AI and Cybersecurity - Edge1S

AI and Cybersecurity – How to Secure Data in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

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Magdalena Szymoniuk

Business Unit Director

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more and more present in our daily lives. According to a study conducted by Maison & Partners and the Ariadna panel, 42% of Poles already use AI. It definitely supports the development of technology, improves the efficiency of processes and enables solving complex problems. However, the growing use of AI in virtually every aspect of life also raises questions about the security of personal data and privacy. In this article, we will discuss how AI affects cybersecurity, what threats it poses and how to effectively protect your data in the era of artificial intelligence.

How does AI affect privacy?

Artificial intelligence collects and processes huge amounts of personal data, which means it directly affects user privacy. It is worth knowing that currently, there are practically no AI by Design devices on the market – allowing AI queries to be processed directly on the device – without the need to send them to the cloud or support external infrastructure. Popular chatbots that are gaining popularity by storm are based on cloud processing. This means that all data is sent to the network, which exposes it to leakage or publication. It is also worth remembering that by sending data in this way, we can expose ourselves to legal consequences, e.g. related to violating GDPR. Another important problem is Shadow AI – the use of AI in companies without the consent of the management and supervision of IT departments. This is an increasingly urgent problem to be solved in today’s business.

Data collection in apps

AI is present in social media, voice assistants, IoT devices, and other everyday technologies. For example, voice assistants analyze our queries to provide more relevant answers, while also collecting sensitive information about our preferences.

Data collected by popular apps or services described as powered by AI is very often used in unintended ways. A perfect example of this is Apple’s settlement in connection with the breach of privacy rules in Siri. Data processed by Siri was sold by Apple to third parties for marketing purposes. This is an extremely important case, because Apple has been known for years for its high level of security, privacy, and anonymization of user data. The case from early 2025 shows that even for a company with such a strong position from a cybersecurity perspective, AI can be a big threat.

Lack of transparency of algorithms

Users are often unaware of what data is being processed and for what purpose. Such a lack of transparency can lead to abuse and privacy violations.

Manufacturers of artificial intelligence solutions create very extensive privacy and data use policies. This is associated with a wide range of AI uses. End users are not always aware of the purposes for which their data can be processed. For example, most LLM models are connected to popular websites such as Wikipedia. They learn from them how to create content, answer questions or generate conversations. Chatbots in free versions also use conversations with end users to teach the algorithms responsible for generating content.

Positive and negative aspects

AI helps personalize services and improve the comfort of life, but it can also lead to invasive monitoring or unauthorized use of personal data.

Although AI in most cases has a positive impact on the development of technology and makes everyday life easier, we must not forget about the dark side of artificial intelligence.

The negative aspects of using AI include the famous case of Clearview AI. The company created a huge database of faces by scanning photos from social media and other public sources without the consent of users. Then there was a data leak. It revealed, among other things, which organizations use Clearview AI solutions. The case ended with a fine of $ 33 million.

AI Applications in Data Protection

AI plays a key role in countering cyber threats and protecting data. Examples of its applications include:

Threat analysis
AI is used to monitor networks and identify potential threats based on patterns of activity.

A multitude of modern solutions using machine learning, neural processors, and artificial intelligence have appeared on the market. Solutions such as Darktrace or Vectra AI allow for quick detection of security threats and potential data leaks.

Automatic anomaly detection

AI-based tools can detect unusual activities in IT systems in real time, such as unauthorized logins or suspicious data transfers.

Thanks to their proactive action, AI-based tools do not have to rely on outdated security signatures. They can protect against unusual attacks and the first documented iterations of their use.

Advanced protection technologies

AI supports data encryption, biometric authentication systems, and permission management in organizations.

Examples of tools include software for monitoring activity in real time or systems using machine learning to predict attacks.

It is worth emphasizing the ubiquity of AI here. A solution supported by AI is, among others, Microsoft Defender, which is present by default in the Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems. The key security solution for the most popular desktop operating systems in the world uses AI to automatically respond to incidents.

How to protect your personal data in the age of AI?

Protecting your personal data in the age of AI requires awareness and proper practices. Here are some tips:

  • Limit the information you share: Think about what information you share online and avoid sharing sensitive information.
  • Use privacy settings: Many apps offer privacy management tools. Take a moment to adjust these settings. It is definitely worth limiting the amount of personal data you share and strengthening your privacy. Such solutions are available in every popular service available in the European Union.
  • Avoid AI-powered phishing: Be on the lookout for suspicious messages and links. AI can generate very realistic fake emails or websites.
  • Secure connections: Use VPNs, encrypted connections, and trusted Wi-Fi networks. Remember! Do not use public Wi-Fi networks, which facilitate the infiltration of network traffic. In the era of cheap mobile internet, use a personal hotspot from your mobile device.

The biggest threats related to the use of AI by cybercriminals

Cybercriminals are increasingly using AI to carry out their activities. Here are some of the most serious threats:

  • Automation of phishing attacks: AI allows the generation of personalized phishing messages, which increases the chances of successful attacks.
  • Creating deepfakes: Visual and audio manipulations are used in financial, political and many other frauds.
  • Manipulation of personal data: AI algorithms can be used to track and profile users for illegal purposes.

Popular threats related to the use of AI include, among others, bots on LinkedIn sending phishing messages with job offers. By posing as a recruiter, cybercriminals collect valuable information about the “potential employee” after he fills out an extensive job application form.

The examples of real incidents indicated in the above part of the article illustrate how dangerous the use of AI by cybercriminals can be.

Best practices for data protection in the era of AI

For companies

Advanced AI systems
Implementation of technologies supporting data protection, such as threat analysis systems or encryption tools.

IT departments should be interested in modern methods of protection against cyberattacks, as well as conduct continuous training in the field of cybersecurity. Criminals know very well that the weakest link in any system is its user, and attacks based on AI are deceptively similar to real situations.

Modern security systems based on AI and protecting against artificial intelligence threats include: Darktrace, CrowdStrike Falcon, Vade Secure, SentinelOne, Azure Sentinel, Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR, Tenable.io, Chack Point CloudGuard, Varonis or Fortinet FortiAI.

Regular audits
Updates and security checks minimize the risk of data leakage. Audits should be carried out continuously and regularly, and at least once a year should be used by an external organization.

For individual users

Password managers
Use tools to store passwords securely. Users can use ecosystem solutions offered by Google, Apple or Microsoft or rely on more advanced third-party products such as Bitwarden, LastPass, 1Password or Dashlane.

Multi-factor authentication
Two-step login significantly hinders unauthorized access. This option should be activated in every service that offers it. The best idea is to use a dedicated 2FA/MFA application with access keys. This solution is much safer than SMS codes, which can be easily intercepted.

Activity monitoring
Regularly check your online accounts and be wary of unusual activities. Set up alerts in services about logins in unusual locations.

The Future of Cybersecurity Using Artificial Intelligence

In the coming years, we can expect dynamic development of AI in the context of data protection. Key trends include:

  • Autonomous response systems: AI will be able to neutralize threats on its own in real time.
  • Quantum data encryption: These technologies will provide even greater security of information processing.

However, it should be remembered that the intensive and rapid development of AI also requires appropriate legal and ethical regulations to minimize the risk of abuse. Unfortunately, as with other technological innovations, the law is currently not keeping up with the development of AI, and most legal acts are still being prepared.

Summary

AI can be both a powerful protection tool and a source of threats to personal data. The key to effective protection in the era of artificial intelligence is education, conscious use of technology and the application of best practices in cybersecurity. With the right approach, AI will be an ally in the fight for digital security.

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