AI and cybersecurity: protecting businesses in the age of smart threats

The world of today has become digital-driven, and artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping nearly every aspect of our everyday lives, ranging from the way we shop and bank to how businesses operate or how governments deliver services. AI is driving innovation and efficiency. But just as AI has become a powerful tool for progress, it has also opened the door to new, more sophisticated cyber threats.

This year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month offers a timely reminder: as we embrace the benefits of AI, we must also prepare for the risks it introduces. In an age of “smart threats,” cybersecurity is no longer optional; it is essential.

The double-edged sword of AI

AI has rightly been celebrated for its ability to analyse massive datasets, detect anomalies, automate repetitive tasks, and even predict risks before they happen. In cybersecurity, AI-powered tools have proven invaluable in spotting malware, identifying suspicious behaviour, and enabling faster incident response.

But there is another side to the coin. Cybercriminals are also using this tool to launch attacks in a more advanced way, which makes these attacks difficult to detect and more convincing than traditional attacks. From AI-generated phishing emails that mimic human writing perfectly, to deepfake voice scams that impersonate top management teams for the purpose of tricking employees into transferring funds, the line between real and fake is becoming thinner by the day. Basically, AI has become both the tool to defend and to attack within the cyberspace.

The rise of smart threats

The threats we face today are not just numerous; they are intelligent. See below, examples of three areas where AI is changing the threat landscape:

1. AI-Powered Phishing: Traditional phishing emails were once easy to spot due to poor grammar or awkward phrasing. Today, generative AI creates perfect, personalized emails that trick even the most cautious individuals.
2. Deepfakes and Voice Cloning: Imagine receiving a call from one’s boss asking for urgent financial approval. The voice sounds authentic, but this could be an AI-generated clone. Deepfake technology is being weaponized to bypass trust and exploit human vulnerability.
3. Adaptive Malware: Malware used to be static, but AI is now enabling attackers to create self-learning malware that adapts to defences in real time, making detection and removal far more difficult.

These “smart threats” signal a shift; we are no longer dealing with cybercriminals hiding in the shadows, but with AI-powered adversaries capable of launching attacks at scale.

Smart threat within the African continent

From Africa more broadly, there has been a massive surge in deepfake / synthetic identity fraud. One report showed that deepfake attacks across the region increased by ~450% in 2023. South Africa saw the biggest jump (~1,200%), and Nigeria experienced about a 700% increase. These deepfakes included manipulated photos, videos, and audio used for impersonation, identity theft, and fraudulent transactions.

• Synthetic Identity / Digital Forgery Fraud: According to Sumsub’s Q1 2025 Identity Fraud Report, Nigeria, along with Tanzania, recorded the highest fraud rates in Africa, largely driven by AI-enabled synthetic identity fraud and digital forgery tools. Verification attempts are being compromised by forgeries that are aided by AI.
• AI-Powered Phishing / Personalized Messaging: The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) warned that cybercriminals are increasingly using AI tools to research victims in detail and craft very personalized phishing messages, i.e, e-mails, texts, or calls that are far more convincing. The attacks are not just generic scams anymore; they use what AI can learn about a target to improve their success rate.

Protecting ourselves in the AI era

If AI is here to stay both as a tool for innovation and exploitation, how do we then protect ourselves? The answer lies in a balanced approach, using AI for defence while strengthening human awareness and governance.

• Leverage AI Defensively: Organizations must deploy AI-driven cybersecurity solutions capable of real-time monitoring, detecting anomalies. Just as attackers are coming up with new concepts, defenders in turn must stay one step ahead by using the same technology for protection.
• Human Oversight Remains Key: AI tools are powerful but not infallible. They must be complemented by professionals in the cyberspace who can interpret results, respond with judgment, and apply ethical oversight. A “human-in-the-loop” approach ensures that machines do not make unchecked decisions.
• Cyber Hygiene and Awareness: Even the most advanced AI cannot protect against careless human behaviour, it is often said that human is the weakest link. Strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, skepticism towards unsolicited emails, and regular security training are as crucial as ever. In fact, they are the foundation upon which AI tools can operate effectively.
• Policy and Regulation: Governments, regulators, and industry leaders must work together to establish policies for the ethical use of AI in both development and cybersecurity. Standards and frameworks that balance innovation with accountability are essential to avoid misuse.

The reality of the African and Nigerian context

In Africa and most especially Nigeria, the stakes are high. The continent is experiencing rapid digital adoption, from mobile banking to e-commerce; however, cybersecurity investment is often far behind, presenting it as an afterthought. This gap makes us a target for AI-driven cybercriminals who see opportunity in unprotected systems.

At the same time, Africa also has an opportunity. By embedding cybersecurity into our digital transformation strategies, not as an afterthought but as a foundation, we can leapfrog into a safer, more resilient digital economy. Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem, combined with increasing awareness of cyber risks, set the pace for us to lead in creating AI-powered security solutions tailored to local needs.

Conclusion

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month begins, the message is explicit: the age of smart threats is here, so are smart solutions. AI will continue to transform the way we live and work, but it will also transform the way we are attacked. Everyone must remain vigilant,businesses must invest in both technology and training, policymakers must enact forward-looking frameworks, and cybersecurity professionals must embrace innovation while upholding ethical standards. Finally, individual and corporate organisations must engage with a professional who knows best

In the end, cybersecurity in the age of AI is not just about defending against hackers; it is about preserving trust in the digital world we are all building together. The choices we make today will determine whether AI becomes a force for safety or for chaos.

The future is smart. The question is, will you be smart enough to secure it? Make the right decision today.

Author

Oluwayomi Akano, Lead, Technology & Digital Consulting