Cybersecurity in the Age of AI: Challenges and Solutions

Authors

  • Damir Delija Zagreb University of Applied Sciences, Croatia
  • Goran Sirovatka Zagreb University of Applied Sciences, Croatia
  • Darko Možnik Zagreb University of Applied Sciences, Croatia
  • Marinko Žagar Zagreb University of Applied Sciences, Croatia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54820/entrenova-2025-0034

Keywords:

artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cyber threats, machine learning, deepfake

Abstract

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought both opportunities and challenges to cybersecurity. On one hand, AI-powered tools are revolutionizing threat detection, incident response, and predictive analytics, enabling organizations to defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. On the other hand, AI is being weaponized by malicious actors to conduct automated attacks, develop adaptive malware, and create deepfake content for social engineering. This paper explores AI's dual role in cybersecurity, highlighting its potential as a defensive tool while addressing the ethical, legal, and technical challenges posed by its misuse. Through case studies and analysis of current trends, we examine how AI is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape and discuss strategies for balancing innovation with regulation. The findings emphasize the need for collaboration between technologists, policymakers, and cybersecurity experts to harness AI's potential while mitigating its risks.

Author Biographies

  • Damir Delija, Zagreb University of Applied Sciences, Croatia

    Damir Delija is a senior lecturer at Zagreb University of Applied Sciences (TVZ) (since 2017), specializing in digital forensics and cybersecurity. Previously, he led the Digital Forensic department at INsig2, focusing on EnCase Enterprise, UNIX, and network forensics. He is an EnCase trainer with expertise in cybersecurity, eDiscovery, and forensic tools, holding EnCe and UFED certifications. Damir has trained law enforcement agencies worldwide. With a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, he has experience in AIX/UNIX administration, ICT system integration, and IT consulting. He also teaches at the Technical College in Zagreb and the College of Information Technology. The author can be contacted at: damir.delija@tvz.hr

  • Goran Sirovatka, Zagreb University of Applied Sciences, Croatia

    Goran Sirovatka is a Lecturer at the Polytechnic of Zagreb with extensive experience in education, publishing, and IT projects. He graduated from the University of Zagreb (Mathematics) and is pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Zadar (Quality of Education). He has worked as a teacher, educational software editor, and director at Školska knjiga. Since 2013, he has been a Lecturer in Computer Science and Head of Lifelong Learning at the Zagreb University of Applied Sciences. He has co-authored books, developed study programs, and participated in ESF projects. His expertise includes programming, cryptography, and human-computer interaction. The author can be contacted at: goran.sirovatka@tvz.hr

  • Darko Možnik, Zagreb University of Applied Sciences, Croatia

    Darko Možnik, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the Croatian Defence Academy Dr. Franjo Tuđman (since 2003), specializing in integrated information security systems and IT project management. He holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing. Previously, he served as Head of IT at the Ministry of Defence and the Croatian Defence Academy. He has extensive experience in designing and implementing information security systems and has published several scientific papers in the field. The author can be contacted at: darko.moznik@tvz.hr

  • Marinko Žagar, Zagreb University of Applied Sciences, Croatia

    Marinko Žagar is a Senior Lecturer at the Polytechnic of Zagreb, specializing in information security and IT management. He graduated from the Military Academy and earned a master’s degree from the Faculty of Organization and Informatics in Varaždin. He held leadership roles at Školska knjiga, Combis, and INsig2. Since 2015, he has been at the Zagreb University of Applied Sciences, where he led the accreditation of the Master’s program in Information Security and Digital Forensics (2018). With extensive experience in information systems and security management, he has also published several scientific and professional papers in the field. The author can be contacted at: marinko.zagar@tvz.hr

Downloads

Published

2026-02-21

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Damir Delija, Goran Sirovatka, Darko Možnik, Marinko Žagar

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Cybersecurity in the Age of AI: Challenges and Solutions. (2026). ENTRENOVA - ENTerprise REsearch InNOVAtion Journal, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.54820/entrenova-2025-0034