Doha, April 16 (QNA) - Rapid advances in artificial intelligence, especially generative models, are reshaping global systems, including cybersecurity, while increasing exposure to complex digital threats.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that the global monetary system faces preparedness gaps that limit its ability to counter growing cyber risks linked to these technologies.

She stressed the need for stronger regulatory frameworks and broader international cooperation as attacks become more sophisticated and far-reaching.

Concerns come ahead of IMF and World Bank meetings in Washington, amid reports that advanced AI models can detect and exploit vulnerabilities at a high level.

One such model, "Mythos," developed by Anthropic, has raised alarm due to its ability to target major operating systems and browsers, prompting restrictions on its release.

  The founding Secretary-General of the Arab Association for Cyber Security Dr. Noura Fetais highlighted key risks, including AI-driven cyberattacks that accelerate vulnerability discovery, automate phishing, and expand attacks on banks, payment systems, and financial markets.

She also pointed to increasing reliance on limited cloud and AI providers, raising systemic risk, as well as synchronized decision-making in financial markets, which could heighten volatility.

Additional threats include digital fraud, deepfakes, identity impersonation, and manipulation of trade and financial data. Weak governance, opaque AI models, and unequal global readiness further challenge financial stability.

Despite existing defenses, she described current readiness as "partial," warning that slow global coordination and governance remain major obstacles.

She emphasized the need for stronger cyber resilience through unified standards, continuous testing, improved coordination, and integrating AI risks into financial oversight at both national and institutional levels.

Founding Secretary-General of the Arab Cybersecurity Association Dr. Noura Fteiss highlighted the organization's role in strengthening regional capabilities, coordination, and knowledge exchange, enhancing the Arab region's position in global cybersecurity.

She emphasized that AI will not immediately disrupt the global monetary system but could significantly reshape risk balances without effective governance, calling for a balance between innovation and regulation.

Cybersecurity expert Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Saqatri stressed practical steps such as using AI tools to detect zero-day vulnerabilities across financial systems.

He noted that risks often stem from users and suppliers with excessive access, while expanding APIs increase exposure and require continuous monitoring.

He also warned of rising deepfake-enabled fraud targeting financial transactions and market trust.

Despite existing safeguards like encryption and access controls, he said these measures may not be sufficient against advanced AI-driven threats, urging adoption of AI-based defense systems.

He underlined the importance of awareness, as many cyberattacks result from human error, along with compliance with international security standards and stronger corporate defenses.

On global cooperation, he called for unified policies, mandatory risk standards, and enhanced information sharing to detect threats early and protect financial stability.

Professor of cybersecurity and AI at Joaan Academy for Defense Studies Dr. Fathelalem Hijah told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that AI is transforming cyberattacks by accelerating reconnaissance, exploitation, and adaptability.

He warned of increasing threats to financial infrastructure, AI-driven social engineering, and "cyber contagion" across interconnected systems.

He added that reliance on similar AI models could amplify market volatility, while advanced systems like "Mythos" signal a shift toward autonomous cyber tools capable of executing complex attacks, potentially disrupting the balance between offense and defense in the digital space.

Professor of cybersecurity and AI at Joaan Academy for Defense Studies, Dr. Fathelalem Hijah, stated that the financial sector's infrastructure is rapidly advancing through digital innovation and AI, particularly in payment systems, settlements, and global financial networks.

However, he noted that regulatory frameworks remain relatively slow due to legislative complexity and the need for international coordination, making them more reactive than proactive. This gap is evident in continued reliance on traditional threat models that do not reflect advanced AI-driven attacks.

He described current readiness as traditional preparedness facing accelerated AI-powered threats, stressing the need for an integrated approach combining regulatory, technical, and human factors.

At the national level, he called for flexible regulations that incorporate AI risks into financial stability assessments, along with stronger information sharing and capacity building. Financial institutions, he said, should adopt resilience by design, building systems capable of resistance and recovery while leveraging AI for defense.

He emphasized that public awareness remains a key line of defense against cyber threats, while international cooperation is essential due to the cross-border nature of risks. This includes coordination between central banks, shared intelligence, and unified AI standards in finance.

He added that Qatar's accession to the UN Convention against cybercrime marks an important step toward strengthening global cyber governance.

Dr. Fathelalem Hijah concluded that the global monetary system is in a critical transition, where advanced technology intersects with evolving regulations amid fast-growing AI-driven threats. Maintaining financial stability requires redesigning systems around resilience, adaptability, and integration between cybersecurity and AI.

He warned that the challenge now extends beyond growth and inflation to protecting the financial system from invisible, algorithm-driven threats, highlighting the urgent need for stronger governance, regulation, and cybersecurity investment. (QNA)