AI vs Cybersecurity – Expert Insights from Dr. Ondrej Krehel
In the rapidly evolving digital age, the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity is a subject of increasing curiosity and concern. Will AI eventually replace human cybersecurity professionals? Or will it serve as a powerful tool in the arsenal of cyber defenders?
Dr. Ondrej Krehel, a leading cybersecurity consultant and digital forensics expert, weighs in on this critical question, sharing his professional perspective, real-world experiences, and actionable insights.
The Rise of AI in Cybersecurity
AI has already revolutionized several industries, and cybersecurity is no exception. From anomaly detection systems to automated threat responses, AI-driven solutions are helping businesses detect and mitigate threats faster than ever before.
“AI can process massive volumes of data in real-time, something a human analyst simply cannot match,” says Dr. Krehel. “It allows us to move from reactive to proactive defense.”
Machine learning algorithms can identify patterns, flag suspicious behavior, and even predict potential attack vectors based on historical data. However, as impressive as this is, Dr. Krehel is quick to clarify: “AI is a powerful tool, but it’s not a silver bullet.”
Why AI Alone Isn’t Enough
Despite its capabilities, AI has significant limitations when it comes to cybersecurity.
- Contextual Understanding: AI lacks the nuanced understanding of human motivation, geopolitical tensions, and insider threats. A seasoned analyst can detect intent and motive where an algorithm sees just data.
- False Positives & Bias: “One of the greatest risks of relying solely on AI is the volume of false positives,” Dr. Krehel explains. “This can desensitize analysts or lead to real threats being ignored.”
- Vulnerability to Manipulation: Ironically, AI itself can be targeted and manipulated. Attackers can poison data sets or exploit blind spots in machine learning models.
- Ethical & Legal Concerns: AI systems make decisions without accountability. “When a machine makes a wrong call—who is responsible?” Dr. Krehel asks.
AI as an Ally, Not a Replacement
Instead of viewing AI as a replacement for cybersecurity professionals, Dr. Krehel emphasizes its role as an enabler.
“Think of AI as your digital co-pilot. It can crunch numbers, scan logs, and flag irregularities—but the pilot, the decision-maker, must be human.”
This human-AI collaboration is crucial for:
- Interpreting complex data with context
- Managing high-stakes incident response
- Ensuring ethical decision-making
- Overseeing compliance and regulatory issues
Areas Where AI Is Already Excelling
AI is highly effective in several cybersecurity domains, including:
1. Threat Detection
AI-driven security information and event management (SIEM) tools can monitor millions of events per second and detect anomalies far faster than manual monitoring.
2. Phishing Prevention
Advanced AI systems can scan and identify phishing attempts in emails, SMS, and websites with high accuracy, constantly learning from new data.
3. Malware Analysis
AI helps deconstruct malware, detect zero-day threats, and recognize malware variants using behavioral analysis instead of traditional signatures.
4. Fraud Detection
In finance and e-commerce, AI is a frontline tool against fraudulent transactions, often identifying issues before a human would notice.
Here Are Some Common Attack Vectors Used By Criminal Groups
Where Humans Are Still Irreplaceable
Despite these advances, Dr. Krehel underscores several areas where humans remain essential:
1. Strategic Decision-Making
Cybersecurity is as much about strategy as it is about technology. Human expertise is needed to develop robust frameworks, risk assessments, and business continuity plans.
2. Incident Response & Communication
During a breach, it’s not just the systems that need managing. Stakeholder communication, legal coordination, and public relations all require human insight.
3. Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing
“AI doesn’t think like a hacker—yet,” Dr. Krehel says. Penetration testers understand human error, psychology, and creative attack paths that AI can’t replicate.
4. Forensic Investigation
Cyber forensics requires judgment, investigative skills, and the ability to present findings in legal proceedings—roles AI can’t fulfill effectively.
The Future: Human-AI Symbiosis
So, will AI replace cybersecurity?
“No,” says Dr. Krehel emphatically. “But professionals who fail to embrace AI tools may find themselves replaced by those who do.”
The future of cybersecurity lies in human-AI symbiosis. Professionals need to upskill, learning how to interpret AI-generated insights, feed it quality data, and guide its development.
“It’s not about man versus machine—it’s about man working with machine to outsmart other machines, and ultimately, malicious humans.”
Dr. Krehel’s Tips for Cybersecurity Professionals
Dr. Ondrej Krehel offers the following tips for professionals navigating the AI revolution in cybersecurity:
1. Stay Informed
“AI is evolving daily. Subscribe to journals, attend webinars, and join professional groups focused on AI in cybersecurity.”
2. Learn AI Fundamentals
Understanding how machine learning works is becoming a core skill. You don’t have to become a data scientist, but basic literacy is essential.
3. Invest in Tools
Adopt AI-enabled tools to streamline repetitive tasks—log analysis, email scanning, vulnerability detection—so you can focus on high-level threats.
4. Develop Critical Thinking
AI provides data; you provide interpretation. The ability to think critically, apply ethics, and understand risk in a business context is what makes a great cybersecurity leader.
5. Embrace Interdisciplinary Learning
Understanding psychology, law, and geopolitics is increasingly relevant. Cybersecurity isn’t just a tech challenge—it’s a human one.
The Bottom Line
AI will not eliminate the need for cybersecurity professionals—but it will change the way they work. As threats grow more sophisticated, so too must our defenses. And while machines can fight machines, only humans can understand the deeper implications of security in a digital world.
As Dr. Krehel concludes:
“Cybersecurity is about protecting people, not just systems. And that human element can never be fully replaced by AI.”
About Dr. Ondrej Krehel
Dr. Ondrej Krehel is a renowned cybersecurity consultant, speaker, and digital forensics expert. With a Ph.D. in Computer Information Systems and decades of experience in cybercrime investigation, Dr. Krehel has worked with government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and global enterprises to secure digital assets and investigate breaches.