The Role of AI in Cybersecurity: A Double-Edged Sword

Abstract

At the same time, AI is a solid force in the struggle for cybersecurity against menacing cyber threats; on the other hand, AI works as an opportunity to perform malicious acts. In this research, emphasis is given to how AI enhances the prevention, detection, and management of cyber threats. On the same note, AI also assists security teams in overpowering threats in real time, reducing the response time to threats and boosting general defense effectiveness through machine learning techniques, anomaly detection systems, and predictive analysis. However, the same technology poses significant risks when exploited by adversaries, such as adversarial attacks, model poisoning, and the weaponization of AI for crafting more sophisticated threats. This research uses a mixed-methods approach to assess AI's positive effects and highlight the problems with its implementation; it also outlines the identified strengths and weaknesses of an AI-driven system. To that end, derived from the insights gathered, practical guidelines for the promising yet contentious use of AI in cybersecurity are provided to strike an appropriate middle ground between value addition in security initiatives and the adverse effects posed by the technology.