Session
Organizer 1: Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 2: Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 3: Government, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 4: Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 5: Private Sector, African Group
Organizer 2: Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 3: Government, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 4: Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 5: Private Sector, African Group
Speaker 1: Pavlina Pavlova, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Shifa Sorene Assefa , Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Speaker 3: Haider Abbas, Government, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 4: Tim Philipp Schäfers, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Shifa Sorene Assefa , Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Speaker 3: Haider Abbas, Government, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 4: Tim Philipp Schäfers, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The roundtable format is the best fit for our AI in Cyberwarfare session because it creates space for an open and interactive discussion rather than just one-way presentations. Since AI is shaping both cyber offense and defense, we need a format that brings in perspectives from government, industry, and civil society, allowing them to engage directly and exchange ideas. A 60-minute session keeps the discussion focused and impactful. It gives speakers enough time to share insights while ensuring active participation from attendees. Given how fast AI-driven cyber threats are evolving, this setup will help us explore real-world challenges, policy gaps, and practical solutions in a more engaging way. This approach also allows for collaborative problem-solving, where participants can raise concerns, share best practices, and contribute to shaping AI policies that enhance cybersecurity rather than compromise it
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The roundtable format is the best fit for our AI in Cyberwarfare session because it creates space for an open and interactive discussion rather than just one-way presentations. Since AI is shaping both cyber offense and defense, we need a format that brings in perspectives from government, industry, and civil society, allowing them to engage directly and exchange ideas. A 60-minute session keeps the discussion focused and impactful. It gives speakers enough time to share insights while ensuring active participation from attendees. Given how fast AI-driven cyber threats are evolving, this setup will help us explore real-world challenges, policy gaps, and practical solutions in a more engaging way. This approach also allows for collaborative problem-solving, where participants can raise concerns, share best practices, and contribute to shaping AI policies that enhance cybersecurity rather than compromise it
Policy Question(s)
1. What is the impact of cyber warfare on AI and its weaponization by state and non-state actors, and how can the multistakeholder model of governance contribute to the development of international frameworks for its regulation?
2. What ethical considerations should guide the development of AI-powered cyber defense systems, particularly in terms of autonomy and accountability?
3. How can bilateral and multilateral cooperation lead to establishment of policies and frameworks for cross-border collaboration and information-sharing between nations in real-time cyber defense?
What will participants gain from attending this session? 1. Participants will explore how AI is both a weapon and a shield in cyber warfare, shaping the future of cyber threats and defense.
2. The session will provide a high level understanding of AI-driven cyber risks, including autonomous attacks, deepfake-enabled disinformation, and adaptive malware.
3. Attendees will also learn how AI is enhancing threat detection, incident response, and predictive security models to counter evolving cyber threats
4. Participants will learn about global efforts to regulate AI in cybersecurity, addressing ethical concerns, accountability, and policy gaps.
5. Participants will understand the importance and explore strategies for fostering international cooperation on digital resilience at national, organizational and end-user levels.
Description:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming cybersecurity, but its dual nature presents both unprecedented opportunities and severe risks. While AI enhances cyber defense, automating threat detection, improving incident response, and strengthening digital infrastructures, it is also fueling an alarming rise in AI-powered cyberattacks. From self-learning malware to AI-driven misinformation campaigns, cyber warfare is entering a new era. A 2024 Deep Instinct report revealed that 75% of security professionals have observed an increase in cyberattacks, with 85% of those powered by generative AI. Similarly, Taiwan’s 2024 elections saw a surge in AI-generated deep fake videos and misinformation, demonstrating AI’s potential to manipulate public perception on a global scale.The dangers of AI-powered cyber operations were demonstrated as early as 2018, when IBM’s DeepLocker showcased how AI could create highly targeted, undetectable malware. This workshop will critically examine AI’s role in both offensive and defensive cyber operations, focusing on: AI as a cyber weapon: how AI is driving sophisticated cyber threats, including ransomware, deepfake disinformation, and state-sponsored attacks. AI as a cybersecurity defense tool: initiatives like DARPA’s AI Cyber Challenge (AIxCC) in 2024 have shown AI’s ability to autonomously detect and patch vulnerabilities, reducing incident response times by up to 96%. Policy frameworks for responsible AI use: strategies to regulate AI in cyber warfare, protect digital infrastructure, and ensure AI serves as a force for resilience rather than destruction. The session will feature cybersecurity experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from both developing and developed countries, fostering dialogue on AI regulations, ethical standards, and global cooperation. Participants will also gain practical knowledge on safe AI usage to enhance cybersecurity resilience at both organizational and individual levels. This will ensure responsible innovation and will provide recommendations to balance AI’s potential while mitigating its risks in cyber warfare.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming cybersecurity, but its dual nature presents both unprecedented opportunities and severe risks. While AI enhances cyber defense, automating threat detection, improving incident response, and strengthening digital infrastructures, it is also fueling an alarming rise in AI-powered cyberattacks. From self-learning malware to AI-driven misinformation campaigns, cyber warfare is entering a new era. A 2024 Deep Instinct report revealed that 75% of security professionals have observed an increase in cyberattacks, with 85% of those powered by generative AI. Similarly, Taiwan’s 2024 elections saw a surge in AI-generated deep fake videos and misinformation, demonstrating AI’s potential to manipulate public perception on a global scale.The dangers of AI-powered cyber operations were demonstrated as early as 2018, when IBM’s DeepLocker showcased how AI could create highly targeted, undetectable malware. This workshop will critically examine AI’s role in both offensive and defensive cyber operations, focusing on: AI as a cyber weapon: how AI is driving sophisticated cyber threats, including ransomware, deepfake disinformation, and state-sponsored attacks. AI as a cybersecurity defense tool: initiatives like DARPA’s AI Cyber Challenge (AIxCC) in 2024 have shown AI’s ability to autonomously detect and patch vulnerabilities, reducing incident response times by up to 96%. Policy frameworks for responsible AI use: strategies to regulate AI in cyber warfare, protect digital infrastructure, and ensure AI serves as a force for resilience rather than destruction. The session will feature cybersecurity experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from both developing and developed countries, fostering dialogue on AI regulations, ethical standards, and global cooperation. Participants will also gain practical knowledge on safe AI usage to enhance cybersecurity resilience at both organizational and individual levels. This will ensure responsible innovation and will provide recommendations to balance AI’s potential while mitigating its risks in cyber warfare.
Expected Outcomes
1. The session will facilitate focused multi-stakeholder dialogue among cybersecurity professionals, AI researchers, and policymakers, with the clear goal of developing actionable policy recommendations and coordinated strategies for mitigating AI-driven cyber threats.
2. Participants will be trained and equipped with better knowledge and understanding to protect themselves from AI-driven cyber threats and make informed choices about using AI responsibly in their personal and professional lives.
3. This session will further contribute to developing guiding principles for the ethical use of AI in cybersecurity, fostering informed discussions that will lead to a broader framework.
4. To ensure broader impact, a comprehensive workshop report will be published on the IGF website, shared with government agencies, industry leaders, and policymakers, and leveraged to inform policy recommendations and drive strategic initiatives on AI-driven cybersecurity measures.
Hybrid Format: 1. To ensure a fully interactive hybrid session, we will integrate both onsite and online participants through structured engagement strategies. A dedicated online moderator will manage the online discussion, ensuring remote participants can actively contribute via live polls, Q&A segments, and real-time chat engagement. Onsite and online speakers will be given equal speaking time, with seamless transitions facilitated by clear moderation.
2. We will utilize interactive tools such as Slido for live polling and Mentimeter for audience feedback, ensuring dynamic participation from both remote and in-person attendees. Additionally, a shared online document will capture key takeaways, allowing all participants to contribute insights and questions.
3. To enhance accessibility, we will coordinate with speakers to ensure stable connectivity and test video/audio quality beforehand. The session will also include a post-event virtual discussion to continue engagement beyond the IGF, fostering long-term collaboration between stakeholders across regions.