AI change offensively and defensively in 2025

Question

How has AI affected cybersecurity, both offensively and defensively, in 2025?

Deepika Sawant · Answer

Defensive Impact: AI as a Cybersecurity Ally 1. AI-Powered Threat Detection Machine learning models analyze network traffic, user behavior, and system logs to detect anomalies in real time. Platforms like Darktrace and CrowdStrike Falcon use AI to identify threats that traditional systems might miss. 2. Automated Incident Response SOAR tools (e.g., Splunk SOAR , Cortex XSOAR ) automate triage and response, reducing human intervention and speeding up containment. 3. Behavioral Biometrics AI tracks keystroke dynamics, touchscreen gestures, and mouse movements to detect unauthorized access attempts. 4. Generative AI for Security Operations Tools like Microsoft Security Copilot use large language models to assist with log analysis, script generation, and attack simulations. 5. Sector-Specific Applications Finance : Real-time fraud detection using predictive analytics Healthcare : Protection of EHRs and compliance with data regulations Enterprise : AI-enhanced SIEM platforms like IBM QRadar for predictive risk scoring Offensive Impact: AI as a Cyber Threat Accelerator 1. Hyper-Personalized Phishing & Deepfakes Generative models craft convincing phishing emails and mimic voices or faces using deepfake technology. Attacks no longer require high skill—just access to the right tools. 2. Polymorphic Malware & WormGPT AI enables malware that changes its code to evade detection, making traditional defenses obsolete. 3. Adversarial Machine Learning Attackers manipulate AI models with crafted inputs, causing misclassification or blind spots. 4. Ransomware Evolution Ransomware now targets data integrity , not just encryption—altering medical records or financial data to cause systemic disruption. 5. AI-Driven Attack Scaling Threat actors use AI to instantly scale campaigns, increasing both volume and complexity. Strategic Implications for Businesses and Startups Area Defensive Use Offensive Risk Data Protection Real-time anomaly detection AI-powered data manipulation User Authentication Behavioral biometrics Deepfake impersonation Incident Response Automated workflows AI-generated attack chains Threat Intelligence Predictive analytics Adaptive malware and phishing

AI change offensively and defensively in 2025

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