The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence is fundamentally restructuring global industries while simultaneously creating unprecedented cybersecurity vulnerabilities that demand immediate attention, according to Dr. Tom Leighton, CEO and Co-founder of Akamai Technologies. In an exclusive interview, the internet infrastructure pioneer revealed that AI’s transformative potential comes with critical security gaps that could undermine its revolutionary capabilities.
Dr. Leighton, who co-founded Akamai in 1998 and transitioned from Chief Scientist to CEO in 2013, explained that AI’s paradigm shift changes how the web operates. “Future interactions will involve users instructing AI agents or copilots to execute tasks, while behind the scenes, these applications communicate autonomously, assembling data and performing complex operations,” he stated.
This interconnected AI ecosystem presents two monumental challenges: supporting the massive infrastructure required for computational capabilities and securing vulnerable points where malicious actors could inject harmful information into AI models. Such attacks could force models to reveal sensitive data or perform unauthorized actions, creating an urgent need for next-generation security solutions.
“The Middle East region demonstrates particular promise for leading these capabilities,” Dr. Leighton noted, citing the concentration of prestigious financial institutions, travel and entertainment industries, and media organizations that will leverage these technologies globally.
Addressing the technical requirements for optimal AI performance, Dr. Leighton emphasized the necessity of distributed systems. While AI training may occur in centralized data centers, daily operations require localized inference engines near users to ensure responsive, human-like interactions. Security must similarly be distributed to prevent attackers from overwhelming centralized infrastructure.
Akamai’s global network, comprising over 4,000 points of presence across 700 cities including multiple locations throughout the Middle East, positions the company to support AI agents while providing essential security protections. The platform intercepts malicious traffic at its origin, preventing coordinated attacks from reaching their targets.
Dr. Leighton highlighted events like GITEX Global as critical gatherings for shaping AI’s future, bringing together industry leaders, governments, and investors to address these challenges collectively. As AI continues its rapid evolution, developing robust cybersecurity frameworks becomes increasingly vital to harnessing its full potential while mitigating emerging threats.