As artificial intelligence increasingly reshapes both digital infrastructure and global security dynamics, the panel discussion “Cyber Resilience in the AI Era: Defending States, Infrastructure, and Trust,” held within the framework of the Yerevan Dialogue 2026, explored the emerging challenges and vulnerabilities facing states, institutions, and societies in the digital age.
The session was moderated by Andrea Cucco, Editor in Chief of Difesa Online of Italy, and featured Nerses Yeritsyan, Chairman of the Information System Regulatory Commission of Armenia, Bassant Hassib, Assistant Professor of Political Science of The European Universities of Egypt, Ararat Ghukasyan, First Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Unibank of Armenia, and Janne Taalas, Chief Executive Officer of CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation of Finland.
Participants discussed the growing interconnection between cybersecurity, economic stability, and national security amid the expanding digitalization of public institutions and critical infrastructure. Particular focus was placed on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on both defensive systems and evolving threat landscapes, including increasingly sophisticated cyber risks such as ransomware attacks, data breaches, and large-scale systemic disruptions.
The discussion also addressed the widening attack surface created by digital transformation and the expanding role of cyber capabilities within geopolitical competition. Participants emphasized the importance of resilience-oriented approaches, including institutional preparedness, stronger public-private cooperation, and enhanced international coordination in responding to emerging cyber threats.
The panel concluded that strengthening cyber resilience is becoming essential not only for protecting infrastructure and digital systems, but also for maintaining public trust and ensuring stability in an increasingly interconnected and contested digital environment.
