AI is rapidly changing the cybersecurity landscape, but what is hype, and what is truly valuable for your organization?
AI brings powerful benefits to cyber defense, from rapid malware detection to supporting overloaded IT teams. According to Sophos, 73% of organizations now use deep learning models and 65% generative AI within their security solutions. However, the whitepaper “Navigating the AI Hype in Cybersecurity” warns against exaggerated expectations and new risks, such as excessive reliance on AI or poorly implemented models.
AI offers opportunities and introduces new threats
AI enables attackers to use convincing phishing emails, deepfakes, and voice cloning. At the same time, the risk of misuse of public AI models and ‘hijacking’ of LLMs by state actors is growing. The whitepaper also identifies internal risks: AI models trained on bad data or without proper quality control can themselves introduce weaknesses in your defense.
The promise of AI is often financially driven; 87% of respondents believe that GenAI can reduce the total cost of cybersecurity. However, the research shows that many organizations struggle to measure these costs and benefits in concrete terms. A thoughtful, targeted approach is therefore essential.
Sophos offers practical tools for those who WANT to use AI, but without naivety. This includes critically questioning suppliers, investing in email protection against AI-generated phishing, and preventing blind spots in AI investments. Crucially, AI should not replace human expertise, but should enhance it.
Want to know how you CAN strategically use AI in your cyber defense? Then download the complete whitepaper Navigating the AI Hype in Cybersecurity and make informed choices in a rapidly changing threat landscape.