText, Veeam Expert Insights Mark Smith, Partner and Chief Software Analyst at ISG Software Research, stressed the significance of a unified approach to cybersecurity. Effective defenses require tools that cover all types of attacks and means of prevention and recovery. Smith noted that the rapid evolution of AI and the advent of quantum computing will necessitate the right software partners to navigate these changes and maintain robust security. About ISG Software Research ISG Software Research offers comprehensive coverage and analysis of the business and IT software industry. Through its suite of consulting, advisory, research, and education services, the firm helps enterprises, software providers, and investment firms optimize their technology investments. The ISG Buyers Guides™ are a result of extensive market and product research, providing insights to guide enterprises in selecting the best cybersecurity solutions. Conclusion The integration of AI in cybersecurity software is revolutionizing how enterprises protect themselves against evolving threats. Leading providers like Microsoft, IBM, and AWS are setting the pace in this transformation, offering advanced solutions that automate critical security functions, enhance threat detection, and improve overall resilience. As these technologies continue to evolve, staying informed and choosing the right partners will be crucial for maintaining a secure digital environment.