An Edinburgh event next month will seek to help Scottish organisations navigate the emerging risks of AI to their cybersecurity defences.

The September 1st ‘Sword and the Shield: AI and Cyber Security’ event will bring together cybersecurity specialists, industry experts and business leaders to look at both the opportunities and the risks created by AI.

The event, hosted by the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland, looks at how AI is changing the cyber threat landscape and what practical steps operational, IT, and risk management leaders can take to protect their organisations.

Jude McCorry, CEO of the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland, said: “Artificial intelligence is already changing the way organisations operate, but it’s also changing the way cybercriminals work. Understanding both the risks and opportunities is essential for organisations of every size.

“AI is dominating the headlines, but organisations shouldn’t lose sight of what really matters. Rather than focusing on the headlines, leaders should be thinking about how AI and cybersecurity can work together to strengthen their organisation’s resilience.”

She added: “The fundamentals of good cybersecurity haven’t changed. Organisations with strong security practices in place are already better protected against many emerging threats. Our event will help leaders understand both the risks and the opportunities presented by AI, while focusing on practical steps they can take to protect their colleagues and data.”

Recent headlines have highlighted growing concerns about the misuse of AI technology. Researchers have reported that AI tools are becoming increasingly capable of identifying software vulnerabilities, generating convincing phishing content and helping cybercriminals automate attacks. Other challenges include the ‘containment’ aspect of agentic AI, with notable examples including rogue bots that have escalated their privileges in networks, without being instructed by human operators.

At the same time, defenders are also using AI to detect threats more quickly, strengthen monitoring and improve incident response. The UK Government’s incipient ‘Cyber Shield’ is fostering closer links between the National Cyber Security Centre and industry to develop common solutions using AI to defend against cyberattacks.

The event will explore both sides of the rapidly-changing landscape.

The breakfast event will cover key questions all organisations should be aware of:

  • How cyber criminals are using AI to support attacks.
  • How organisations can use AI to strengthen cyber resilience.
  • The risks associated with AI-powered tools, chatbots and web applications.
  • Practical steps leaders can take to reduce risk and improve preparedness.

The Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland is encouraging organisations from across the public, private and third sectors to attend, regardless of their current level of AI adoption.

The event forms part of the Centre’s ongoing work to help Scottish organisations prevent cyber attacks, respond to incidents and build national long-term cyber resilience.

Register here: https://cyberfraudcentre.com/events/sword-and-the-shield-ai-and-cyber-security