AI: Overhyped buzzword or cyber defence enabler?
Naturally, the conversation turned to AI — both as a threat vector and a tool for defenders. The consensus was that AI is a double-edged sword.
“It’s friend and foe,” Justin said. “It depends how it’s deployed. Done right, it can make defenders more effective. But misuse or blind adoption exposes new risks.”
He also raised concerns about sensitive data exposure and training gaps, urging a more deliberate, business-aligned approach to AI integration.
Stuart, in typical candour, compared the AI hype to Rickrolling: “It’s just now the new hype. Silver bullet, now with AI.”
But he acknowledged AI’s potential when applied properly — at Virgin Media O2, for example, AI is already saving US$900,000 a month by automating time-consuming tasks, freeing staff for high-value threat hunting.
Nick added that while adversaries are using AI to improve phishing quality and speed, “we’re not yet seeing novel AI-based attacks”.
For now, he said, defenders still have the upper hand, provided they embrace AI with a clear purpose and robust training.
The panel closed by reiterating that people remain the most critical asset in cybersecurity.
“People are our most vulnerable and most powerful asset,” Stuart said. “They’re the ones who’ll stay up all night during an incident.”
