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GPU → Use Cases → Cybersecurity
GPU use cases: cybersecurity
Security professionals face mounting challenges as cyber threats continue to get more sophisticated and more common. Traditional tools and practices always struggle to keep pace with the advancing demands of modern security practices—from threat detection, to encryption, to data analysis.
But upgrading hardware to keep up, comes with its own set of challenges. Enter cloud GPU solutions.
What is a GPU?
A graphics processing unit (GPU) is a specialized processor designed to handle complex mathematical calculations, especially those related to rendering images and videos. Unlike CPUs, which manage a wide variety of general-purpose tasks, GPUs excel at performing parallel processing—executing thousands of tasks simultaneously.
This architecture makes GPUs extremely efficient at repetitive, data-intensive computations. CPUs may be ideal for managing system operations or processing sequential tasks, but GPUs are better suited for tasks like pattern recognition, machine learning, and cryptographic processing.
What is GPU hosting?
A GPU server hosting is a GPU hosted in a remote data center and made accessible via the internet. Companies that require GPU capabilities can lease access to these powerful processors without investing in costly on-premises hardware. GPU server hosting providers manage the infrastructure—ensuring scalability, reliability, and optimal performance.
Are GPUs good for cybersecurity?
Yes. GPUs are excellent solutions for cybersecurity, because of their ability to efficiently handle large-scale, parallel computations.
However, GPUs come with their own needs and challenges. They require specialized software and expertise to fully leverage, and the cost of GPU hardware can be significant for smaller organizations.
Additionally, while GPUs excel in computational tasks, they still rely on CPUs for broader system management. That means an optimal cybersecurity setup combines the strengths of both.
Benefits of GPUs for cybersecurity
The combination of scalable infrastructure and unparalleled processing power addresses critical security needs and answers some of the challenges of GPUs. Here are five key benefits of GPUs in cybersecurity:
- Enhanced threat detection: GPUs accelerate threat detection by performing real-time analysis of logs, network traffic, and system activity. Faster detection minimizes response times, reducing potential damage from breaches.
- Improved encryption and decryption: GPUs process cryptographic operations more efficiently than CPUs, enabling stronger encryption and faster decryption without sacrificing performance.
- Accelerated incident response: GPUs enable swift analysis of attack patterns and vulnerabilities, for immediate containment and remediation.
- Enhanced machine learning models: Training models on GPUs dramatically shortens the time required to identify emerging threats and refine defensive strategies. GPU servers provide the scalability needed to handle large datasets and complex algorithms.
- Cost-effective scalability: GPU servers eliminate the need for expensive, in-house hardware investments. You can scale your GPU usage up or down based on demand, ensuring cost efficiency without compromising security capabilities.
FYI: Attackers are already using GPUs
GPU technology has already become a powerful tool for hackers. The same parallel processing capabilities allow attackers to accelerate computationally intensive tasks too—like password cracking and brute force attacks.
GPUs can test billions of password combinations per second, making brute force attacks far more effective and faster than traditional methods. Tools like hashcat, optimized for GPU use, exploit this power to crack complex passwords and encryption with alarming efficiency.
Hackers are also using GPUs to launch more sophisticated cyberattacks.
- GPUs enhance the capabilities of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks by generating vast amounts of malicious traffic to overwhelm systems.
- GPUs can be utilized for mining cryptocurrency as part of ransomware schemes, adding a financial incentive to malware deployment.
The increasing adoption of GPU technology by cybercriminals highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures that can counteract these enhanced attack strategies.
How to get started with GPUs for cybersecurity
Adopting GPU servers for cybersecurity begins with finding the best hosting provider. Look for a hosting company that:
- Specializes in GPU hosting.
- Offers flexible plans to meet your needs.
- Supports leading GPU brands, like NVIDIA, to ensure compatibility with security tools and frameworks.
- Offers responsive, 24/7 technical support.
Evaluate provider stats like uptime guarantees, network latency, and data security protocols. Many providers offer trial periods or money-back guarantees, so you can test performance before committing.
The good news is, Liquid Web offers all of that and more. Our GPU server hosting plans run on high-performance NVIDIA GPUs, including the L4, L40S, and H100 models, tailored for demanding applications like AI, machine learning, and rendering workloads. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive AI/ML software stack, facilitating seamless deployment and management of complex workloads.
Luke Cavanagh, Strategic Support & Accelerant at Liquid Web, is one of the company’s most seasoned subject matter experts, focusing on web hosting, digital marketing, and ecommerce. He is dedicated to educating readers on the latest trends and advancements in technology and digital infrastructure.
Additional resources
GPUs vs CPUs →
Learn about how they relate to AI and web hosting
What is a GPU? →
A beginner’s guide to modern GPUs
10 GPU use cases →
How GPUs are accelerating almost every industry