Romanian Cyber Security Journal / Spring 2026, No. 1, Vol. 8

Intelligence Defense - the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Combating Cyber Threats

Silvia OVREIU, Daniel SAVU, Electra MITAN, Delia NEACȘU

---

Abstract

Digital transformation has led to increased dependence on critical infrastructures and their exposure to cyber threats that traditional defense methods cannot effectively manage. This article highlights the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in detecting, preventing, and responding to attacks, including zero-day attacks. Metrics for evaluating anomaly detection are presented, underlying that modern AI-driven anomaly detection systems must deliver high accuracy, precision, and recall, while minimizing false positives and detection latency. Also, AIbased security solutions and various AI technologies applied in cybersecurity are presented. In addition, the ethical, technical, and operational challenges of implementing AI in intelligent, explainable, and proactive cyber defense applications are highlighted.

Keywords

Critical Infrastructures, Cybersecurity, Intelligent Defense, Artificial Intelligence