Essential AI 101: Bridging the Gap: AI & Cybersecurity – Protecting Data in an AI-Driven World – Episode 5

Reading Time: 3 minutes – The latest episode discusses best practices for protecting AI systems, offering expert insights and real-world examples, emphasizing the rising cybersecurity threats posed by AI technologies and disinformation.

ai security - ep 5
Categories: , , , ,

Our latest episode explores best practices for safeguarding AI systems, featuring real-world examples and expert insights. Don’t miss out on this informative discussion.

References:

  1. Visa’s Scam Detection Initiative:The Times+10Axios+10nypost.com+10
    • Axios. (2025, March 11). Fighting scammers. ​Axios
  2. Wall Street’s AI Cybersecurity Concerns:nypost.com+3businessinsider.com+3The Wall Street Journal+3
    • Business Insider. (2025, March 11). Wall Street is worried it can’t keep up with AI-powered cybercriminals. ​businessinsider.com
  3. University of South Florida’s AI and Cybersecurity College:The Wall Street Journal
    • The Wall Street Journal. (2025, March 11). University of South Florida Gets $40 Million to Start Cyber and AI College. ​The Wall Street Journal
  4. Russian Disinformation via AI Chatbots:The Times
    • The Times. (2025, March 7). Russian network uses AI chatbots to spread disinformation. ​The Times
  5. AI in Cybercrime and Deepfakes:
    • Wikipedia. (2025, March 5). Generative artificial intelligence. ​en.wikipedia.org
  6. Audio Deepfakes and Fraud:
  7. SANS Institute Cybersecurity Training:en.wikipedia.org
  8. InfoSec Institute Training Programs:nypost.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3
  9. National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies:en.wikipedia.org+7en.wikipedia.org+7The Wall Street Journal+7
    • Wikipedia. (2025, March 3). National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies. ​en.wikipedia.org
  10. Scammers Targeting Corporate Accounts:en.wikipedia.org+2The Australian+2en.wikipedia.org+2
    • The Australian. (2025, February 15). Scammers chasing corporate accounts.
  11. FBI Warning on Phishing Emails:The Wall Street Journal+2nypost.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2
    • New York Post. (2025, January 22). These two words in an email are a massive red flag for scams, FBI warns.
  12. Companies’ Complacency Towards Cybercrime:reuters.com
    • Reuters. (2025, February 3). ESG Watch: Companies ‘complacent about cybercrime’, despite rise in risk from AI.

Additional Resources:

  • SANS Institute Cybersecurity Training: Offers over 85 hands-on cybersecurity courses and certification programs, including topics like ethical hacking, incident handling, and penetration testing.​en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1
  • InfoSec Institute Training Programs: Provides certification-based training courses for security professionals, businesses, and technology professionals, covering areas such as ethical hacking and network security.​en.wikipedia.org
  • National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS): A federal initiative offering a comprehensive catalog of cybersecurity training courses, career development resources, and information on cybersecurity events.​en.wikipedia.org

Further Readings:

  1. Deepfakes: Get Ready for Phishing 2.0
    • Sjouwerman, S. (2022, December 26). Discusses the emerging threat of deepfakes and their potential impact on phishing attacks.​en.wikipedia.org
  2. AI-Powered Fraud Detection in Financial Institutions
    • Patel, S., & Kumar, R. (2023). Explores how AI is used to detect and prevent fraudulent activities in the financial sector.​
  3. AI-Driven Solutions for Preventing Online Fraud
    • White, T., & Lee, D. (2023). Examines the role of AI in combating online fraud and protecting consumers.​
  4. Fighting Scammers: Visa’s Approach to Scam Detection
    • Axios. (2025, March 11). Details Visa’s initiative to combat online scams through AI and other technologies.​
  5. Wall Street’s Worries About AI-Powered Cybercriminals
    • Business Insider. (2025, March 11). Discusses the challenges faced by financial institutions in keeping up with AI-driven cyber threats.​
  6. University of South Florida’s AI and Cybersecurity College
    • The Wall Street Journal. (2025, March 11). Covers the establishment of a new college dedicated to AI and cybersecurity education.​The Wall Street Journal
  7. Russian Network Uses AI Chatbots to Spread Disinformation
    • The Times. (2025, March 7). Investigates the use of AI chatbots by Russian networks to disseminate false information.​The Times
  8. Generative Artificial Intelligence: Concerns and Cybercrime
    • Discusses the potential misuse of generative AI in cybercrime, including phishing and fraud.​
  9. Audio Deepfakes: Emerging Threats and Detection Methods
    • Explores the rise of audio deepfakes and their implications for cybersecurity.​en.wikipedia.org
  10. SANS Institute: Comprehensive Cybersecurity Training
    • Provides information on SANS Institute’s offerings in cybersecurity education and certification.

Additional Resources:

  • IBM SkillsBuild: An online platform offering free courses in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analysis, and cloud computing, aimed at underrepresented communities in tech. ​en.wikipedia.org+1expressnews.com+1
  • ThriveDX: A global cybersecurity education provider offering online training bootcamps in cybersecurity, software development, information technology, AI coding, and various digital skills. ​en.wikipedia.org
  • McAfee Institute: Provides certifications and training programs in cyber intelligence, cryptocurrency investigations, open-source intelligence (OSINT), human trafficking investigations, and workplace violence prevention. ​en.wikipedia.org

Further Readings:

  1. “Sustainability Profession Scrambles to Fill ‘Extreme Gap’ in Digital Skills to Harness Power of AI”
    • Reuters. (2024, November 28). Discusses the digital skills gap hindering the sustainability sector’s ability to leverage AI effectively. ​reuters.com
  2. “Google Hub in Poland to Develop AI Use in Energy and Cybersecurity Sectors”
    • Associated Press. (2025, February 18). Covers Google’s collaboration with Poland to enhance AI applications in energy and cybersecurity. ​Associated Press
  3. “Sam Houston State University to Offer Certificates in AI, Paralegal Studies, and IT”
    • Houston Chronicle. (2025, February 25). Details SHSU’s launch of programs in AI and IT to address workforce shortages. ​Houston Chronicle
  4. “Microsoft to Train 1 Million South Africans on AI Skills”
    • Reuters. (2025, January 23). Announces Microsoft’s initiative to upskill South Africans in AI and cybersecurity by 2026. ​reuters.com
  5. “UTSA Announces Details of Newly Named College of AI, Cyber, and Computing to Launch in Fall 2025”
    • San Antonio Express-News. (2024, December 15). Discusses UTSA’s establishment of a college dedicated to AI and cybersecurity education. ​expressnews.com

News Highlights:

  • University of South Florida’s AI and Cybersecurity College: USF is set to launch the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing, marking a significant investment in AI and cybersecurity education. ​The Wall Street Journal
  • Global Initiatives in AI Education: Companies like Microsoft are investing in AI training programs worldwide, aiming to bridge the digital skills gap and prepare the workforce for AI-driven industries. ​reuters.com
  • Emerging Cybersecurity Threats: The rise of AI-generated disinformation and sophisticated phishing attacks highlights the need for advanced cybersecurity measures and continuous vigilance.
author avatar
JR
JR is the founder of AI Innovations Unleashed—an educational podcast and consulting platform helping educators, leaders, and curious minds harness AI to build smarter learning environments. He has 22 year of project management experience (PMP certified) and an AI strategist who translates complex tech into practical, future-focused insights. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Medium, Substack, and X—or visit him @ aiinnovationsunleashed.com.
error: Content is protected !!