by Naomi Haefner Published September 11, 2026 in Brain Circuits • 3 min read
AI is giving cyberattackers a wider range of targets and the opportunity to scale up. Hackers can manipulate AI tools such as chatbots by feeding them malicious information or asking them to reveal sensitive company data. Attackers also increasingly target employees directly, with sophisticated deepfake technology enabling highly convincing phishing and impersonation attacks. This means organizations must think beyond technological solutions and make people their first line of defense against attack.
With new styles of attack appearing all the time, ongoing training and clear communication are essential to keep employees up to speed with evolving threats. This means that “bite-sized” units of training delivered as a regular feature of the working day are more effective than, say, an annual 20-minute video. Organizations must also gain a general understanding of employees’ digital behaviors, including how different departments communicate, to reveal gaps in process or understanding.
While close monitoring of employee digital activity is crucial, organizations must not allow security practices to erode trust. If employees fear blame, feel constantly watched, or believe they will be punished for an honest mistake, they may delay reporting, gifting attackers extra time.
A crucial element of psychological safety and a positive cybersecurity culture in general is transparency. Employees need to understand what is being monitored, why it is necessary, and where the boundaries are. Making every employee aware of cybersecurity processes helps everyone feel safer and reinforces the sense that they are on the same side.
Answer these questions to assess whether your cybersecurity strategy is people-first:
Organizations that treat cybersecurity as a human issue as much as a technical one will build the most effective resilience against the evolving risk environment.
The first line of defense against cyberattacks? Your own people
Cybersecurity starts not with code but with culture
The deepfake CEO: Why leadership teams may have a false sense of security
AI Is Reshaping Cyber Risk. Boards Need to Manage the Threat
Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Innovation
Naomi Haefner is Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Innovation. Her research examines how artificial intelligence is reshaping innovation strategy, organizational design, and leadership decision-making.
Her work bridges rigorous academic insight with practical application. As a researcher, educator, and advisor, she designs and delivers executive education programs for board members, senior leaders, and public-sector innovators navigating complex technological change. Her approach integrates frameworks that equip leaders to respond to fast-moving developments with structure and impact.
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