The rise in the complexity and number of cyber threats calls for sophisticated solutions surpassing conventional post-incident strategies. Machine learning (ML) has emerged as a transformative tool in cybersecurity, enabling organizations to recognize, predict, and mitigate potential threats effectively. This article examines how various ML algorithms enhance cybersecurity practices through real-time anomaly detection, virus identification, and the recognition of abnormal user behavior, thereby significantly bolstering threat management capabilities. We highlight several real-world use cases that demonstrate the successful application of ML in improving threat detection and response times across different sectors. However, the integration of ML in cybersecurity is accompanied by challenges, including data leakage, adversarial attacks, and the need for high-quality labeled datasets, which can hinder its effectiveness. Furthermore, we discuss prospects in this rapidly evolving field, such as the development of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) and federated learning, which promise to enhance transparency and foster collaboration among security teams. Ultimately, this article argues that ML-based solutions provide proactive strategies for confronting contemporary threats and empower organizations to shift from reactive to anticipatory defense mechanisms. This enables them to neutralize potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.