“Cybersecurity is much more than a matter of IT. It’s a matter of national security.” - Jeh Johnson, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security
The rising tide of AI-driven attacks
The 2025 cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover made worldwide news. It disrupted production and caused economic losses of about $2.5 billion. It proved yet again how modern cybercrime can cripple entire industries. Such attacks now ripple far beyond one company, impacting suppliers, vendors, and entire ecosystems.
When AI becomes a weapon
Experts say hackers are now “weaponising” artificial intelligence to scale their attacks. Anthropic revealed that threat actors have used its AI models to write malicious code and create fake job profiles to infiltrate corporate systems. Similarly, reports suggest North Korean operatives used AI-generated personas to breach Fortune 500 companies’ defences.
Governments fight back with AI
Governments are fighting back by deploying their own AI tools. OpenAI received a $200 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to enhance its AI cybersecurity capabilities. Microsoft, too, is investing in AI-based threat intelligence and automated defences across Europe, aiming to counter evolving digital threats.
India’s strategic AI shield
India has also embraced AI for cyber resilience. The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System, NATGRID, and NETRA collectively enable monitoring of encrypted data and early detection of threats. The National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre leads efforts to secure banking, telecom, and public infrastructure.
The battle intensifies
Experts warn that the “AI vs AI” battle will only escalate. Both enterprises and governments must equip themselves with cutting-edge tools to outsmart adaptive cybercriminals. As AI evolves, so too must our defences, turning technology into both sword and shield.
Summary
Cybercrime has entered an AI-driven era, where both attackers and defenders rely on intelligent systems. Nations and corporations must continuously upgrade their AI defences to protect critical infrastructure, supply chains, and economies from advanced, weaponised algorithms.
Food for thought
If AI systems can learn to attack autonomously, can we ever ensure that AI-based defence will remain one step ahead?
AI concept to learn: AI weaponisation
AI weaponisation refers to the use of artificial intelligence to create, enhance, or automate malicious activities such as cyberattacks, misinformation campaigns, or surveillance. Understanding this concept helps in building countermeasures that ensure AI remains a tool for protection, not destruction.
[The Billion Hopes Research Team shares the latest AI updates for learning and awareness. This is not a professional, financial, personal or medical advice. Please consult domain experts before making decisions. Feedback welcome!]
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