How AI is changing the cybersecurity game… and what you can do about it

How AI is changing the cybersecurity game… and what you can do about it 

Ricoh provides practical answers to the most common questions UK organisations are asking. 

London, 3 October 2025 - As a leading provider of integrated digital services, Ricoh brings together people, processes, and technology to help organisations work smarter and more securely. Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern; it’s a business-wide priority and one of the biggest factors reshaping it right now is artificial intelligence (AI). 

Q&A: AI and cybersecurity 

Q: Why is AI suddenly such a big factor in cybersecurity? 
A: AI is no longer a future threat; it’s here now. Cybercriminals are using AI to launch dynamic, hard-to-detect attacks that adapt in real time. These attacks can learn user behaviour, mimic language patterns for convincing phishing attempts, and even create deepfake scams that trick experienced employees. 

Q: How vulnerable are UK organisations to AI-powered cyberattacks? 
A: More than half of UK organisations still lack basic cybersecurity awareness, according to the State of UK Digital Transformation 2025 report. This leaves businesses increasingly exposed at a time when threats are evolving faster than ever. 

Q: Aren’t traditional defences like antivirus and firewalls enough? 
A: No. While they still play an important role, traditional tools aren’t designed to handle the adaptive nature of AI-driven attacks. They can’t spot unfamiliar threats before they take hold, adjust in real time, or interpret subtle behavioural signs of a breach. Manual processes are also often too slow to respond effectively. 

Q: How exactly are attackers using AI? 
A: Common tactics include: 

• Learning and adapting to user behaviour 
• Mimicking writing styles to create believable phishing emails 
• Producing realistic voice or video deepfakes to impersonate senior leaders 
• Launching highly targeted social engineering attack 

Q: Can AI also help defend against these threats? 
A: Absolutely. AI is becoming a powerful ally in cyber defence. Forward-thinking organisations are using it to: 

• Monitor systems 24/7 and detect anomalies instantly 
• Automate detection and response workflows to reduce human error 
• Run simulated phishing attacks to boost employee awareness By combining human judgement with machine precision, businesses can build far stronger defences. 

Q: Where should an organisation start? 
A: Four proven steps can help: 

1. Run a cybersecurity awareness audit – Identify current gaps in your team’s knowledge and processes. 
2. 2Deploy AI-powered protection tools – Use automation to spot and stop attacks faster. 
3. Train for tomorrow’s threats – Simulated attacks and interactive training can build staff confidence and speed of response. 
4. Align security across the business – Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility, not just IT’s. 

A: AI has changed the cyber security game - for attackers and defenders alike. Businesses that act now can get ahead, protect their data, and create a seQ: What’s the main takeaway for business leaders? 
cure foundation for future growth.