AI Models Under Fire: Experts Demand Better Defense Against Cyberattacks

Over 100 companies and institutions warn of a new era of AI-powered cybercrime
It's already alarming how rapidly the threat landscape in the digital realm is evolving—and how often we lag behind in responding. Now, over 100 companies and institutions from the AI, security, finance, and technology sectors have joined forces to sound the alarm. Collectively, they are urging greater protection against a new wave of cyberattacks that have become more dangerous and unpredictable thanks to AI.
AI as a tool for attackers: How hackers exploit the technology
AI was once primarily a defender—helping to shield us from attacks. Now, the tables have turned: criminals are using the technology to strike with greater precision and efficiency. Whether it’s finely tuned phishing emails that are nearly indistinguishable from genuine messages or password crackers that bypass weak accounts in seconds, attacks are growing increasingly sophisticated.
One particularly insidious example: hackers used AI to manipulate internal communications at a major tech company. By sending deceptively authentic messages, they tricked employees into disclosing sensitive data. Cases like this reveal just how difficult it is to defend against such threats using conventional methods when adversaries are armed with increasingly advanced tools.
“We aren’t prepared”—industry sounds the alarm
Among those issuing warnings are major players like Microsoft, Google, IBM, Palo Alto Networks, and CrowdStrike. They all agree: current security strategies are no longer sufficient. “AI-powered attacks are evolving at breakneck speed—and our defenses are struggling to keep up,” explains an IBM spokesperson. Many organizations still



rely on outdated systems such as firewalls and antivirus scanners. But when attackers use AI to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in real time, it’s like fighting with an old rifle against a modern assault weapon.
What needs to be done now
Experts have laid out clear demands:
1. Stricter regulations for AI tools: Developers of AI should be required to adhere to built-in security standards from the outset.
2. Increased investment in AI defense: Governments and businesses must allocate more funding to AI-driven defense systems capable of detecting and blocking attacks instantly.
3. Global collaboration: Cyberattacks don’t respect borders. That’s why better coordination between countries and companies is essential.
4. Employee training: Many attacks exploit human psychology—social engineering. Teams must be better trained to recognize such tactics.
Politics must take action
Governments also have a critical role to play. While the EU has taken initial steps with the AI Act, experts say it’s not enough. “The threat is real, and it’s going to get worse in the coming years,” warns a security expert from CrowdStrike. “We need clear rules now—before it’s too late.”
The next front in the cyber war
The numbers speak for themselves: AI-powered attacks have surged by over 400% in the past two years, according to studies. If we don’t act, the consequences could be devastating—for businesses, public institutions, and every individual.
The industry’s warnings aren’t alarmist—they’re a wake-up call. It’s time to act before the next generation of cybercriminals gains the upper hand. One thing is certain: the cyber battlefield of the future will be fought with AI—whether we’re ready or not.