Artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses work, but it is also changing the way cybercriminals operate. Attackers can use AI to create more convincing phishing messages, automate parts of an attack, search for weaknesses and adapt their methods more quickly.
This makes it important for businesses to understand how AI changes their security risks. The goal is not to stop using AI. Instead, organizations need to protect against AI-powered cyberattacks while continuing to use AI safely for business growth and innovation.
NIST’s Cyber AI Profile also recognizes this changing environment by focusing on securing AI systems, using AI for cyber defense and reducing the risks created by AI-enabled attacks.
Understand how AI changes cybersecurity risks
Traditional cyber threats remain important, but AI can make some attacks more convincing and easier to scale.
For example, attackers can use AI to create realistic emails, imitate communication styles, generate misleading content, or support reconnaissance activities. Security researchers are also seeing AI being used to assist with malware development and other stages of cyber operations.
Businesses therefore need to look beyond traditional security controls and understand how AI may affect their existing risk environment.
The first step is identifying where AI is being used across the organization.
Know where AI is being used
Employees may use public AI tools, while technology teams may build AI features into applications. Businesses may also use AI-powered services from external providers.
Without proper visibility, security teams may not know what information is being shared with these tools or what systems they can access.
Organizations should create a clear view of their AI environment. This includes approved applications, third-party services, internal AI systems, connected data and users.
Knowing where AI exists makes it easier to decide where additional protection is needed.
Protect business data
Data is one of the most important areas to protect when using AI.
Employees should understand what information can be entered into AI applications. Sensitive customer information, financial records, confidential documents, credentials and other protected data should not be exposed through careless AI use.
Businesses can establish clear policies for AI usage and apply access controls that limit who can use particular systems or information.
Data protection should also cover AI applications developed internally. Teams need to consider how information moves between users, AI models, databases and connected applications.
Strengthen identity and access controls
AI-powered applications can interact with business systems and, in some cases, perform tasks automatically. This makes identity and access management increasingly important.
Every AI application, employee and automated agent should have only the access needed to perform its role.
If an AI system is given broad permissions without proper controls, a compromised account or application could create a larger security problem.
Businesses should regularly review permissions and remove access that is no longer required.
Improve threat detection
AI can help attackers move faster, so security teams need strong visibility into unusual activity.
Businesses should monitor user behavior, application activity, network connections and access to sensitive resources. Security teams can use automation and AI-powered tools to help identify suspicious patterns and prioritize potential threats.
However, AI should support security professionals rather than replace human judgment entirely.
A practical security approach should combine technology with experienced people who can investigate unusual activity and make informed decisions.
Prepare employees for AI-driven threats
Employees remain an important part of cybersecurity. AI-generated phishing messages and convincing fake content can make suspicious communication harder to identify.
Businesses should regularly help employees recognize common warning signs and encourage them to report unusual messages or requests.
Useful areas for employee awareness include:
- AI-generated phishing and impersonation attempts
- Fake voice, video, or written messages
- Unusual requests for passwords, payments, or sensitive information
- Suspicious links and unexpected file attachments
Simple guidance can help employees become a stronger part of the organization’s security approach.
Build an AI-aware security strategy
Businesses should not treat AI security as a separate activity handled only by the IT department.
CIOs, CISOs, data leaders, legal teams, business units and employees all have a role to play. Policies should explain how AI can be used, what information can be shared and who is responsible for reviewing risks.
NIST’s approach similarly connects AI security with broader cybersecurity planning rather than treating it as an isolated issue.
Regular reviews are also important because AI tools and attack methods continue to change.
The Mainstream’s perspective on AI and Cybersecurity
The Mainstream is a global technology media platform covering enterprise technology, AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, digital transformation, GCC, CIO leadership, BFSI, FinTech and emerging business trends.
Through technology news, executive interviews, leadership discussions and industry insights, The Mainstream helps business and technology leaders understand how emerging technologies are changing the enterprise security landscape.
Its coverage of AI, cybersecurity and enterprise technology gives leaders a practical view of the opportunities and risks associated with digital innovation.
Conclusion
Businesses cannot completely separate AI adoption from cybersecurity. As AI becomes more deeply connected to applications, data, employees and business processes, security needs to evolve alongside it.
To protect against AI-powered cyberattacks, organizations should understand their AI environment, secure sensitive information, control access, improve threat detection, train employees and create clear governance.
The objective is not to slow innovation. It is to create the confidence needed to use AI while protecting the systems, information and people that businesses depend on.