Navigating AI risks and rewards in cybersecurity

Robert Cottrill, Technology Director at digital transformation company ANS, explores the balance between the benefits of AI and the risks it poses to data security and privacy, particularly for large enterprises.

With the UK Government ramping up investment through its AI Opportunities Action Plan, organisations across sectors are accelerating their AI adoption efforts. But to ensure successful and responsible integration, cybersecurity must be a top priority.

The rising popularity and investment in AI

AI adoption is skyrocketing, driven by increased investment and an expanding array of applications, including emerging tools like DeepSeek’s AI models. Innovation in UK businesses, enabled by adopting new models and fuelled by government initiatives such as the AI Opportunities Action Plan, is positioning AI as a key enabler of business transformation. From streamlining operations to enhancing decision-making processes, AI’s influence is rapidly growing across industries, revolutionising how companies operate.

However, with this increased reliance on AI technologies comes a rise in cybersecurity risks. The rapid pace of AI innovation often outstrips the ability of cybersecurity teams to keep up, creating potential vulnerabilities for cybercriminals to exploit. The speed and scale of AI development can leave security gaps, which malicious actors target.

For larger enterprises, these risks are especially pronounced. The scale and complexity of their operations provide more opportunities for hackers to exploit system vulnerabilities. In fact, data privacy is a top concern for 30% or large organisations. So, there’s significant pressure on larger organisations to balance AI adoption with the need to maintain strong security protocols.

Critical concerns around cybersecurity and data privacy

While AI adoption is transforming businesses, cybersecurity and data privacy remain major hurdles, especially for larger enterprises.

Today’s AI systems are more advanced, enabling businesses to extract valuable insights from enormous datasets, but this progress also comes with significant ethical and legal challenges.

Regulations such as GDPR and the EU AI Act have emerged to protect individuals’ privacy and ensure responsible AI usage. However, these regulations often struggle to keep up with the rapid advancements in AI technology. The result is a regulatory framework that lags behind, leaving businesses exposed to potential breaches and misuse of personal data.

Overcoming the challenges: Training and responsible AI adoption

To mitigate the risks posed by AI, organisations need a comprehensive, multi-layered strategy that not only focuses on implementing advanced AI tools but also ensures that staff are trained to manage the security implications of AI.

1. Training staff

Organisations must prioritise the upskilling of their employees, particularly within cybersecurity teams. As AI-driven cyberattacks become more sophisticated, human analysts need to stay ahead by understanding how AI can both protect and endanger systems. Security professionals should be equipped to recognise and respond to AI-driven threats in real-time, giving them the skills necessary to mitigate risks effectively.

This training is critical not only for security experts but for the broader workforce as well. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into everyday business operations, staff at all levels should understand the importance of data security and how to identify potential threats. A well-trained workforce is a key line of defence in combating AI-driven cyberattacks.

2. Adopting open-source AI responsibly

Another important strategy for reducing AI-related risks is adopting open-source AI platforms responsibly. Open-source AI allows for greater transparency by making AI algorithms and tools available for broader scrutiny. This fosters collaboration and collective innovation, enabling developers and security experts from around the world to identify and address potential vulnerabilities more rapidly.

The transparency provided by open-source AI demystifies AI technologies for businesses, giving them the confidence to implement AI solutions while ensuring they remain vigilant about potential security flaws. When AI systems are subject to global review, companies can leverage the expertise of a diverse and engaged tech community to build more secure, reliable AI applications.

However, adopting open-source AI must be done responsibly. Businesses need to ensure that the AI they are using aligns with security best practices, complies with regulations, and is ethically sound. By approaching open-source AI responsibly, organisations can create more secure digital environments and build trust with stakeholders.

The future of AI and cybersecurity

Looking ahead, it’s clear that AI will continue to play a significant role in both cyber attacks and cybersecurity measures. As AI technologies evolve, so will the tactics used by cybercriminals. The next wave of AI adoption will likely see more AI automation across industries, but it will also introduce more sophisticated AI-driven attacks targeting organisations’ systems and data.

To stay secure, businesses must remain vigilant, continuously assessing the evolving AI landscape and identifying potential risks. This involves not only adopting AI tools but also staying ahead of cyber threats by building robust cybersecurity defences. Businesses need to take a forward-thinking approach to AI integration, recognising both the immediate rewards and long-term risks associated with these powerful tools.

By proactively understanding the risks and developing the right strategies, organisations can harness AI’s full potential while safeguarding themselves against its darker uses. AI is a double-edged sword, but with thoughtful adoption, businesses can confidently navigate the complex landscape of AI and cybersecurity.