Artificial Intelligence and Security Challenges in the Digital Economy

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a key role in the digital economy, bringing both economic opportunities and security risks. The main threats identified include algorithmic vulnerabilities, automated cyberattacks, financial market manipulation and regulatory loopholes. AI algorithms can be exploited by adversarial attacks, and deep fakes and automated hacking represent emerging risks for sectors such as finance and cybersecurity. In addition, automated trading can destabilize markets, and insufficient regulation creates an environment conducive to the misuse of AI. To counter these challenges, it is necessary to develop strict regulatory policies, improve the resilience of algorithms and constantly monitor AI systems. Risk awareness and user education are also critical factors for a safer digital environment. One of the emerging security challenges in the digital economy is the expansion of the use of AI in cyberattacks. Thus, AI-based phishing systems can generate personalized messages, adapted to the target's behavior, which increases the likelihood of their effectiveness. AI is also used to develop advanced malware, capable of modifying its code to avoid detection by traditional security solutions. Another emerging security challenge in the digital economy is the exploitation of AI in disinformation and manipulation of public opinion. Thus, digital platforms use advanced algorithms to personalize the content displayed to users, but these algorithms can be exploited to spread false information on a large scale. AI-generated disinformation campaigns have been identified in electoral contexts, where deep fakes and automatically generated posts influenced voters' perceptions. CZU: 004.8:004.056.5:330(100); JEL: O14