The Dual-Use Paradigm of Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity: A Comprehensive Review

Swati S. Rajmane1

1Computer Technology Department, Solapur Education society’s Polytechnic Solapur

Abstract - Artificial intelligence (AI) has fundamentally transformed the cybersecurity landscape, evolving into a critical tool for both cybercriminals and digital defenders. This review paper examines this dual-nature dynamic, evaluating AI's capabilities as both an offensive weapon and a defensive shield. On the offensive front, threat actors leverage AI to automate vulnerability probing, execute sophisticated phishing campaigns, and deploy adaptive, LLM-driven ransomware such as MalTerminal and  PromptLock. These automated capabilities have accelerated the threat lifecycle, driving a 44% increase in attacks on public-facing applications. Conversely, the paper analyzes how AI empowers defenders through real-time anomaly detection, automated incident containment, and predictive threat intelligence. Despite these defensive advancements, the integration of AI introduces complex structural challenges, including vulnerability to model poisoning, algorithmic bias, the "black box" transparency dilemma, and a persistent cybersecurity talent shortage. To address these vulnerabilities, this paper presents a strategic mitigation framework focused on secure AI development lifecycles, continuous model monitoring, and structured human-AI collaboration. Ultimately, we argue that securing future digital infrastructure requires a balanced perspective and responsible deployment practices that account for the shifting boundaries of algorithmic warfare.

Key Words:  optics, photonics, light, lasers, stencils, journals