From targets to defenders: Building a cyber-resilient workforce in the age of deepfakes and advanced exploits

Phishing emails have surged by 1,265% since the launch of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, a stark reminder that the threat landscape is evolving at an unprecedented rate. Attackers are no longer just exploiting infrastructure, they’re exploiting people. With 95% of data breaches in 2024 linked to human error, organisations must rethink how they prepare their people for the next wave of AI-driven threats.                                                                                                  
In this session, Brian Martin and Richard Ford explore how AI and human psychology are colliding to redefine cyber risk, and how you can turn your workforce from targets into defenders. They’ll unpack reasons why 8% of users account for 80% of an organisation’s risk, how 31% of breaches stem from stolen credentials, and what happens when 28% of the average workday spent in email becomes an attacker’s playground. Most importantly, they’ll share how forward-thinking organisations are breaking away from tick-box awareness training and building a genuine culture of cyber resilience — one that changes behaviour, strengthens defences, and prepares people to stand strong in the age of deepfakes and advanced exploits.                          

What you will learn:

• How attackers are using AI to target people, not just infrastructure.
• Why traditional compliance-driven training no longer builds real resilience.
• How to create a security-aware culture that drives behavioural change.
• The latest trends in deepfakes, phishing, and AI-powered social engineering.
• Practical ways to identify, measure and reduce human risk across your organisation.
• Proven best practices to build a workforce ready to mitigate modern cyber attacks.