By Kannan Srinivasan, Business Head – Cybersecurity, Happiest Minds Technologies
Cyber resilience means being prepared for anything that might disrupt your systems. It’s about knowing how to get ready, prevent problems, recover quickly, and adapt when a cyber incident occurs.
Generative AI, or GenAI, has become a big part of how many organizations work today. About 70% of industries are already using it, and over 95% of US companies have adopted it in some form. GenAI is now supporting nearly every area, including IT, finance, legal, and marketing. It even helps doctors make faster decisions, students learn more effectively, and shoppers find better deals.
But what happens if GenAI breaks, gets messed up, or stops working?
Once AI is part of your business, you need a stronger plan to stay safe and steady. Here are some simple ways organizations can build their cyber resilience in this AI-driven world.
A Practical Guide to Cyber Resilience in the GenAI Era
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Get Leadership and the Board on Board
Leading the way in cyber resilience starts with your leaders. Keep your board and senior managers in the loop about the risks that come with GenAI. Get their support, make sure it lines up with your business goals, and secure enough budget for safety measures and training. Make talking about cyber safety a regular part of your meetings.
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Know Where GenAI Is Being Used
Make a list of all departments and processes using GenAI. Note which models you’re using, who manages them, and what they’re used for. Then, do a quick risk check—what could happen if a system goes down? This helps you understand the risks and prepare better backup plans.
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Check for Weak Spots Regularly
Follow trusted guidelines like OWASP for testing your GenAI systems. Regular checks can spot issues like data leaks or misuse early. Fix problems quickly to stay ahead of potential risks.
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Improve Threat Detection and Response
Use security tools that keep an eye on your GenAI systems all the time. These tools should spot unusual activity, prevent data loss, and help investigate when something goes wrong. Make sure your cybersecurity team is trained and ready to act fast.
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Use More Than One AI Model
Don’t rely on just one AI tool. Having multiple models from different providers helps keep things running smoothly if one faces problems. For example, if you’re using OpenAI, consider adding options like Anthropic Claude or Google Gemini as backups. Decide which one is your main and which ones are backups.
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Update Your Incident Plans
Review and update your plans for dealing with incidents to include GenAI, making sure they meet new rules like the EU AI Act. Once done, test them with drills so everyone knows what to do in a real emergency.
Conclusion
Cyber resilience in the GenAI era is a continuous process. As AI grows, the need for stronger governance, smarter controls, and proactive planning grows with it.
Organizations that stay aware, adaptable, and consistent in their approach will continue to build trust and reliability. GenAI opens doors to efficiency and creativity, and resilience ensures that progress stays uninterrupted.
The future belongs to those who stay ready, informed, and confident in how they manage technology.