The advancement of artificial intelligence is not only transforming business and technology processes, but also the world of cybersecurity. AI tools are creating new opportunities for both attackers and defense professionals, while the secure operation of automated systems is becoming increasingly important.
AI has also appeared on the side of cyberattacks
With the help of artificial intelligence, attackers can create personalized messages faster and in greater volume, automate certain attack processes, and search for vulnerabilities more efficiently. This poses a new challenge, especially for social engineering and phishing attacks, as AI-generated content can become increasingly persuasive.
The significance of the change is well illustrated by the fact that in August 2026, more than a hundred major technology companies – including OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon – issued a joint call urging the strengthening of cybersecurity defenses against AI-based attacks.
AI can also play an important role in defense
However, the same technology that creates new attack vectors can also improve the effectiveness of defenses. Artificial intelligence can analyze large volumes of security events and log data in a short time, making it easier to recognize unusual behavior patterns, and faster to identify and prioritize potential incidents.
In cybersecurity, the question is therefore less and less whether to use AI, but rather how to apply it safely and with appropriate human control.
New challenge: AI systems themselves could become targets
With the rise of AI, a new layer of security has emerged. Companies that integrate AI models, automated agents, or other intelligent systems into their operations must protect not only their traditional IT infrastructure, but also the AI systems themselves, their access, data, and decision-making processes.
This may become particularly significant with the spread of so-called AI agents. Systems that perform tasks independently may have significantly more permissions and operational options than previous software. A compromised or improperly configured AI system may therefore pose not only a data security risk, but also an operational risk.
The new balance of cybersecurity
The development of AI is not simply another technological tool in cybersecurity. The speed of both attacks and defenses may increase, while organizations must also consider new types of risks.
Future cybersecurity is therefore expected to be built on a combination of AI-based technologies, appropriate security architecture, continuous monitoring and expert control. Technology alone is not a substitute for cybersecurity expertise – on the contrary: in the AI era, proper knowledge and a conscious security approach become even more important.