AI can transform businesses, but is it also opening the door to cybersecurity risks?

Fuelled by competitive pressure and rising government support through the UK’s Industrial Strategy, it’s no surprise that more and more businesses are racing to adopt AI.

But there’s a catch. The more businesses scale their AI adoption, the bigger their attack surface becomes. Without a proactive and structured approach to securing AI systems, organisations risk trading short-term efficiencies for long-term vulnerabilities.

The AI Boom

AI investment is skyrocketing. Businesses are deploying generative AI tools, machine learning models, and intelligent automation across nearly every function, from customer service and fraud detection to supply chain optimisation. Platforms like DeepSeek and open-source AI models are now part of the mainstream tech stack.

Initiatives like the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan are fuelling experimentation and adoption. AI is now seen not just as a productivity tool, but as a critical lever for digital transformation.

However, the rapid pace of AI deployment is outpacing the development of the security frameworks required to protect it. When integrated with sensitive data or critical infrastructure, AI systems can introduce serious risks if not properly secured. These risks include data leakage through AI prompts or model training, as well as AI-generated phishing and social engineering attacks

So, it’s no surprise that our research found that data privacy is the top concern for businesses when adopting AI. As these threats evolve, businesses must treat AI not just as an enabler, but also as a potential vector for attack.

The Governance Gap

While technical threats often take centre stage, businesses also can’t forget the increasing regulatory requirements surrounding AI. 

As AI systems become more powerful, enabling businesses to extract valuable insights from vast datasets, they also raise serious ethical and legal challenges. 

Regulatory frameworks like the EU AI Act and GDPR aim to provide guardrails for responsible AI use. But these regulations often struggle to keep up with the rapid advancements in AI technology, leaving businesses exposed to potential breaches and misuse of personal data.

The Need for Responsible AI Adoption with Cybersecurity

To build resilience while embracing AI, businesses need a dual approach: 

1. Prioritise AI-specific training across the workforce

Cybersecurity teams are already stretched. Introducing AI into the mix raises the stakes. Organisations must prioritise upskilling their cybersecurity professionals to understand how AI can both protect and threaten systems.

But this isn’t just a job for the security team. As AI tools become embedded in daily workflows, employees across functions must also be trained to spot risks. Whether it’s uploading sensitive data into a chatbot or blindly trusting algorithms, human error remains a major weak point.

A well-trained workforce is the first and most crucial line of defence.

2. Adopt open-source AI responsibly

Another key strategy for reducing AI-related risks is the responsible adoption of open-source AI platforms. Open-source AI enhances transparency by making AI algorithms and tools available for broader scrutiny. This openness fosters collaboration and collective innovation, allowing developers and security experts worldwide to identify and address potential vulnerabilities more efficiently.

The transparency of open-source AI demystifies AI technologies for businesses, giving them the confidence to adopt AI solutions while ensuring they stay alert about potential security flaws. When AI systems are subject to global review, organisations can tap into the expertise of a diverse and engaged tech community to build more secure, reliable AI applications.

To adopt responsibly, businesses need to ensure that the AI they are using aligns with security best practices, complies with regulations, and is ethically sound. By using open-source AI responsibly, organisations can create more secure digital environments and strengthen trust with stakeholders.

Securing the Future of AI

AI is a transformative force that will redefine cybersecurity. We’re already seeing AI being used to automate threat detection and response. But it’s also powering more advanced attacks, from deepfake impersonation to large-scale automated exploits.

Organisations that succeed will be those that embed cybersecurity into every stage of their AI journey, from innovation to implementation. That means making risk management part of the innovation conversation, not a downstream fix.

By taking a responsible approach, investing in training, leveraging open-source AI wisely, and embedding cybersecurity into every layer of the business, organisations can unlock AI’s potential while defending against its risks.  

AI is a double-edged sword, but with thoughtful adoption, businesses can confidently navigate the complex landscape of AI and cybersecurity.