Yes, Attackers Are Using AI, But So Can We

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape our tools, workflows, and defenses, we also have to acknowledge one important truth:

The bad actors are using it too.

But this isn’t a reason to panic it’s a reason to get smart, stay proactive, and lead with clarity.

We’re entering a new phase in cybersecurity where the attack surface is expanding, and attackers are moving faster and more convincingly thanks, in part, to generative AI.

Here’s what we’re seeing:

1. Smarter Phishing Campaigns

What used to be easy to spot poor grammar, odd phrasing is now nearly flawless.
Attackers are using AI to craft hyper-personalized phishing emails, mimic writing styles, and tailor messages to roles, departments, and even specific personalities.

These aren’t your typical mass-email scams. They’re strategic, contextual, and increasingly hard to detect.

2. Deepfakes and Synthetic Voice Attacks

We're already seeing AI-generated videos and voice clones used to impersonate executives, trick employees, and even simulate emergency calls.

Think about it: a deepfake video or audio message from your CEO asking finance to "urgently wire funds"?
That’s no longer science fiction it's a growing reality.

3. Faster, Automated Exploits

AI can analyze code for vulnerabilities, automate exploit development, and run social engineering campaigns at scale.
It’s allowing threat actors to test, iterate, and attack with speed we haven’t seen before.

But here’s the good news: We’re not powerless.

If AI is a new tool in the attacker’s arsenal, it’s also a powerful force in ours.

Mid-market companies, even those without large SOCs, can:

• Leverage AI-powered email and endpoint protection to spot patterns and anomalies before humans do.

• Use AI for user behavior analytics, detecting subtle signs of compromise across accounts.

• Train teams to recognize AI-driven phishing with updated simulations and role-based awareness.

• Implement layered defenses, knowing that one tool or alert isn’t enough in a world of hyper-realistic deception.

Most importantly: we lead with intention, not fear.

We don't need to match attackers' tool-for-tool.
We need to stay informed, stay adaptive, and design systems that evolve as fast as the threat landscape does.

AI changes the game for everyone. The challenge isn’t that attackers are using it.
The opportunity is that so can we, and often with more discipline, vision, and values.

Let’s build the future of cybersecurity from a place of capability, not crisis.