AI and Cybersecurity Collide: Experts Urge Business Leaders to Harness AI Responsibly

AI isn’t just another tool in the tech stack—it’s fast becoming a force multiplier for both innovation and cyber threats. That was the central message from leading voices in cybersecurity at the BCX-sponsored CISO & Chief Security Professionals Executive Dinner, held in Cape Town on May 27. The event served as a curtain-raiser to the 20th annual ITWeb Security Summit 2025.

As AI adoption accelerates, security experts are raising the alarm: businesses must evolve their approach or risk being outpaced by increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals.

AI and Cyber Threats: A Double-Edged Sword

Garith Peck, Managing Executive of Cyber Security at BCX, opened the discussion by highlighting how AI has crossed a threshold.

“AI has evolved exponentially—it’s influencing every layer of technology,” said Peck. “We’ve reached an inflection point where AI is not only enhancing business operations but also arming cyber attackers with new capabilities.”

With zero trust and AI being top-of-mind concerns, Peck emphasized the importance of proactive strategies. He urged companies to partner with trusted cybersecurity vendors and develop a deep understanding of AI’s impact.

BCX, as a systems integrator, sees itself playing a guiding role in helping businesses use AI responsibly and purposefully.

A Global Cyber Landscape on Edge

Siobhan Gorman, partner at Brunswick Group, added a geopolitical lens to the conversation. She warned that global instability is giving cybercriminals the upper hand.

“When governments and organizations are distracted by political unrest, defenses are weakened. That’s when attackers strike,” said Gorman.

She explained how AI now powers both attackers and defenders, creating a race to innovate at scale. From deepfake social engineering to AI-driven phishing campaigns, the stakes are higher than ever.

“AI can supercharge social engineering threats. Leaders must now operate in a more chaotic, unpredictable environment—and prepare accordingly.”

What Businesses Should Do Right Now

The dinner wasn’t all warnings—it was also a call to action. Attendees were encouraged to:

• Invest in simulation exercises and ongoing cyber training

• Promote security awareness across all levels of the organization

• Prioritize visibility and strategic oversight in cyber planning

• Balance freedom and security in technology ecosystems

• Allocate sufficient budget and resources for cybersecurity

Martin Koyabe, Senior Manager at the Global Forum of Cyber Expertise Africa, reinforced that cybersecurity is borderless and continuous. “There is no finish line—it requires constant adaptation,” he said.

AI Is Not Just a Threat—It’s an Opportunity

Despite the challenges, AI is not the enemy. In fact, used correctly, it can transform how businesses defend their systems, detect anomalies, and respond to threats in real-time.

Peck closed the evening by reaffirming BCX’s commitment to helping companies make sense of this complex space:

“AI can be a powerful ally—but only if you understand it. Our goal is to help businesses unlock its benefits while staying protected.”

As AI continues to evolve, so too must the strategies we use to protect digital assets. Cybersecurity can no longer be reactive—it must be strategic, integrated, and forward-looking.

Now is the time for business leaders to take the reins and ensure their organizations are ready for the AI-driven future.

{Source: MSN}

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