From AI Threats to Certified Solutions: How Professionals Can Stay Ahead of Emerging Cyber Risks

Even down to the most menial task, AI is already involved. From controlling smart home devices to scrolling through your notifications, managing emails, and interacting with service chatbots, AI is there. More so in more complicated and advanced company processes.

The integration of AI in the workplace has undoubtedly saved employees from routine tasks. Because of its application in data entry, predictive analytics, content creation, and other administrative functions, studies on workplace AI have shown how it has:

• increased efficiency among employees
• enabled faster and well-informed decision-making
• inspired product and service innovations
• improved communication and collaboration among team members
• allowed flexibility and mobility
• boosted revenue and decreased operational and production costs
• improved customer experience
• helped the company gain an advantage over competitors

But while the impact of AI integration in the workplace is positive, it is equally important to look into the potential risks that come with these innovations. For one, the opposition and distrust among several employees towards AI do not only stem from perceiving it as a job threat. It is more about the cybersecurity risks that come with its full integration.

Companies may have established strong cybersecurity infrastructure, but attackers are always on the hunt for other alternatives, constantly scanning for overlooked windows that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access.

The list includes the use of AI to:

• gain access to corporate systems and obtain personal and company credentials
• develop malicious code to launch ransomware attacks
• create deepfakes to impersonate colleagues or executives and deceive them into sharing sensitive information or processing unauthorized transactions
• steal information through chatbots or interception of ongoing communications
• alter documents, photos, and sensitive company assets to destroy the company image or influence public perceptions

You can look at AI in two ways. AI can either enhance company operations or jeopardize the opportunities that still exist. But you can also look at it in a more nuanced perspective: a tool to enhance company operations and cybersecurity infrastructures.

However, to harness such power, it would require a delicate balance between knowing the ‘what’ and ‘how’—of what can be used to boost company productivity and how to avoid damages and legal repercussions. At this point, it seems counterintuitive to reject the use of AI. What can be done is to heighten employee and AI coexistence in the workplace.

1. Staying updated with the latest cybersecurity trends

Cybernews keeps us abreast of the latest developments in cybersecurity. Almost every day, companies and individuals fall prey to the deceptive tactics of cybercriminals. For professionals, it is necessary to keep track of these evolving strategies. Looking into exposés and expert reviews can help us remain alert to new attack methods and stay updated on the best tools to strengthen the already established cybersecurity protocols of the company.

2. Upskilling and reskilling

New knowledge is produced every single day. What you learned yesterday may not be as relevant or accurate as it is today. Even more with the knowledge and skills that you acquired several years back, which may now be outdated.

As cybercriminals persistently devise innovative ways to access sensitive company information, so should professionals like you in advancing the ability to recognize and avoid the strategies they employ. The information you read is not enough. You also have to know how to defend yourself and the company you are working with against them. That’s why companies with strong cybersecurity programs often conduct regular training.

However, for a more experiential and personalized approach, an expert-led program that suits your learning style may yield better results. For instance, GSDC’s Certification in Generative AI in Cybersecurity provides professionals with the essential skills needed to thrive in this evolving digital space. The course covers:

• Understanding the foundations of AI
• The role of AI in cybersecurity, including legal and regulatory frameworks
• Security and ethical considerations in AI and cybersecurity
• Practical use of AI tools with hands‑on demonstrations
• More advanced AI applications for cybersecurity

Knowing that some terms and procedures in cybersecurity may seem abstract and can feel intimidating, having hands-on experience facilitated by field experts who can simplify complex concepts can greatly help as you take on real-world scenarios.

3. Knowing real threats

It’s easy to point all fingers at cybercriminals. Unfortunately, their success is reliant on the lapses and mistakes made by people. Cybernews experts have reported that human error causes 95% of cybersecurity concerns. The World Economic Forum even highlighted ‘cybersecurity failure’ among the top 10 risks companies often encounter, which highlights the importance of stronger cybersecurity infrastructures, protocols among employees, and knowledge among professionals.

The real threat is in not knowing. In this case, ignorance excuses no one. And the sad part is that it may cost not only your personal information but also that of the company.

They say keep your friends close but your enemies closer. The key to a symbiotic relationship between AI and professionals lies in knowing and understanding the real enemy: the threats lurking in the corners, waiting for the perfect time to attack.

By implementing stronger cybersecurity measures, tapping into AI for monitoring employee activities, and consistently learning about AI threats and cybersecurity, you do not only help the company position itself to stay secure and trusted; you also show what it takes to be a professional in this digital age: open to learning new things (through company trainings and certification programs), adaptive to changes, and equipped with skills to thrive no matter the challenge.