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Cyber security in companies: the impact of AI 

In recent years, corporate cyber security has evolved rapidly thanks to the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI), which is becoming increasingly integrated into the field. However, the adoption of AI is causing anxiety among employees, who are worried about making mistakes that could lead to data breaches, as highlighted by a Sharp study.

Social engineering in cyber threats

Table of contents

  • The fear of mistakes and the consequences for security
  • The need for training and updates
  • AI and cyber threats: opportunities and risks
  • How to protect data in an evolving landscape
  • The future of data protection

In recent years, the cyber security landscape in businesses has evolved rapidly, driven by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). In essence, it can be said that we must get used to an increasingly strong link between cyber security and artificial intelligence.

However, the spread of AI has brought not only advantages but also increased anxiety among employees. A recent Sharp study highlighted that fear of making mistakes leading to severe data breaches is a primary workplace concern. 

The fear of mistakes and the consequences for security

According to the Sharp study involving over 11,000 employees across 11 European countries, 24% fear that unintentional errors could trigger cyberattacks. In Italy, this figure is 16%, reflecting a lower-than-average concern. 

While the use of AI represents an opportunity to improve business processes and incident response operations, it is seen as a threat that could make more sophisticated types of attacks, such as those based on social engineering, more difficult to detect.

The need for training and updates

Despite the growing level of awareness, an alarming figure emerges: 41% of employees in European SMEs and 38% in Italy have not received any cyber security training in the past two years. This means that business teams, while working on complex systems such as cloud computing or advanced operating systems, are often not prepared for the latest threats.

User behavior plays a crucial role in preventing data breaches. Investing in continuing education programs should be a priority for enterprises, enabling organizations to effectively deal with the dangers posed by evolving technology.

AI and cyber threats: opportunities and risks


Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the world of cyber security, creating a paradox between innovative opportunities and growing risks. On one hand, AI provides companies with advanced tools to detect and prevent cyberattacks; on the other, the same technology is being used by cybercriminals to design increasingly sophisticated threats.

Opportunities offered by AI 

AI integration in business security systems enhances real-time monitoring and analysis. Through machine learning algorithms, AI can: 

  • Identify anomalies in information systems
    By detecting suspicious behavior, such as unauthorized access or unusual data movement, that could indicate a potential attack.
  • Automate incident response
    By speeding up containment and recovery procedures in the event of a breach. This is particularly useful for mitigating damage during complex attacks such as ransomware.
  • Predicting potential threats
    By analyzing large volumes of historical data to identify recurring patterns that may indicate the likelihood of future attacks.
  • Strengthening the protection of cloud computing
    An area that is increasingly vulnerable to breaches by constantly monitoring virtualized environments and distributed data.

These capabilities can help companies enhance the resilience of their infrastructures, improve their ability to protect sensitive data, and reduce the risk of human error.

How cybercriminals exploit AI 

At the same time, the same technology is being strategically exploited by cybercriminals to develop more sophisticated attacks. Attackers use AI to:

  • Create more realistic phishing content
    Deceptive emails generated by advanced language patterns that are difficult to distinguish from legitimate communications.
  • Automating large-scale attacks
    Such as social engineering, which relies on data analysis from social media to target victims.
  • Circumventing traditional detection systems
    By automatically modifying malware code to evade standard security controls.
  • Exploiting deepfake
    An emerging technique that uses AI to create fake video or audio, often used for financial scams or to compromise corporate reputation.

The role of AI in the future of security 

As threats become more advanced, AI will be pivotal for enhanced protection. AI-based solutions will integrate deeply into operating systems and software, offering adaptive, personalized security. Nonetheless, organizations must maintain a balanced approach, combining AI with human awareness.

Continuous employee training remains essential, especially against social engineering attacks. Even the best AI systems require robust awareness and prevention strategies to identify and report threats. 

Innovation and regulation 

European regulations, such as the NIS2 directive, aim to ensure that advanced technologies, including AI, are used to improve security without exposing organizations to additional risks. Regulation, along with technological development, enables organizations to take a proactive approach to threat management, protecting corporate data and assets.

In conclusion, artificial intelligence is a valuable ally for cyber security, but its use must be accompanied by careful risk analysis and integrated strategies to address evolving challenges.

Cyber security in businesses

How to protect data in an evolving landscape

Protecting corporate data has become an increasingly complex challenge, exacerbated by the evolution of cyber threats and the adoption of technologies such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI). To maintain an adequate level of security, organizations must continuously adapt their strategies, balancing advanced technologies with human awareness.

Adopting a layered security approach 

Modern cyber security demands a multi-layered strategy integrating various techniques to protect corporate infrastructure: 

  • Advanced detection systems
    Technologies such as AI can analyze large amounts of data in real time to identify anomalies or signs of attack, reducing the time needed for a response.
  • Data encryption
    Both in transit and at rest, to ensure that sensitive information is protected even in the event of a breach.
  • Privilege-based
    Access Restrict access rights to sensitive data to only authorized personnel, thus reducing the risk of internal compromise.
  • Continuous monitoring
    Use tools that analyze network traffic and operating systems to quickly detect potential data breaches.

These technological tools provide a solid foundation for security, but they are not sufficient unless supported by a strong human component.

The importance of employee training 

User behavior significantly impacts security. Many cyberattacks, including social engineering, exploit human errors like clicking fraudulent links or downloading harmful files. Therefore, training must be a pillar of the business strategy.

Companies must invest in regular training programs to educate employees on:

  • Identify phishing attempts or social engineering techniques; 
  • Promptly report suspicious activities to security teams;
  • Understand the importance of using strong, frequently updated credentials. 

An informed workforce serves as the first line of defense against cyber threats

Resilience through cloud computing 

While cloud computing offers scalability and remote data access, it introduces new vulnerabilities. Companies should adopt specific solutions to secure cloud resources: 

  • Secure configurations
    Avoid accidental data exposure through proper system setup. 
  • Regular backups
    Maintain updated critical data copies to recover after ransomware attacks. 
  • Integrated security solutions
    Protect cloud platforms with features like monitoring, encryption, and access management. 

Collaboration between technology and regulation 

Growing regulations, like the EU’s NIS2 directive, play a vital role in enhancing data protection. These regulations impose high standards, requiring vulnerability assessments and incident response plans

Compliance not only meets legal requirements but also boosts customer trust and corporate reputation. Adopting compliant strategies protects sensitive data and prevents costly disruptions. 

The importance of prevention and readiness

An effective data protection strategy is not limited to reacting to attacks but aims to prevent them. This involves:

  • Preventive threat analysis
    Anticipating risks through attack simulations and vulnerability assessments.
  • Rapid response plans
    Structuring clear processes to efficiently contain and mitigate any breaches.
  • Collaboration with external experts
    Working with cybersecurity service providers to access the latest technologies and knowledge.

The future of data protection

As technologies and attack strategies evolve, the cyber security landscape will continue to change. For businesses, this means staying at the forefront by adopting innovative solutions and maintaining a high level of awareness.

The combination of advanced technologies and a security-focused corporate culture will enable organizations to adapt to an increasingly complex environment, protecting their data and ensuring operational continuity.


Questions and answers

  1. Why does AI intimidate employees in cyber security? 
    AI is perceived as complicating the detection of sophisticated attacks, increasing error anxiety. 
  2. What role does social engineering play in cyber threats? 
    Social engineering exploits human behavior to access sensitive data, often through phishing. 
  3. How will the NIS2 directive protect company data? 
    By imposing higher security standards, reducing attack risks, and improving resilience. 
  4. Why is cyber security training essential? 
    It helps employees recognize threats and adopt safe practices to prevent attacks. 
  5. How does cloud computing impact cyber security? 
    It enhances flexibility but requires advanced measures to secure data. 
  6. What role does user behavior play in security? 
    Users are often the weakest link. Awareness reduces error-related risks. 
  7. What are the most common types of cyberattacks? 
    Phishing, ransomware, and social engineering are among the most frequent. 
  8. How can security teams use AI? 
    AI aids in anomaly detection, real-time monitoring, and incident response. 
  9. How can social media be exploited by cybercriminals? 
    For spreading malware or gathering personal data for targeted attacks. 
  10. How has cyber security evolved for businesses in recent years? 
    Increasing threat complexity demands constant evolution in defense strategies. 
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