Impact of AI and Generative AI in transforming Cybersecurity

In the constantly expanding field of cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and more specifically Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) impacts every aspect of the cybersecurity landscape. In today’s world, most manual transactions, interactions, and records have become digital, generating vast amounts of valuable data. Many devices are connected by various private or public networks to the Internet known as the Internet of Things(IoT). This has led to many incidents where users and organizations have been targeted for Fraud, data theft, and disruption to businesses among other challenges. AI-based tools play a key role in defending against cyber attacks rapidly and effectively, due to their ability to analyze large volumes of data in real time. GenAI models can continuously learn and adapt, thus proactively assisting with cyber defense. For digital users and entities, this can help protect data, reduce incidents of Fraud, and model threats, keep systems safe, and mitigate other risks. The applications of GenAI however do not extend just to the defense of systems, they can also be used to increase cybersecurity threats. Malicious actors might use covert methods to manipulate data, attack systems, avoid malware detection, and spread harmful or incorrect information. This paper will detail how AI is a double-edged sword in cyber security, providing proactive and increasingly rapid and efficient ways to enhance cyber defense, as well as its use in newer and more damaging threats. It also aims to bring awareness of regulatory and other impacts on society.