AI and cyber attack centre will be 'leading force'

Wolverhampton University has recently launched a new center dedicated to researching the increasing issues of cyber attacks and the advancements in artificial intelligence, commonly known as AI. This center, named the Centre for Cyber Resilience and Artificial Intelligence, or CYBRAI, officially opened its doors on a Friday. The center is home to a team of around 20 academics who will focus on understanding how to mitigate the risks associated with cyber attacks and the rapid growth of AI technology. The aim is to unite the efforts of educational institutions, businesses, and government agencies to address the challenges posed by the digital landscape. Professor Zeeshan Pervez, the director of the center, emphasized that this initiative is the first of its kind to merge the fields of cyber security and AI. The team will be dedicated to enhancing the recovery processes for businesses that fall victim to cyber attacks. They will also investigate the expanding role of AI in fostering innovation and managing potential threats. Professor Pervez pointed out that cyber attacks are a persistent issue, as evidenced by incidents involving major companies like Marks and Spencer and the Co-Op. He stated, 'It's all about how quickly you can recover from those attacks. ' The researchers aim to minimize the collateral damage that results from breaches in security. They will explore ways to prevent hackers from infiltrating systems and ensure that security measures are robust enough to protect against future attacks. According to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, a significant number of organizations have experienced cyber security breaches, with 43% of businesses and 30% of charities reporting incidents in the past year. Professor Pervez reiterated that cyber attacks are an ongoing threat. He also referenced a report from the National Audit Office, which highlighted substantial vulnerabilities in the cyber resilience of 58 critical government IT systems. In Europe, there has been a notable increase in cyber attacks, with a staggering 35% rise reported. Organizations in the EU are facing approximately 1,300 attacks each week. The center's focus on AI is particularly important due to the rapid pace of its development. Professor Pervez provided some interesting statistics to illustrate this point. He noted that it took radio 38 years to reach 50 million users, while television took 13 years, Facebook achieved this milestone in just one year, and ChatGPT reached 100 million users in a mere two months. He remarked, 'AI is powering the digital transformation. ' The center's location in Wolverhampton is advantageous, as it complements the growing number of IT and cyber-security firms in the West Midlands. Professor Pervez highlighted that the center is unique in the UK for its integrated approach to both fields. He stated, 'Our niche is that we are bringing both of them under one umbrella because they go hand in hand with each other.