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Overwhelmed by Threats? Here’s Why AI Needs to Be in Your Cybersecurity Stack

Overwhelmed by Threats? Here’s Why AI Needs to Be in Your Cybersecurity Stack

By Kirsty-Katie Welch
Client Advisor

Today’s cybersecurity teams are drowning.

Ransomware attacks are more frequent and destructive. Phishing schemes have grown smarter, blending into inboxes with chilling accuracy. Zero-day exploits hit faster than teams can patch. And rule-based security tools (once the go-to defense) are now flooding SOCs with false positives and missing stealthier attacks entirely.

In this landscape, human teams alone can’t keep up. And that’s the problem.

The Case for AI in cybersecurity

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a nice-to-have for security teams, it’s a lifeline.

By integrating AI and machine learning into your cybersecurity framework, you can shift from being overwhelmed by alerts to getting ahead of threats. AI doesn’t just make cybersecurity better; it makes it faster, more scalable, and more accurate than any human-only approach can offer.

Let’s explore the specific problems plaguing modern cybersecurity and how AI solves them.

Problem #1: you can’t detect what you can’t see

Solution: AI-Powered anomaly detection

Traditional tools rely on known threat signatures. But attackers are constantly innovating, using tactics that evade signature-based detection.

AI changes the game by learning what “normal” looks like across your systems (user behavior, network activity, device interactions) and flags anything unusual in real-time. That means you’re alerted to strange logins or data exfiltration attempts before they turn into breaches.

Problem #2: Too much noise, not enough signal

Solution: Intelligent Threat Correlation

Most SOCs are flooded with alerts that never turn into incidents, burning out analysts and delaying real threats from being addressed.

AI correlates data across logs, endpoints, cloud environments, and third-party threat feeds to connect the dots and prioritize real risks. The result? Fewer false positives and a faster path to meaningful response.

Problem #3: Response time is too slow

Solution: Automated incident response

Every second counts during a cyberattack. But when humans have to manually investigate and respond, containment takes too long.

AI-driven tools like SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) and XDR (Extended Detection and Response) can trigger automated actions the moment an incident is detected, isolating endpoints, revoking credentials, or deploying patches without waiting for human intervention.

Problem #4: Phishing emails keep slipping through

Solution: AI email & phishing protection

Phishing tactics have evolved. Attackers now use AI themselves to craft more believable, targeted messages.

AI-enhanced email security doesn’t just scan for bad links, it understands intent. By analyzing the content, context, and recipient behavior, AI can flag and block phishing attempts before users even see them.

Problem #5: Malware is evolving faster than signatures

Solution: Predictive Endpoint Protection

Today’s malware often bypasses antivirus tools using obfuscation, lateral movement, or fileless techniques.

AI-powered EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) platforms can detect these behaviors, even if the malware has never been seen before. Instead of waiting for threat signatures, AI looks for suspicious activity patterns across devices.

Real-World Payoffs

Organizations that adopt AI-enhanced cybersecurity see benefits almost immediately:

  • Threats detected in milliseconds, not hours or days
  • Reduced alert fatigue and false positives
  • Proactive threat hunting, guided by machine learning insights
  • Predictive defense, preventing exploits before they happen

Tools That Lead the Way

Some top AI-enhanced platforms making waves in the industry:

  • CrowdStrike Falcon
  • Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR
  • Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
  • SentinelOne
  • Darktrace
  • Arctic Wolf (MDR)

Each offers different strengths, but all leverage AI to deliver smarter detection, automation, and faster response.

Final Word: The time to adopt AI is now

Cybersecurity threats aren’t slowing down, and your response can’t either. If your team is stretched thin, constantly reacting instead of predicting, or missing threats entirely, it’s time to integrate AI.

Because in today’s cyber landscape, staying ahead means thinking faster than the attacker and that’s exactly what AI was built for.

Need help figuring out where to start?
At Technology Navigation, we help organizations choose and implement the right AI-powered cybersecurity tools for their needs. Reach out to our team for expert guidance and future-proof your security strategy.

SASE Meets ZTNA 2.0 and AI – The Next Evolution

SASE Meets ZTNA 2.0 and AI – The Next Evolution

By John Wircher
Director of Client Engagement

Organizations are racing to modernize and secure their networks and workforces.  Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is an attractive framework for converging networking and security into a single solution.  But as threats evolve,,,,, so does SASE and it is not surprising that we’re now entering AI driven, identity centric SASE.  This is being referred to as “SASE 2.0.”

Past and even some present SASE deployments often meant blending SD-WAN and cloud security from multiple vendors. What we are seeing with suppliers is the next phase is all about AI and proactive continuous monitoring and response. AI and ML are becoming native to modern SASE platforms. This isn’t just about threat detection. We’re seeing SASE platforms that use AI to:

  • Predict and prevent breaches
  • Automate incident response 
  • Prioritize critical business traffic
  • Self-heal network performance issues

This is creating a shift from reactive management to proactive infrastructure.

Under the SASE 2.0 framework, legacy and static firewalls are no longer enough. SASE 2.0 uses real time identity, device posture, user behavior, and location data to make access decisions. This new thought process of context aware, Zero Trust approach ensures that access is dynamic and not a “one size fits all”.  

So, what’s the difference between ZTNA and ZTNA 2.0:

FeatureZTNA ZTNA 2.0
Access granularityPer applicationPer application + activity within apps
Trust evaluationAt loginContinuous and context-aware
Threat preventionMinimalBuilt-in and ongoing
Device context awarenessLimitedRequired and dynamic

The next evolution of SASE isn’t just about merging security and networking, it’s about making them intelligent, proactive and adaptive. Understanding where SASE is headed can help future proof your architecture. 

If you’re exploring how to adapt your architecture to meet the demands of SASE 2.0 and beyond, our team at Technology Navigation is here to help. We work closely with organizations to cut through the noise, evaluate the right-fit solutions, and build secure, future-ready infrastructures. Let’s talk about how you can take a smarter, more strategic approach to networking and security. Reach out to start the conversation.

Taming AI Chaos: The Power of Orchestration in a Siloed World

Taming AI Chaos: The Power of Orchestration in a Siloed World

By Chris Newell
Founder & President

AI adoption is no longer just a talking point, it’s a necessity. But as organizations deploy AI tools across disparate departments and systems, a new layer of complexity has emerged… disconnected systems, siloed data, and overlapping workflows.  This is where AI Orchestration is becoming essential, bringing structure, coordination, and efficiency to increasingly fragmented environments.  

But equally important as AI Orchestration, is designing the orchestration with offramps for human intervention.  Not every process can… or quite frankly should be fully automated.  When the confidence level of an AI Orchestration driven action falls below a dictated threshold, systems must be able to pause and elevate the decision to a human and not hallucinate.  Organizations can either make this a steadfast rule of human intervention for that particular workflow or use this opportunity to “teach” the AI Orchestration solution to follow the elevated human decision going forward.  This ensures oversight, maintains accuracy, and preserves trust across critical workflows.

AI Orchestration is the coordination of multiple AI technologies, workflows, data sources, and applications to function across an organization with business outcomes in mind.  This orchestration helps each AI tool and process to work together, adapt to workflows, and drive ROI.  

Where traditional AI automation stops at the task level, AI Orchestration enables end-to-end process workflows and centers around business outcomes, unifying technologies like:

  • LLMs 
  • Email workflows and associated integrations
  • ML applications 
  • CRM applications (e.g., Salesforce and HubSpot)
  • UCaaS meeting transcriptions & voice recordings 
  • Data analytics (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Snowflake)
  • Marketing analytics (e.g., Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Oracle Marketing, Heap) 
  • Contact Center (CCaaS) analytics 
  • Accounting and finance applications (e.g., ADP, NetSuite)

Organizations often deploy AI tools in silos marketing uses one platform, finance another, and operations yet another. AI orchestration bridges these divides, creating workflows that span departments and their associated tools, reducing friction and increasing faster and more predictable outcomes.

While AI orchestration can automate and optimize complex processes, human judgment remains essential. 

AI doesn’t ALWAYS replace people, it enhances their ability to make faster, more informed decisions. It’s important to begin with a clearly defined baseline process, understanding that not all workflows will reach full automation. In fact, many may plateau at 30% automation, requiring human intervention for exceptions, strategy, or ethical oversight. True orchestration is about balancing intelligent automation with human insight.

Final Thoughts

AI Orchestration is more than a buzzword, it’s becoming the backbone of operational agility in modern enterprises. As organizations evolve, those that invest in orchestration will be best positioned to unlock the full potential of AI, reduce complexity, and deliver outcomes.

Ready to harness the full power of AI? Contact Technology Navigation today to explore how our experts can help you simplify, scale, and succeed with AI orchestration.

IT has enough on its plate. How does MetTel take the hassle out of MDaaS

Mobility services
Mobility services

By Chris Newell
Founder & President

Let’s be honest: no IT professional dreams of managing wireless and mobility solutions. No one wakes up thinking, “You know what I’d love to do today? Negotiate data plans, track down lost phones, and spend hours on hold with carrier support.”

Yet, IT teams everywhere are expected to handle these headaches while also cutting costs, securing devices, and somehow keeping up with Johnny from Sales, who just dropped his phone in an airport toilet… again.

At Technology Navigation, we constantly evaluate solutions that simplify IT operations and drive cost savings. That’s why we took a closer look at MetTel’s Mobile Device as a Service (MDaaS), and it’s a solid solution for businesses looking to take mobility management off their plate.

MDaaS is more than just pooling devices and data plans; it’s a fully managed, end-to-end solution that eliminates the complexity of dealing with multiple carriers and vendors while reducing costs. Here’s what stood out to us:

  • Cost optimization: Cross-carrier access and pooling ensure businesses only pay for what they need.
  • Device lifecycle management: From procurement to secure disposal, MetTel handles every stage.
  • 24/7/365 support: reliable customer service that keeps businesses connected.
  • AI-powered automation: 98% of orders are automated for faster, more efficient deployments.
  • Security & compliance: Mobile Device Management (MDM) and secure recycling protect enterprise data.

As a leading Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in the U.S., MetTel leverages partnerships with the nation’s largest carriers to provide carrier flexibility. Their recognition in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Managed Network Services, for the fifth year in a row,  further reinforces their leadership in the space.

And for those who like to sleep soundly knowing their old devices won’t become a security risk (or end up in a landfill), MetTel’s eco-friendly device recycling is a major plus.

If mobility management has become an unwanted side quest for your IT team, we’re here to help you explore whether MDaaS is the right fit. Contact us to learn more.

AI and Business: Embrace the Shift or Get Left Behind

AI and Business: Embrace the Shift or Get Left Behind

By Chris Newell
Founder & President

AI is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, transforming the way businesses operate, innovate, and compete. From automating repetitive tasks, onboarding and training employees, to enhancing decision-making with predictive analytics, AI is not just a futuristic concept, it is actively redefining industries in real time.

How is AI going to impact your business? This is the question on the minds of nearly every CIO, Director, Manager, and Frontline employee. Organizations are grappling with the reality that AI is not just an “efficiency tool” but a fundamental shift in how work is done. Companies that embrace AI strategically will gain a competitive edge, while those that resist may struggle to keep up.

The implications are massive and here are two takes!

Take #1: Mark Zuckerberg’s recent statement

“Meta will start automating the work of midlevel software engineers this year.” If one of the world’s largest tech companies is actively reshaping its workforce with AI, what does that mean for the broader business landscape? AI-powered automation is already impacting roles across industries, streamlining operations, and augmenting human capabilities.

Take #2: Ginni Rometty, former IBM CEO, put it best (which I agree with)

“Some people call this artificial intelligence, but the reality is this technology will enhance us. So instead of artificial intelligence, I think we’ll augment our intelligence.”  For example, Imagine a frontline employee who, from day one, has instant access to clear, step-by-step guidelines, which eliminates guesswork and accelerates productivity. AI isn’t replacing human capability; it’s amplifying it, making knowledge more accessible, digestible and working more efficient.

For businesses, the key questions are: How can AI enhance productivity, onboarding and reduce costs? Which roles will be transformed or eliminated? How can employees be reskilled to work alongside AI? Forward-thinking organizations are investing in AI solutions that not only drive efficiency but also create new opportunities for growth and innovation.

The future of business is AI-driven. The real question is: Are you ready?