AI as a Force Multiplier for Defenders

AI is acting as a force multiplier for both sides. Attackers can use AI to increase the speed, scale and sophistication of cyberattacks, while defenders can use it to analyse threats and make decisions faster. This compression of response times makes real-time security monitoring and effective Security Operations Centres increasingly important.

AI systems are only as effective and secure as the data they can access. Giving AI unnecessary access to sensitive, regulated or proprietary information can create significant security, governance and compliance risks. Organisations therefore need appropriate data classification, access controls and guardrails as part of their AI strategy.

Shadow AI occurs when employees use AI tools outside approved organisational processes. For example, an employee could paste sensitive company data, intellectual property or regulated information into a public LLM. Even without malicious intent, this can expose the organisation to data loss, cybersecurity, regulatory and compliance risks.