Cyber firm labels AI without regulation as 'wild west'

A cybersecurity company warned that AI without regulation can become a “wild west,” comparing attempts to defend against AI attacks to putting up stop signs in a world where cars have no brakes. The comments came during a Sydney hearing on Wednesday, where members of a committee investigating AI’s opportunities and risks discussed how to balance oversight with innovation. Palo Alto Networks policy spokeswoman Nicole Quinn told lawmakers that AI introduces new attack surfaces that traditional cybersecurity models were not built to address, and that defending against those threats may require privileged access to models and safeguards designed into them during development. Palo Alto chair Tom Scully warned that regulation could either be too harsh—stopping the innovation cycle—or too light, leaving companies exposed. The hearing also cited that nearly 30% of critical system vulnerabilities are being exploited within 24 hours, and mentioned Australia’s new AI safety institute with 25 staff and $7.5 million funding.