As we step into 2025, cybersecurity is undergoing a seismic shift, with artificial intelligence (AI) at the heart of the transformation. While AI presents remarkable opportunities to strengthen defences, enhance compliance, and improve operational efficiency, it also introduces challenges like advanced cyber threats, ethical concerns, and the need for robust regulations. Here’s a look at how experts envision the AI-powered future of cybersecurity.

AI-Driven Cyber Threats: A Double-Edged Sword

While AI offers robust tools to defend against cyberattacks, it also arms hackers with powerful capabilities. Steve Wilson from Exabeam warns of a looming wave of advanced AI-enabled cyber threats. Generative AI (GenAI), with its ability to craft sophisticated phishing emails and deepfake content, is empowering cybercriminals like never before. Hackers can create convincing scams, leveraging fake voices and video avatars to exploit trust. To counter this, businesses must deploy AI-powered security solutions capable of detecting and neutralising these evolving threats in real time.

Shifting Towards Real-Time Compliance

The days of periodic compliance audits may soon be over. According to Bernd Greifeneder from Dynatrace, AI is transforming compliance into a continuous, real-time process. By integrating observability with security, organisations can monitor regulatory adherence dynamically. Emerging frameworks like Australia’s CPA 230 and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority Operational Resilience Framework are examples of how AI is driving this shift. These systems automate compliance checks, detect anomalies, and help organisations stay ahead of regulatory requirements.

Ethical AI: Walking the Tightrope

As AI adoption accelerates, so do concerns about ethics, privacy, and fairness. George Moawad from Genetec points out that while 42% of decision-makers are eager to implement AI in security, challenges like data bias and transparency remain critical. Responsible AI adoption requires organisations to focus on ethical governance, comply with regulations like GDPR, and ensure their systems are transparent and trustworthy.

The Practical Side of AI in Business

Not all AI adoption is about sweeping transformations. Norman Rice of Extreme Networks highlights a shift towards using AI for incremental, ROI-driven improvements. Instead of overhauling systems, businesses are leveraging AI for specific tasks like real-time IT troubleshooting and network technology certification. This focused approach ensures that AI delivers measurable value while minimising risk and disruption.

Addressing Regulatory Challenges: The Path Forward

AI technologies, particularly large language models (LLMs), are transformative but not without risks. Sadiq Iqbal of Check Point Software Technologies emphasises the growing need for global regulatory frameworks to manage challenges like algorithmic bias and data integrity issues. In 2025, standards inspired by NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework or ISO/IEC guidelines are expected to emerge, helping organisations deploy AI responsibly. These frameworks will provide tools to address compliance and mitigate risks effectively.

Defending Against Deepfake Technology

The rise of deepfake technology poses new challenges for organisations. Corey Nachreiner from WatchGuard Technologies warns that deepfakes are becoming increasingly realistic, enabling attackers to impersonate individuals convincingly for phishing, fraud, or social engineering attacks. To counter this threat, companies need AI-driven verification tools and robust employee training programs to identify and neutralise such attacks.

AI-Powered Threat Detection and Response

AI isn’t just helping organisations defend against attacks—it’s enhancing their ability to identify and respond to them. Sarah Cleveland from ExtraHop explains how AI systems prioritise threats, allowing security teams to focus on high-risk anomalies in real time. With attackers growing more sophisticated, AI-powered defences are essential for staying ahead of evolving threats and ensuring a proactive security posture.

The Convergence of Payments and Identity

AI is also reshaping how payments and identity management intersect. Darrell Geusz from Ping Identity predicts that by 2025, verifiable credentials on smartphones will allow AI assistants to securely handle tasks like payments. While this innovation offers convenience, it also underscores the importance of secure credential management and authentication processes to safeguard sensitive information.

A Pragmatic Approach to AI Adoption

For businesses looking to implement AI, a cautious and focused approach is key. Jason Hardy from Hitachi Vantara advises starting small—identify specific problems that AI can solve, and then align investments with clear ROI objectives. This strategy ensures that organisations can maximise the benefits of AI without overextending resources or taking unnecessary risks.

Conclusion: Navigating the AI Revolution

AI is both a catalyst for innovation and a source of new challenges in cybersecurity. In 2025, organisations must adopt a dual strategy—leveraging AI’s potential to strengthen defences and improve processes while addressing risks through robust governance and ethical frameworks. By staying adaptive and strategic, businesses can turn AI into a powerful ally in an increasingly complex digital world.