Cybersecurity and AI: Risk or protection?
- Cyberpeace Tech
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a support tool, but also a potential risk in the cybersecurity field. Its accelerated growth has attracted the attention of digital defense teams as well as those seeking to breach systems.
Today, many organizations perceive cybersecurity and AI as a combination that is as powerful as it is dangerous. While this technology can anticipate attacks, automate responses and streamline processes, it is also being exploited by cybercriminals looking to create more complex and difficult to detect attacks.
Tellingly, nearly 7 out of 10 companies already consider generative AI to represent a significant danger to their security. Not least of all. Just as it can help protect, it can also be manipulated to generate more realistic fraud and cyberattacks with greater reach.
“The challenge is not the technology, but how we use it and what controls we establish so that it does not become a threat,” warns a digital transformation specialist.
In Mexico, where digitalization is advancing rapidly, these challenges must be taken seriously. Many companies operate with little visibility over their systems and without a robust protection strategy against these emerging threats.
How does AI help in digital protection?
Despite the risks, AI also offers valuable tools to strengthen cybersecurity:
Real-time detection: Advanced algorithms can analyze thousands of events simultaneously and detect threats that would go undetected by humans.
Efficient automation: From containing an incident to documenting what happened, AI makes it possible to act quickly and reduce the margin for error.
Continuous learning: With each new attack attempt, AI-based systems adjust and strengthen their defensive capabilities.
Some modern solutions even combine AI with quantum computing-resistant cryptography, which is vital for highly sensitive sectors such as finance or critical infrastructure.
When AI falls into the wrong hands
The real problem arises when attackers also integrate AI into their tactics. What can they do?
More realistic phishing: With AI, fraudulent messages perfectly mimic tones, styles and even voices.
Adaptive malware: Malicious code constantly changes to avoid detection.
Data corruption: Techniques such as “data poisoning” alter the behavior of systems without being detected.
Quantum threat: Strategies such as “steal now, decrypt later” accumulate encrypted data to be broken in the future with quantum computing.
How to implement AI without compromising security
Adopting AI in an enterprise should not be done blindly. It is essential to integrate cybersecurity principles from the design and development phase of the systems. Some recommended steps are:
Continuous training of IT staff so they understand how to mitigate risks associated with AI.
Periodic review of AI models as part of security audits.
Algorithmic traceability to ensure transparent decisions.
Quantum computing resilient technologies as of now.
In addition, specialized security testing (such as AI-focused pentesting) helps detect weaknesses before they are exploited.
Balancing risk and opportunity
Cybersecurity and AI should not be seen as opposites, but as complementary. The important thing is to adopt this technology responsibly, establish adequate controls and keep constantly updated. In today's digital world, the risk is not in using AI, but in not being prepared for the challenges it brings.
At Cyberpeace, we believe that understanding the impact of artificial intelligence on cybersecurity is key to effective protection. Being informed and prepared is the best defense against ever-evolving digital threats. Want to learn more about how to protect yourself in the age of AI? Follow us on social media and stay up to date.
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