I’m thrilled to sit down with Dominic Jainy, a seasoned IT professional whose deep expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain has positioned him as a thought leader in the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. With a keen interest in how emerging technologies are reshaping industries, Dominic offers unique insights into the intersection of AI, quantum computing, and digital security. In our conversation, we explore the transformative power of these technologies, the dual-edged impact of AI on cybersecurity, the looming threats and potential of quantum computing, and the strategies organizations must adopt to stay ahead of escalating cyber risks in 2025 and beyond.
How do you see AI and quantum computing driving the wave of digital transformation as we look toward 2025?
AI and quantum computing are at the forefront of a massive shift in how we interact with technology, both in our personal lives and in the business world. AI is already automating complex tasks, enhancing decision-making, and personalizing experiences at a scale we’ve never seen before. Quantum computing, though still in its early stages, promises to solve problems that are currently intractable for classical computers, like advanced cryptography or material simulations. Together, they’re creating a new digital ecosystem that’s faster, smarter, and more interconnected. What sets them apart from past advancements is their exponential potential—AI learns and adapts in ways that mimic human cognition, while quantum computing operates on principles of physics that defy traditional binary logic. It’s not just an upgrade; it’s a complete paradigm shift.
In what ways is AI reshaping the field of cybersecurity, both as a tool for defense and as a weapon for attackers?
AI is a game-changer for cybersecurity on both sides of the fence. On the defensive end, it’s revolutionizing how we detect and respond to threats. AI-powered systems can analyze massive datasets in real-time, spotting anomalies like unusual network traffic or malicious login attempts before they escalate. They reduce noise by prioritizing alerts, so security teams aren’t drowning in false positives. But flip the coin, and you’ll see cybercriminals leveraging AI to craft sophisticated attacks. They’re using generative AI to create hyper-realistic phishing emails or deepfake videos that mimic trusted individuals, making it incredibly hard to distinguish real from fake. Automated malware that evolves to evade detection is another growing concern. It’s an arms race—AI empowers defenders to act faster, but it also equips attackers with tools to strike harder.
What’s driving the staggering projection that cybercrime could cost the world $10.5 trillion by the end of 2025?
That number is a wake-up call, reflecting the sheer scale and sophistication of cybercrime today. A big chunk comes from ransomware, where attackers lock up critical systems and demand massive payouts. Business email compromise scams, often powered by AI, are another major contributor—these trick employees into wiring money or sharing sensitive data under the guise of legitimate requests. Then there’s data theft, which leads to costly breaches, lawsuits, and reputational damage. The rise of interconnected systems and cloud environments has expanded the attack surface, making every organization a target. Smaller businesses, which often lack robust defenses, are hit hardest because they can’t absorb the financial blow of recovery. It’s not just about direct losses; it’s the ripple effects on trust and operations that inflate the cost.
Can you explain how specific AI tools like generative AI are being applied in cybersecurity to manage today’s growing threats?
Generative AI is proving to be a powerful ally in cybersecurity. It can simulate potential attack scenarios to help organizations stress-test their defenses, essentially predicting where vulnerabilities might lie before they’re exploited. It’s also used to extract actionable insights from vast amounts of security data, offering best practices or tailored response strategies in seconds. Beyond that, agentic AI systems are automating repetitive tasks like log analysis or initial threat triage, freeing up human analysts to focus on complex decision-making. These tools are invaluable for keeping pace with the volume and speed of modern threats, especially as networks become more dispersed across on-premises, cloud, and edge environments. They’re not just reactive; they’re predictive, helping us stay a step ahead.
With AI-driven threats like automated phishing becoming more deceptive, what can individuals and companies do to protect themselves?
These attacks are getting scarily good at mimicking human behavior, often using AI to craft emails or even fake voices that seem authentic. For individuals, vigilance is key—always double-check the sender’s identity before clicking links or sharing information. Look for subtle red flags like odd phrasing or urgent tones that don’t match the person’s usual style. Companies need to invest in AI-powered detection tools that can flag spoofed communications or unusual patterns in real-time. Zero Trust security models, where no one is automatically trusted, are also critical—verify every access request, no matter who it seems to come from. Training employees to spot these scams is just as important as any tech solution; human error is often the weakest link.
Shifting gears to quantum computing, can you break down how it differs from traditional computing in a way that’s easy to grasp?
Absolutely. Traditional computing relies on bits, which are like tiny switches that are either off (0) or on (1), processing data in a linear, step-by-step way. Quantum computing, on the other hand, uses quantum bits or qubits, which can exist in multiple states at once thanks to principles like superposition and entanglement. This means a quantum computer can explore many possible solutions to a problem simultaneously, rather than one at a time. It’s like the difference between checking every path in a maze one by one versus seeing all paths at once. That’s why quantum systems have the potential to solve incredibly complex problems—like breaking encryption that would take traditional computers billions of years—in mere minutes.
How do you envision quantum computing impacting cybersecurity, both as a threat and as an opportunity?
Quantum computing is a double-edged sword for cybersecurity. On the threat side, it could render current encryption standards obsolete. Imagine a quantum computer cracking RSA encryption, which underpins much of our digital security, in under two minutes—a task that would take classical computers eons. This is why there’s talk of ‘Q-Day,’ when quantum supremacy might break public key systems. Governments and hackers could decrypt stolen data retroactively, posing a huge risk to banking and critical infrastructure. On the flip side, quantum tech offers solutions like Quantum Key Distribution, which creates ultra-secure communication channels that alert users to any eavesdropping. Post-Quantum Cryptography is also in development to build encryption that can withstand quantum attacks. It’s a race to adapt before the threats materialize.
What’s your forecast for the future of cybersecurity as AI and quantum computing continue to evolve?
I believe we’re heading into a period of unprecedented challenge and opportunity. AI will keep accelerating the cat-and-mouse game between defenders and attackers, with both sides getting smarter and faster. Quantum computing, while not yet mainstream, will likely become a tangible factor within the next decade, forcing a complete overhaul of encryption standards. My forecast is that cybersecurity will become even more integral to every aspect of business and society—we’ll see greater investment in proactive defenses, cross-sector collaboration, and workforce training to handle these technologies. Organizations that lag behind in adopting AI-driven security tools or preparing for a post-quantum world will be at severe risk. But those who embrace innovation with a balanced approach—combining tech with human oversight—will not only survive but thrive in this new digital era.