We’ re seeing a clear industry shift away from static, perimeter-based models toward adaptive, intelligence-driven security. Against threats like AI-generated malware and Machine-Learning – enhanced zero-day exploits, leading organisations are layering several advanced practices. This includes continuous threat hunting to proactively identify indicators of compromise, behaviour-based detection systems that can flag abnormal activity in real time, and automated response workflows that can contain threats within seconds.

AI is also being used defensively, for example, to analyse vast telemetry data sets, spot subtle anomalies, and predict likely attack paths before they’ re exploited. Just as important is a strong threat intelligence capability, often shared through industry collaboration, so defences can adapt quickly to novel attack techniques. The goal is a security posture that’ s not just reactive, but anticipatory – capable of detecting and mitigating threats before they cause business impact.

How can a strong security awareness culture be cultivated to address the new vulnerabilities introduced by AI, such as employees unknowingly interacting with sophisticated AIdriven phishing scams or other deceptive content?

Promoting a strong security awareness culture in the age of AI requires moving beyond once-a-year training toward an ongoing, adaptive approach. AI-driven phishing and deepfake-enabled scams are harder to spot with the naked eye, so organisations are focusing on helping employees recognise behavioral and contextual warning signs, not just obvious visual or textual cues.

Leading practices include simulated phishing campaigns that mimic current attack trends, bitesized micro-trainings embedded in daily workflows, and clear, simple reporting channels so staff feel confident flagging suspicious activity.

The most successful programmes treat employees as active participants in defence, reinforcing that security is a shared responsibility. Combined with layered technical safeguards, this human element is critical, because no matter how advanced our detection tools become, attackers will continue to target human trust, and culture is our first line of defence.

In the event of a major cyberincident driven by advanced AI threats, what is the best approach to incident response and recovery and how can Business Continuity be ensured when AI-powered attacks can be highly targeted and evasive?

In any incident, speed, co-ordination and adaptability are essential. Industry best practice is to have a well-rehearsed incident response plan that’ s integrated with Business Continuity and crisis management processes, so decisions can be made quickly and with the right stakeholders at the table. Modern playbooks incorporate AI-powered detection and automation to help contain threats early, but they also emphasise human-led analysis to validate and guide the response.

Because AI-driven attacks can be highly targeted and evasive, organisations are building resilience through network segmentation, offline backups and tested failover capabilities to keep critical operations running even under attack. Postincident, the focus shifts to rapid recovery, transparent stakeholder communication and applying lessons learned to strengthen defences. In short, the goal is not only to survive an incident, but to emerge more resilient against the next one.

How do you see emerging technologies, such as Quantum Computing and the wider adoption of AI, impacting the future of cybersecurity, and what steps are organisations taking to prepare for these potential shifts?

Emerging technologies such as these are set to reshape both the threat landscape and defensive strategies. Quantum Computing has the potential to break current encryption methods, which is why organisations are already exploring quantum-resistant cryptography to future-proof sensitive data.

At the same time, AI will continue to amplify both sides of the cybersecurity equation, enabling more sophisticated attacks, but also more advanced detection, prediction and automated response capabilities.

Forward-looking organisations are taking proactive steps now: assessing where quantum risk intersects with their most critical assets, piloting AI-driven security tools and building the agility to adapt quickly as these technologies mature. The common thread is readiness – developing flexible, intelligence-driven security frameworks that can evolve with technology, rather than react after the fact.

Promoting a strong security awareness culture in the age of AI requires moving beyond once-a-year training toward an ongoing, adaptive approach.

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