Artificial intelligence is no longer a future trend, it’s already playing a major role in how we protect, process, and interact with data. In the world of cybersecurity, AI brings both opportunity and risk.
On one hand, AI is helping businesses detect threats faster, respond more effectively, and reduce the burden on IT teams. On the other hand, it’s also being used by cybercriminals to scale attacks, mimic human behaviour, and bypass traditional defences.
In this blog, we’ll explore both sides of the story. From AI-powered security tools to the rise of AI-driven cyber threats, we’ll take a closer look at the impact on UK businesses and what it means for data protection, GDPR compliance, and long-term resilience.
The Role of AI in Cybersecurity Today
How AI Helps Strengthen Cyber Defences
AI is becoming a valuable ally in day-to-day cybersecurity operations. With the ability to process vast amounts of data in seconds, AI tools can detect unusual patterns, flag suspicious activity, and support IT teams in making faster, more accurate decisions.
Machine learning models are particularly useful for identifying threats that don’t follow known patterns. Instead of relying on outdated definitions or fixed rules, these systems learn what normal behaviour looks like and can spot anomalies before they cause harm.
AI is also helping automate repetitive security tasks like scanning for vulnerabilities, updating software patches, and monitoring logs. This frees up time for IT teams to focus on more strategic issues while reducing the chances of human error.
AI-Powered Cyber Threats
Unfortunately, the same technology that helps protect us can also be turned against us. Cybercriminals are now using AI to launch more convincing, scalable, and dangerous attacks.
One growing concern is AI-generated phishing content. Instead of clumsy emails full of spelling mistakes, we’re now seeing messages that feel more personal and harder to spot. These can be crafted in seconds using AI tools trained to mimic real communication.
Deepfakes are another threat, with AI used to create realistic audio or video impersonations of key personnel, something that could trick employees into transferring money or handing over credentials.
There’s also the risk of automated attacks that use AI to scan for vulnerabilities across multiple networks at once. These attacks are faster, more targeted, and much harder to defend against using traditional tools.
The bottom line? AI is now a threat to cybersecurity and that makes it even more important to have smart, up-to-date defences in place.
Is AI a Threat to Cybersecurity?
AI in the Hands of Cybercriminals
While AI is doing great things for cybersecurity, it’s also being used to power more advanced and widespread attacks. Cybercriminals are no longer limited by time or resources, they can now automate much of their work using open-source AI tools.
These tools can be trained to craft convincing phishing messages, impersonate real people, or scan for vulnerabilities across thousands of targets at once. It means attacks are becoming faster, smarter, and harder to spot.
The fact that many of these AI tools are freely available online makes things even trickier. With minimal technical skill, someone could use a public model for malicious purposes. As more of these tools become accessible, the risk only increases.
Lack of Regulation and Oversight
One of the biggest problems with AI right now is that the rules haven’t caught up. There’s no universal standard for how AI should be built, trained, or used especially when it comes to cybersecurity.
This creates a challenge for IT teams, who are trying to protect businesses in a rapidly evolving environment. With no clear framework, there’s a constant risk of falling behind or missing emerging threats.
While steps are being taken at a national and global level to introduce ethical guidelines and legislation, many businesses are still operating in a grey area when it comes to AI tools and data use.
Risks of Over-Reliance on AI Defences
AI can help strengthen your cybersecurity, but it’s not a set-and-forget solution. Like any technology, it has limitations. False positives, blind spots, and even targeted attacks that trick AI models (known as adversarial attacks) are all real possibilities.
Relying solely on AI to protect your business can create a false sense of security. That’s why human expertise is still essential. Cybersecurity professionals bring critical thinking, real-world experience, and the ability to respond to unexpected threats, things AI can’t always replicate.
AI and Data Privacy in the UK
How AI Interacts with Personal Data
Many AI tools rely on large datasets to work well. That often includes data about people—their behaviour, preferences, or online activity. Some of this data is scraped from public sources, but even public data can raise privacy concerns.
For businesses, this creates an ethical and legal question. Just because data is available doesn’t always mean it’s okay to use. It’s especially important to think carefully about how AI models are trained and what kind of personal data they access.
GDPR Compliance and AI
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) places strict rules on how personal data is collected, processed, and stored. When AI comes into the mix, several key principles are affected, such as:
Lawful processing – having a clear legal basis for using data
Data minimisation – only using what’s necessary
Transparency – letting people know how their data is used
One particular challenge is automated decision-making. Under Article 22 of GDPR, individuals have the right not to be subject to decisions made solely by automated systems—especially if those decisions have legal or significant effects.
This “right to explanation” means businesses using AI must be able to explain how and why decisions are made. That can be difficult with complex models, but it’s essential for trust and compliance.
The Risks of Using AI Tools Like ChatGPT at Work
AI tools such as ChatGPT can be incredibly useful for speeding up tasks like drafting emails, generating reports, or summarising information. But if not used carefully, they can also create new risks around data privacy and compliance.
One of the biggest concerns is how these tools handle memory and data. Some AI platforms are able to retain memory across conversations, which means that information entered by one employee could influence outputs seen by others using the same company account. This opens up the risk of sensitive data being unintentionally exposed or reused in ways that weren’t intended.
For example, if an employee pastes in customer details, internal financial figures, or personal medical information to help the tool complete a task, that information could end up being referenced in later interactions — either by the same person or someone else on the account. In some cases, the AI may even use that data to "learn" patterns or language, potentially breaching confidentiality.
To avoid this, businesses should:
Set clear policies around how generative AI tools can be used.
Avoid entering personal, confidential, or identifiable data into public or shared AI platforms.
Use enterprise-level AI tools with robust privacy controls and usage logs.
Educate employees on the risks and encourage good judgement when using AI tools at work.
At DMS Group, we help businesses build AI usage into their wider IT and data protection policies giving your team the tools to innovate securely and responsibly.
Minimising the Risks: Best Practices for Businesses
Human + Machine Cybersecurity Strategy
The best approach to AI in cybersecurity is a combined one. Let AI do what it does best spotting patterns, scanning data, reacting quickly—while keeping skilled professionals in the loop to make judgement calls and steer the strategy.
This mix of automation and human oversight keeps your defences flexible and grounded in real-world thinking.
Responsible AI Use and Governance
When introducing AI into your business, it’s important to do it properly. That means:
Building privacy and security into your systems from the start
Keeping a record of how AI decisions are made
Reviewing data sources regularly to avoid compliance risks
Good governance isn’t just about ticking boxes, it's about maintaining trust with your customers and partners.
Staying Ahead of AI-Based Threats
The threat landscape is evolving quickly, so your defenses need to keep up. One of the simplest but most powerful ways to stay protected is by training your team. Cyber awareness programmes help people spot threats early and respond appropriately.
Regular updates to your tools and policies also make a difference, as does working with an experienced partner who understands both the technology and the risks.
At DMS Group, we support businesses with full-service cybersecurity solutions from strategy and setup to training and incident response.
How DMS Group Supports AI-Aware Cybersecurity
Balanced Approach to AI in Cybersecurity
At DMS Group, we believe that AI should support your cybersecurity strategy, not take it over. We use AI where it brings real value, detecting unusual activity faster, triggering instant alerts, and helping to reduce manual workload for your IT teams. But we always keep people at the heart of your protection.
Our security solutions combine AI-powered tools with expert oversight. Whether it’s monitoring your network 24/7 or identifying suspicious login attempts, we ensure you benefit from automation without losing control. It’s a practical, real-world approach that gives you the best of both worlds.
GDPR Compliance and Data Protection Services
Using advanced technology doesn't mean cutting corners on data protection. Our team helps businesses stay compliant with UK GDPR by making sure AI tools are configured responsibly and supported by strong internal policies.
We regularly carry out risk assessments, help write or update your data protection policies, and offer cyber awareness training to ensure everyone in your organisation understands their role. Whether you're handling customer data, using AI tools for automation, or simply reviewing your processes, we make sure everything stays aligned with the law.
FAQs: AI, Cybersecurity and Data Protection
Can AI fully replace human cybersecurity experts?
No, and it shouldn’t. While AI can process data at speed and identify patterns that might go unnoticed by humans, it still needs expert oversight. Cybersecurity professionals are essential for making judgement calls, responding to complex threats, and keeping your security strategy up to date.
What are the biggest risks of using AI in cybersecurity?
The main risks include over-reliance on automated systems, false positives or blind spots in detection, and the possibility of AI tools being exploited by attackers. Without proper setup and monitoring, these tools can cause more confusion than clarity.
How does AI affect GDPR compliance in the UK?
AI introduces new considerations for GDPR, particularly around how data is collected, processed, and used to make decisions. If AI is involved in profiling or automated decision-making, you must be transparent about how it works and provide individuals with meaningful information and control over their data.
Are AI-based cyber attacks really happening now?
Yes. We’re already seeing examples of AI being used to create realistic phishing messages, deepfakes, and even automated hacking tools. These attacks are becoming more sophisticated, which is why it’s important to stay informed and proactive in your defenses.
How can DMS Group help my business stay protected while using AI?
We support businesses by integrating AI tools responsibly into their wider cybersecurity strategy. From risk assessments and compliance reviews to monitoring and managed security services, we help you make the most of modern technology while keeping your data safe and your team informed.
