At the recent BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED 2024 conference, Mr Yiannis Ioannides -Partner and Cyber Leader at Deloitte Cyprus- delivered a compelling presentation focused on cyberwarfare and the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in today’s operational environment.

During his speech, Mr Ioannides highlighted the accelerating integration of AI into the offensive and defensive strategies of both state and non-state actors, and underscored the growing volume and sophistication of threats targeting critical infrastructure.

Deloitte’s cyber-threat analysis reviewed the most significant cyberattacks of 2023, focusing on attacks against Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems, supply-chain and firmware compromises, and cyber-influence operations aimed at destabilising societies through disinformation and fear.

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Mr Ioannides cited incidents involving government and military entities, espionage campaigns, and assaults on vital infrastructure. He placed particular emphasis on the malicious use of AI by state-affiliated and proxy actors. Through real-world examples, he showed how organisations are harnessing AI to enhance cyber-espionage operations and to develop large language models capable of identifying system vulnerabilities and autonomously generating offensive cyber scenarios.

He went on to describe the emerging deployment of generative-AI models in cyberattacks—heralding a new era of highly complex and adaptive threats.

The in-depth presentation examined the ten most critical attack vectors against machine-learning algorithms, including model inversion, data poisoning and model theft, techniques that can compromise an AI system’s integrity or expose sensitive data. Mr Ioannides stressed that these attacks are no longer theoretical; they are already in use, necessitating advanced detection and response mechanisms within cyber-defence frameworks.

In conclusion, he emphasised the imperative of technological vigilance and public-private cooperation to build resilience against evolving threats. Cyber defence, he argued, is no longer merely a technical issue but a core element of strategic security policy at both national and transnational levels.

Also read: NCC-CY | Launch Event of the Cyprus National Cyber ​​Security Coordination Center

Deloitte’s presence at BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED 2024 demonstrated that modern security demands a synergy of expertise, innovation, and foresight, alongside the agility required to adapt to the disruptive changes AI is bringing to cyberwarfare.

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