devboxArtificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace and cybersecurity stands at the forefront of this revolution. In the latest episode of People Behind People, Shehbaz Ahmad, CEO of Devbox Technologies, sits down with Dr. Rizwan Asghar, Associate Professor and Director of Employability at the University of Surrey, to explore how AI is reshaping the cyber landscap, both as a protector and a threat.
AI in Cybersecurity: The Attacker and the Defender
One of Dr. Asghar’s most striking statements was:
“AI can act as both the attacker and the defender.”
In today’s digital battlefield, AI systems are being used not only to detect and prevent cyberattacks but also to create them. Hackers can leverage agentic AI to automate and adapt cyber exploits faster than ever before.
While defenders harness AI for threat detection, anomaly monitoring, and patch management, attackers are weaponizing the same intelligence. “We are giving more power to the attackers than the defenders,” Dr. Asghar noted — highlighting the evolving arms race between cyber offense and defense.
Ethical Challenges: Data, Consent, and Privacy
Dr. Asghar emphasized that the rise of large language models (LLMs) introduces new ethical and privacy concerns. He raised a critical question:
“Do we have consent from the individuals whose data is being used by these models?”
From a privacy standpoint, the answer often remains unclear. The conversation shed light on concerns around:
- Unauthorized data usage
- Children’s access to AI tools without safeguards
- The need for transparent AI policies and digital consent
These issues underscore the urgency for responsible AI governance that protects both individuals and organizations.
Preparing the Next Generation for the AI Era
Shehbaz and Dr. Asghar discussed how developing countries, including Pakistan, can leverage AI to foster innovation. They highlighted initiatives such as the National AI Policy, which aims to build a foundation of AI literacy, cybersecurity, and ethical awareness among students.
Dr. Asghar called for academia to combine AI education with cybersecurity principles, preparing future professionals to lead responsibly in an AI-driven world. He advocated for hackathons, scholarships, and collaborative projects to give students hands-on exposure.
Human Skills Still Matter
Despite the growing capabilities of AI, Dr. Asghar reminded listeners that soft skills remain indispensable. Creativity, teamwork, and communication are critical in navigating the complex human-technology ecosystem.
He encouraged professionals to stay adaptable, keep learning, and “fail forward” viewing setbacks as opportunities to grow.
Key Takeaway
AI and cybersecurity are now inseparable forces – one driving innovation, the other demanding resilience. The challenge lies in maintaining a balance where AI empowers defenders without giving undue advantage to attackers.
At Devbox Technologies, we believe that the future of secure innovation lies in ethical AI, human-centered design, and collaboration between academia and industry.
Watch the Full Podcast
Watch the full conversation here:
AI, Cybersecurity & Employability – People Behind People Podcast
