it-sa Expo&Congress 2025: Rethinking cyber defense with artificial intelligence

What risks does AI pose to IT security?

AI can also become a weapon. Cybercriminals use generative AI for deceptively real deepfakes, automated malware, or manipulative prompts. AI-driven attacks scale faster, act more precisely, and are more difficult to detect.

Among other things, you should be aware of the following points:

• Red teams must incorporate AI-based attack scenarios.
• Governance and ethics determine whether something is beneficial or harmful.
• Protection begins with awareness of new attack vectors.

Delve deeper into the topic with these articles from it-sa Expo&Congress 2025: 

How trustworthy are automated decisions?

AI is increasingly taking over routine tasks and accelerating security operations, but human oversight remains indispensable. Modern SOCs are evolving into "human-in-the-loop" models: automated systems respond in real time, while humans have the final say in critical decisions. This creates a balanced interplay between efficiency and responsibility.

The following points are particularly important:

• Transparency and explainable AI: Explainable AI ensures that decisions remain traceable.
• Governance and audits: Structured rules and reviews ensure freedom of action and compliance.
• Human responsibility: It remains the key to trust, resilience, and legally compliant behavior.

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What role do humans play in interaction with AI systems?

AI can analyze data, but it does not understand intentions. Humans grasp context, motivation, and deception—skills that remain indispensable for holistic cyber defense. Cognitive Security therefore relies on a combination of human intuition and machine precision: only together can they unleash their full potential.

Among other things, the following aspects are important:

• The "human firewall" remains crucial: Attackers continue to target people, and awareness remains the most effective shield.
• AI expands, but does not replace: Human capabilities are enhanced, routines are taken over, and space is created for strategic decisions.
• Successful defense is teamwork: Resilience comes from active human-machine collaboration.

Delve deeper with these articles from it-sa Expo&Congress 2025: 

How can AI be successfully integrated into security strategy?

AI can be a game changer, but it is not a sure-fire success. Those who integrate it strategically increase efficiency and response speed. Those who introduce it uncontrollably increase risks and complexity. A clean database, clear governance, and the right security culture are crucial.

Among other things, you should bear the following points in mind:

• Data quality is the foundation: Only reliable, complete data makes AI results trustworthy.
• Platform approaches provide clarity: Integrated solutions reduce tool overload and promote consistent control.
• AI culture instead of actionism: Successful implementation requires acceptance, training, and a structured approach—not hasty decisions.

Discover more exciting insights in these articles from it-sa Expo&Congress 2025: 

AI and cyber defense belong together

The it-sa Expo&Congress 2025 has demonstrated that artificial intelligence is changing not only the speed but also the entire principle of cyber defense. Successful companies do not see AI as a replacement for humans, but as an amplifier of their capabilities, making it a strategic lever for security, efficiency, and resilience.

• AI scales security - but also attacks: Only those who understand both sides can minimize risks in a targeted manner.
• Governance and transparency are crucial: explainable, verifiable AI creates trust and traceability
• Humans and machines work together: Resilience comes from the interplay of automation, supervision, and experience.

AI in cyber defense is not a technical upgrade, but a paradigm shift—from reactive security operations to proactive, intelligent defense strategies. Companies that integrate AI responsibly strengthen their defenses, increase their ability to act, and secure their digital future.

Related Links

• All it-sa forum posts
• The key to AI-supported cyber data resilience
• Problem case AI, databases and apps - solutions for secure use at the it-sa Expo&Congress