AI can strengthen cybersecurity: Sundar Pichai, Google CEO

Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) could bolster defences against cybersecurity threats, according to Sundar Pichai, Google CEO. Despite concerns about AI misuse, Pichai believes that AI tools can help governments and companies swiftly detect and respond to hostile cyber activities. Cybersecurity attacks are on the rise, costing the global economy trillions, and Pichai emphasised the role of AI in reducing the time needed for defenders to react.

He mentioned that AI disproportionately benefits defenders, providing a scalable impact compared to cyberattackers. Google recently introduced an initiative with AI tools like Magika, a malware detection tool. Major companies, including Google, signed an agreement to prevent AI tools’ misuse in democratic processes. Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described cyberspace as a new battlefield, and a Microsoft report highlighted state-backed hackers using AI models for deceptive purposes. Despite challenges, AI tools are contributing to significant gains in defensive capabilities against cyber threats.