The Invisible Front: Information Security in the Context of Global Digitalization, Geopolitical Conflicts, and the Implementation of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

This article examines the transformation of information security in the context of global digitalization, rising geopolitical tensions, and the active implementation of artificial intelligence technologies. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the world of cybercrime as an independent shadow economic system, analyze the role of cyberattacks in modern international conflicts, and assess the impact of AI on the evolution of cyberthreats and information security tools. The first section explores the structure of the cybercriminal world as a multi-layered system, including script kiddies, hacktivists, financially motivated groups, and APT teams. It demonstrates that cybercrime operates according to market principles, with developed specialization, service models (CaaS), and the growth of an “attack economy.” The second section, using the example of the Iran-Israel conflict, demonstrates the integration of cyberattacks into geopolitical processes. The key targets of attacks—government agencies, industry, finance, and the media—are identified, as well as the prevalence of DDoS attacks and the expanding geography of incidents. The third section focuses on the role of artificial intelligence as a “double agent”: it enhances hackers’ capabilities (personalized phishing, deepfakes, automation of intelligence and exploitation of vulnerabilities) while simultaneously improving defense effectiveness (threat analysis, forecasting, SOC automation). The increasing autonomy of cyber operations and the emergence of an “AI versus AI” model are noted.