Cybersecurity

Hackers increasingly use AI not only to create smarter phishing emails but also to automate and accelerate hacking itself. As defenders, we don’t really have a choice — we must also use AI to keep up. But what does that actually mean? How can we make AI work on our side — to help us protect ourselves?

So far, implementing AI (also) in cybersecurity has been costly and often less effective than promised. Most organizations still rely on traditional tools like antivirus software, firewalls, and employee training (“don’t click suspicious links”).

But this will soon change.

As awareness grows, buyers will start choosing software based not only on features and price but also on security. When that happens, vendors will finally have to take cybersecurity seriously — especially once regulations begin holding them liable for insecure products. These regulations are already on their way.

Because cybersecurity is now seen as part of national safety, governments will likely start to favor certain tech vendors — or even ban others.This will directly affect companies’ freedom of choice.Even small businesses might find their options limited or more expensive, depending on what their country considers “safe.”

Governments are also becoming stricter about data sovereignty — where data is stored, who can access it, and where the infrastructure sits. Things get especially messy when each region creates its own laws and control regimes — making it harder for global companies to stay compliant and for cybersecurity standards to remain consistent.

Since AI depends on data, hardware, and software, nations are pushing for home-grown or allied-trusted technology. But in times of geopolitical instability, shifting alliances, and reduced trust, building a clear strategy becomes harder than ever.

It’s going to be turbulent , but there’s a good chance that security-focused countries will double down on supporting their own tech ecosystems — because being able to keep data safe and infrastructure under control is becoming a new form of power that brings both strategic and economic advantage.

What’s more, the new demands that software vendors will soon face will ultimately serve the user.

In an AI race, proactivity is the key — and the same works for cybersecurity. Not only does AI make software safer from the start, but AI-driven cybersecurity systems won’t just wait for hackers to attack — they can find weak points in software early, before someone exploits them. They can analyze thousands of alerts, identify patterns, and highlight what truly matters.

However, the new rules apply to all of us. In this AI race, proactivity is no longer a luxury — it’s survival. Waiting for regulators and software vendors to do all the work is naive. You have to understand the upcoming changes before they arrive, so you have time to build a strategy and make decisions that truly serve your business — because just adjusting to the demands won’t be enough to survive.