At this year’s Alert Cybersecurity Conference 2025 in Zagreb, one of the most thought-provoking sessions was the panel titled “AI & Cybersecurity: Winning the Digital Arms Race?”. The discussion brought together leading experts at the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to explore how organizations can navigate an increasingly high-stakes digital battlefield.

Moderated by Tom Vazdar, CEO of Riskoria Advising and Professional Services, the panel featured insights from Davor Anicic (Velebit AI), Diana Gontar (Visa), and Ed Whitehead (Darwinium). Together, they unpacked the opportunities and challenges that AI presents in securing the digital world.

AI: The Defender and the Threat

The conversation highlighted the dual role of AI in cybersecurity: while it is a game-changer for defense—enabling smarter threat detection, faster response, and better automation—it also introduces new vulnerabilities. Threat actors are increasingly using AI to craft more sophisticated, adaptive, and scalable attacks.

This dynamic has created a true digital arms race, where AI battles AI. The question is no longer if AI should be used in cybersecurity, but how fast and responsibly it can be developed and deployed to stay ahead of emerging threats.

Diana Gontar, Visa

Beyond Tools: Governance and Ethics

One of the most powerful messages from the panel was that technology alone isn’t enough. Winning this arms race requires more than just powerful algorithms and smart models—it also demands strong governance, ethical AI use, and responsible oversight.

🔑 Key takeaway

Resilient cybersecurity strategies must combine cutting-edge cybersecurity technology with robust governance, transparency, and a commitment to ethical AI deployment.

As the line between offense and defense continues to blur, cross-sector collaboration and a proactive, responsible approach to AI will be critical in building digital resilience for the future.

Earlier in Panel 1, experts tackled another timely topic: whether regulations like DORA and NIS2 are driving progress or adding red tape—setting the stage for broader discussions like this one.