AI is reshaping businesses’ cybersecurity strategy, offering both concerns and viable solutions. While cyberattackers use AI to develop more advanced attacks against companies’ systems and data, organizations can also use AI to counter them. As AI rapidly evolves in 2026, businesses must build a proactive defense to address evolving threats and new regulations.

How Cyberattackers Utilize AI

Cyberattackers are developing new hacking methods that utilize existing AI models. They can create malware that adapts to new cybersecurity measures, rewriting code as it progresses. Hackers are using advanced deepfakes to infiltrate systems by impersonating authorized personnel. They can also automate AI attacks, which enables massive attacks at an alarming pace.

Businesses cannot afford to ignore these threats in 2026. AI allows hackers to launch massive attacks that require immediate action. Endpoints are particularly vulnerable. Security breaches occur in over 70% of cases at endpoints. Company systems powered by AI, especially automated ones, are also at a significant risk due to limited human oversight.

A concerning trend in the threat landscape is the use of third-party models for training new AI systems. Attackers can introduce corrupted data into the training process to facilitate later attacks. They can also steal the training data for sale on the black market or for future ransom attacks. Businesses must rework their AI cybersecurity model to address these issues.

Approach to AI Cybersecurity

To effectively address the growing threat of AI-oriented cyberattacks, businesses should adopt a proactive approach that prevents issues before they escalate. Customers can sue companies if the data breach fits specific criteria, underscoring the need for AI-powered defense.

While seemingly counterintuitive, AI can neutralize itself before and during cyberattacks. AI cybersecurity models can detect threats and actively seek them out. They can also identify potential risks and provide solutions. Another use case is AI’s ability to detect vulnerabilities before hackers do, allowing organizations to address these weaknesses before they are exploited. Businesses should adopt AI-driven cybersecurity models to leverage these benefits.

Emerging AI Policies

Policymakers are creating new regulations to combat AI cyberattacks. The rules will outline how businesses can use AI when handling data and what security measures they should have in place. Organizations can get ahead of the new rules by creating their own frameworks for using AI in cybersecurity.

In 2026, there are several concerning areas for AI usage. A business’s AI defense models must comply with the law and allow for modifications as the government releases new regulations. Data privacy is a sensitive topic because AI monitors ample volumes of information. Companies should implement protective guidelines for models to follow when handling sensitive or confidential data. Finally, organizations should be transparent about their AI use and hold themselves accountable if cybersecurity issues arise.

Human Element of AI Cybersecurity

The most important aspect of AI cybersecurity is humans. As businesses increasingly utilize AI at many stages of their processes, humans remain essential to maintaining control over these models. Employees and leaders must thoroughly understand how AI works and follow best practices.

Training data from previous models can become skewed over time and cause the model to be ineffective. Humans can monitor the AI and retrain it periodically, which is especially crucial as new threats evolve. Additionally, organizations should employ AI specialists to oversee all AI systems and alert the necessary personnel of any concerns.

An AI-Centric Cybersecurity Future

AI is both a tool for businesses and a tool for cyberattackers. Companies must adapt their technology to protect sensitive data, stay up to date on AI regulations and keep human specialists in the loop for a stronger cybersecurity strategy in 2026.

About the Author

April Miller is a Senior Writer at ReHack. She has more than 5 years of experience writing on cybersecurity. You can explore more of her work at ReHack.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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