Design of an integrated defense-in-depth system with an artificial intelligence assistant to counter malware

The object of this study is multi-layered cybersecurity systems for detecting and countering advanced persistent threats through the integration of machine learning technologies, artificial intelligence, and multi-layered security systems. The task relates to the need to design adaptive detection systems capable of effectively responding to new and modified threats while improving accuracy and minimizing delays. An integrated approach was devised in the study, which combines conventional detection methods (signature analysis, correlation rules) with modern technologies such as machine learning and Artificial Intelligence assistants. Each layer of the system showed varying levels of effectiveness: for example, antivirus solutions were most effective at detecting known threats but failed to cope with modified threats, which were detected by correlation rules. Machine learning proved most effective at detecting fileless attacks and anomalous activity that other tools could not detect. It is through the combination of these methods that the detection system proved to be effective, providing a high level of protection. The results are due to the efficiency of combining several layers of defense, in which each subsequent layer compensates for the shortcomings of the previous one. Antivirus solutions detected 100 % of known threats, while correlation rules identified all modified malicious files. Overall, the system was able to detect 98 % of malicious files and 99 % of tactics, techniques, and procedures used in advanced persistent threats attacks. A unique feature of the research is the integration of the Artificial Intelligence assistant, which automates threat analysis processes and speeds up response times by leveraging historical data and the context of past incidents. This reduces the workload on cybersecurity specialists and improves the overall effectiveness of the detection system, allowing for the quick identification of new threats and a reduction in false positives. Practical application of the results is possible in various critical sectors, including financial institutions, government organizations, and energy companies. The system demonstrates high flexibility and scalability, making it possible to easily adapt to different infrastructures and types of threats