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COPENHAGEN, DENMARK — DTW Ignite 2025: Senior technology executives from Vodafone Group and BT Group issued stark warnings about the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, emphasizing that artificial intelligence (AI) is now a double-edged sword—enhancing both defense capabilities and the sophistication of cyberattacks.
During a keynote session, Howard Watson, BT’s Chief Security and Networks Officer, described the current threat environment as “unprecedented,” citing the growing capabilities of both state-sponsored and criminal actors. He explained that BT has shifted from traditional perimeter-based security to a “zero-trust” model, operating under the assumption that systems may already be compromised and focusing on rapid detection and response.
Scott Petty, Vodafone’s Chief Technology Officer, echoed these concerns, noting the speed, skill, and resources of modern attackers. He emphasized that adversaries often use the same tools and platforms as defenders, making it harder to distinguish malicious activity. “We need to evolve at a really fast pace to stay ahead of them,” Petty said, highlighting how attackers exploit access and exposure points with increasing precision.
Both executives underscored the role of AI in cybersecurity operations, with Watson crediting AI-driven threat analysis and collaboration with the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre as key to staying marginally ahead of threats. Petty added that Vodafone uses AI to track behavioral anomalies, but warned that generative AI is also being weaponized for social engineering, enabling attackers to convincingly impersonate internal staff.
Petty also addressed industry-wide challenges, calling for greater transparency and collaboration. He defended Vodafone’s rigorous “security by design” protocols, despite complaints about delays, arguing that such measures are essential to close vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
For more, read the full report from Mobile World Live.
