Cybersecurity in the Age of Generative AI and Quantum Computing: What IT Leaders Need to Know

October 24, 2024 | Cybersecurity
By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS

As the digital landscape evolves at breakneck speed, the cybersecurity threats businesses face is shifting in tandem. A new report from Info-Tech Research Group outlines the latest trends shaping the future of IT, spotlighting two game-changing technologies—generative AI and quantum computing—and their profound impact on cybersecurity.

According to the report, generative AI has emerged as a transformative force, rapidly gaining adoption across industries such as customer service, marketing, and software development. By automating complex interactions and making AI-generated content nearly indistinguishable from human output, generative AI is setting new benchmarks for operational efficiency.

However, this also introduces new vulnerabilities, as AI-powered cyberattacks grow more sophisticated.

AI-Powered Threats Are Escalating

One of the most alarming developments highlighted in Info-Tech’s Tech Trends 2025 report is the rise of AI-enabled cyberattacks. Specifically, deepfake technology poses a significant threat.

What started as a novelty in the media has evolved into a potent tool for fraud, disinformation, and espionage. Hackers are now using deepfakes to bypass security protocols, launching phishing attacks that are far more difficult to detect than traditional methods. Cybersecurity experts are developing AI-driven detection systems and blockchain-based content authentication mechanisms to combat this growing threat.

According to Brian Jackson, principal research director at Info-Tech, “AI-powered cyberattacks, especially deepfake phishing, are now a top concern for IT security leaders,” with threat levels being rated 5 out of 5 by professionals in the field. As the use of AI becomes more ubiquitous, the arms race between AI-generated threats and AI-powered defenses is intensifying.

Quantum Computing: A Double-Edged Sword

Beyond generative AI, quantum computing is poised to revolutionize IT systems—but it also poses unprecedented cybersecurity risks. Quantum computers’ ability to solve complex problems exponentially faster than classical computers could unlock new potentials across industries. Sectors such as financial services, healthcare, and government are leading the charge in exploring quantum technologies, with 34% of high-maturity IT organizations planning to adopt quantum solutions by 2025.

However, quantum computing also presents a severe challenge to current encryption methods.

The concept of “Q-day”, when quantum computers can crack traditional cryptography, is fast becoming a critical concern for industries that handle sensitive data. Info-Tech’s report underscores the urgent need for businesses to invest in post-quantum cryptography to safeguard data in a quantum-powered future.

The report finds that 31% of advanced IT departments are preparing for post-quantum cryptography, compared to just 16% of average IT organizations. This gap in preparedness highlights the uneven pace at which organizations are adapting to emerging threats, leaving less mature organizations vulnerable.

Cybersecurity Investments: Where Should IT Leaders Focus?

The evolving cybersecurity landscape calls for strategic investments in both AI and quantum technologies. The report highlights several key areas for IT leaders to focus on to stay ahead of emerging threats:

AI Training Hardware: As AI models become more integral to cybersecurity operations, a third of organizations have already invested in AI training hardware, with over half planning future investments.

Post-Quantum Cryptography: Organizations handling sensitive or high-value data should prioritize quantum-resistant cryptographic methods to prepare for the coming quantum revolution.

Deepfake Detection and Defense: Developing robust systems for detecting deepfake-generated content is a priority, particularly for industries where misinformation or fraud could have devastating consequences.

Despite the rise of AI-related cybersecurity concerns, Info-Tech’s report also notes that talent shortages are perceived as a more immediate threat to business continuity than AI disruption. However, both challenges require proactive strategies to ensure businesses remain resilient.

The Role of AI Sovereignty

Another key insight from the report is the growing importance of AI sovereignty. As organizations increasingly rely on AI for decision-making and security functions, ensuring control over data, performance, and compliance becomes paramount. Jackson emphasizes that businesses must not only innovate but also govern their AI systems to avoid risks to sensitive data and operational integrity.

With 65% of organizations citing privacy as a primary concern when adopting AI technologies, balancing innovation with control is crucial. AI sovereignty offers a path forward, allowing businesses to harness AI’s full potential while maintaining robust cybersecurity and governance frameworks.

The 2025 Tech Trends report makes it clear that the future of cybersecurity will be shaped by rapid advancements in AI and quantum computing. As generative AI blurs the lines between human and machine interaction and quantum computing edges closer to real-world application, the stakes for cybersecurity have never been higher.

Whether it’s developing deepfake detection systems, investing in post-quantum cryptography, or establishing AI sovereignty, organizations that act now will be better positioned to navigate the complex challenges of the digital future.