In cybersecurity, AI has quickly become the engine behind both our strongest defenses and our most sophisticated adversaries. The same technology that helps us predict and neutralize threats is being used to launch attacks that are smarter, faster, and harder to detect.
According to the 2025 Phishing Threat Trends Report from KnowBe4, 83% of phishing emails now utilize AI language models, up over 50% from 2024. And these attacks are targeting small businesses and Non-Profits every day. Staying secure means outsmarting attackers before they make their move. In this game, reacting isn’t enough; you need to anticipate and act faster than those looking to gain access to your organization’s infrastructure.
If you’re not thinking about how AI impacts your security posture, you’re already behind.
AI in Cybersecurity vs. AI for Threat Actors
Below is a quick comparison of how AI is shaping both sides of the fight:
| Question | AI for Cybersecurity | AI for Threat Actors |
| 1. How is AI changing threat detection? | AI enables real-time anomaly detection, predictive analytics, and automated incident response to stop attacks faster. | Attackers use AI to evade detection by creating adaptive malware and exploiting vulnerabilities before patches are applied. |
| 2. Can AI prevent phishing attacks? | AI-powered email filters analyze language patterns and sender behavior to block phishing attempts proactively. | Threat actors use AI to craft highly convincing phishing emails and deepfake messages that mimic trusted contacts. |
| 3. What role does AI play in ransomware defense? | AI identifies unusual file encryption patterns and isolates infected systems before ransomware spreads. | AI-driven ransomware adapts to bypass traditional defenses and selects high-value targets automatically. |
| 4. Does AI improve identity and access management? | AI strengthens authentication with behavioral biometrics and continuous monitoring for suspicious login activity. | Attackers leverage AI to guess passwords faster, bypass MFA, and exploit identity systems through social engineering. |
| 5. How does AI impact compliance and risk management? | AI automates compliance checks, monitors data flows, and flags potential violations for quick remediation. | Threat actors use AI to identify weak compliance controls and exploit gaps in regulatory adherence for data theft. |
| 6. How can nonprofits protect sensitive donor and beneficiary data? | AI tools can monitor access patterns, encrypt sensitive data, and alert on anomalies to safeguard donor information. | Cybercriminals use AI to scrape donor databases, automate credential stuffing, and exploit weak security in fundraising platforms. |
Do We Still Need Human Oversight?
Absolutely. AI is powerful, but it’s not foolproof. False positives, adversarial attacks, and compliance risks require human judgment. Think of AI as the speed and scale engine, while humans provide strategy, ethics, and context. Without oversight, even the best AI systems can make costly mistakes.
What This Means for You
Cybersecurity is no longer a static defense. It’s a race against evolving threats. AI provides speed and scale, but only when combined with strategy and oversight.
- AI isn’t optional anymore. Whether you’re defending sensitive donor data or protecting client records, AI-powered tools can help you detect and respond to threats faster.
- Human oversight still matters. AI accelerates defense, but judgment and strategy remain critical.
- Start with an AI readiness assessment. Understand where AI fits into your cybersecurity roadmap before attackers exploit the gap.
Ready to Stay Ahead?
Don’t wait for the next incident to rethink your security strategy. GadellNet’s partnership with Blackpoint’s Security Operations Center, KnowBe4 Training, and SentinelOne EDR delivers the proactive protection your organization needs, backed by expert human monitoring and cutting-edge AI.
Want more information on the State of Cybersecurity? Check out this conversation between GadellNet cybersecurity experts Scott Seaborn and Chris Young.
Contact GadellNet today to schedule your AI readiness assessment and learn how we can help you stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
