24 July 2025 | Kyrylo Proskurnya, Lead Auditor ISO 42001, CEO at Baltum Bureau

AI Is Now a Cybersecurity Issue Too

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a theoretical concept - it’s now embedded into today’s digital services and infrastructures. From process automation to content generation, AI is transforming how data is processed, shared, and acted upon.

This brings new risks that overlap cybersecurity, data protection, and regulatory compliance. AI models can be attacked, manipulated, or misused - with severe consequences for privacy, integrity, and trust.

With the EU AI Act adopted and similar frameworks being explored in the UK, AI governance is no longer optional. It's a core component of information security strategy.

ISO/IEC 42001 in the Context of UK Cybersecurity

While the EU AI Act will apply primarily to the EU market, UK-based organisations working internationally or processing EU data will still be affected. In parallel, the UK government and the NCSC are also advancing guidance on AI assurance, resilience, and algorithmic safety.

ISO/IEC 42001 fits naturally into the UK cyber and data protection landscape by:

● Aligning with ISO/IEC 27001 and the UK's Cyber Essentials principles

● Providing risk-based controls for AI systems processing sensitive or personal data

● Strengthening auditability, explainability, and traceability - key elements in both data protection and cyber risk management

In the UK, trust in digital systems is already built on strong frameworks like ISO 27001, NIST CSF, and GDPR. ISO 42001 is the missing piece for AI.

The Overlap: AI, Cybersecurity & Privacy Risks

Unlike traditional software, AI systems are probabilistic, opaque, and capable of adapting - making them uniquely vulnerable to:

● Adversarial attacks (manipulating model outputs)

● Data poisoning and model inversion

● Bias and discrimination impacting trust

● Privacy violations, especially in generative models trained on sensitive data

This convergence of AI and cybersecurity creates a new class of digital risk that cannot be addressed by legacy controls alone.

That’s why AI-specific governance, as defined in ISO 42001, is increasingly essential for CISOs, Data Protection Officers, and AI product leaders alike.

Baltum Bureau’s Mission in the UK Context

As a member of the UK Cyber Security Council, Baltum Bureau is committed to supporting organisations navigating this new regulatory and technological landscape. We see AI governance not as a standalone task, but as a natural extension of your cybersecurity and data protection strategies.

In our work with UK and EU clients, we:

● Align ISO 42001 implementation with existing ISO 27001/27701 systems

● Integrate AI-specific risks into enterprise ISMS

● Support readiness for audits and public-sector procurement where AI assurance is required

Securing the Future of AI Starts Now

Artificial Intelligence brings enormous opportunity - but only if it is built on secure, transparent, and accountable foundations. ISO/IEC 42001 offers the tools to make that possible.

Whether you are a UK organisation working with AI, or a global company engaging with the EU market, early adoption of AI governance standards will reduce risk, increase trust, and position your organisation for long-term success.

Responsible AI governance is cybersecurity, compliance, and competitive strategy - all in one.