Chimdimma Ndubuisi reports that artificial intelligence is making it more difficult to distinguish genuine content from sophisticated fabrications, prompting cybersecurity experts and stakeholders to call for stronger digital defences, improved public awareness and closer collaboration to protect citizens, institutions and national security.
The call is a key focus of the 2026 International Cybersecurity Conference in Abuja, which brings together about 66 organisations and countries to examine emerging cyber threats and strategies for building a safer digital environment.
Held under the theme “Cyber Resilience in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Defending Minds, Communities and Nations,” the conference is examining how governments, businesses and individuals can respond to cyber threats that are becoming more sophisticated with the growing use of AI tools.
One of the major concerns is the increasing use of artificial intelligence to clone voices, generate fake images and videos and create convincing messages designed to deceive unsuspecting users. These capabilities are changing the nature of cybercrime, making it harder to identify fraud, verify information and establish trust in digital communication.
Beyond attacks on computer networks and information systems, experts are drawing attention to the psychological dimension of cyber threats. AI-enabled social engineering exploits human emotions, trust and judgement to manipulate people into disclosing sensitive information, transferring money or taking actions that expose them to harm.
The implications extend beyond individual victims to public institutions, businesses and the wider society, particularly as more essential services move online.
2027 Elections and the Threat of AI-Generated Disinformation
With Nigeria’s 2027 general elections approaching, the potential use of artificial intelligence to spread misinformation and disinformation is emerging as a significant concern.
Fake audio recordings, manipulated videos and fabricated images could be used to misrepresent political figures, distort public statements or circulate false narratives capable of influencing public opinion.
The speed at which such content can be created and distributed through digital platforms makes early detection and verification increasingly important. When fabricated material appears authentic, the consequences may include public confusion, reputational damage, declining confidence in institutions and increased social tension.
The challenge, therefore, is not simply to identify false content after it has circulated, but to strengthen the ability of citizens and institutions to recognise, verify and respond to suspicious information before it causes harm.
Building Cyber Resilience in an AI-Driven Economy
The growing adoption of artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities for productivity, innovation and service delivery. However, it is also expanding the potential attack surface for cybercriminals.
Public and private organisations are digitising operations, connecting systems and deploying AI agents to perform tasks that previously required direct human intervention. Citizens, meanwhile, are relying more on digital platforms for communication, financial transactions and access to public services.
As these systems become more interconnected, vulnerabilities in one area can expose other services and users to risk.
Governments, technology companies, private organisations and academic institutions are therefore being challenged to work together to develop stronger cybersecurity capabilities, invest in protective technologies and improve the capacity to detect and respond to attacks.
This includes strengthening network security, protecting sensitive data, monitoring emerging threats and ensuring that AI-powered systems are deployed with appropriate safeguards.
The discussions also highlight the importance of responsible AI governance. Clear policies, accountability mechanisms and effective oversight are needed to guide the development and use of AI technologies while reducing opportunities for abuse.
Building resilience requires more than acquiring sophisticated security tools. Institutions must also invest in skilled personnel, establish effective incident-response procedures and ensure that cybersecurity measures keep pace with changing threats.
Protecting Public Trust in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
A central message emerging from the conference is that cybersecurity must extend beyond protecting devices, networks and databases. It must also protect the people who use them and preserve confidence in the information circulating across digital platforms.
As artificial intelligence continues to blur the boundaries between authentic and fabricated content, public trust becomes an increasingly important part of national cyber resilience.
Technology can help identify suspicious activity, detect manipulated media and strengthen digital defences, but its effectiveness depends on responsible deployment, informed users and cooperation among stakeholders.
