A major AI provider this week caused a stir, announcing its models' new capability to analyse entire codebases for security vulnerabilities and to recommend targeted fixes. The headlines focus on the novelty, and the market reaction has focused on the disruption, with 10% wiped off the value of IBM as one such example. For IT partners and cyber defenders, the more important question is 'What does AI-assisted code security actually change, and what doesn't it?'
AI Is Moving From Content Generation to Security Reasoning
Until recently, most large language model discussion centred on productivity, content generation, and conversational AI. Now we're seeing something more significant. AI systems are being trained to reason about software security. Not just scanning for known patterns, but analysing how components interact, how data flows across systems, and where weaknesses may emerge.
That represents a meaningful shift. Traditional static analysis tools look for signatures and known flaws. AI-assisted reasoning tools attempt to evaluate context and logic at scale. For development teams, this could reduce time to identify certain classes of vulnerabilities. For security leaders, it signals that AI is becoming embedded in the defensive workflow itself. Partners are paying attention.
This Is Not the End of the Security Stack
Whenever a new AI capability emerges, the industry reaction swings toward extremes. Some argue it will replace traditional security tools. Others dismiss it as hype. The reality sits in between. AI that analyses code is not the same as real-time protection. SecOps teams and partners are still critical to monitor live environments and detect lateral movement or credential misuse in production systems. AI improves secure development in the software development lifecycle, and it's a critical component in key tasks like with the detection of phishing emails and preventing them from landing in inboxes, but it doesn't replace the value of an expert team and specialised tools to defend data and assets.
For partners, this is a critical message to communicate to clients. AI-assisted vulnerability discovery enhances defensive posture. It does not eliminate the need for layered protection across identity, email, endpoint, and cloud environments. For example with MailGuard, with AI-powered specialist email threat detection and a 24/7 team of local experts here to help.
AI as a Force Multiplier, Not a Replacement
The most important takeaway is this. AI is becoming a force multiplier for defenders.
It can help reduce backlog. It can surface issues that might otherwise be missed. It can accelerate secure coding practices. But it still requires human judgement and oversight.
Security teams must validate AI outputs. Developers must assess exploitability. Risk leaders must prioritise remediation. Defenders must review and administer reporting and dashboards, and fine-tune rule sets. The partners who succeed in this next phase will not simply resell AI tools. They will help clients integrate AI into governance, workflows, and operational decision-making.
The Double-Edged Reality
There is another side to this evolution. Any capability that allows defenders to reason about code at scale can theoretically be used by attackers to search for weaknesses at scale. As AI capability increases, so does the potential speed of both defensive and offensive discovery.
This reinforces a long-standing truth in cybersecurity. Prevention must be paired with detection. Secure development must be paired with runtime visibility. Code analysis must be paired with inbox protection and identity resilience. Email remains one of the most consistent entry points for credential theft and compromise. Strengthening development practices does not reduce the need to protect user access points.
What IT Partners Should Do Now
This announcement is not a signal to rip and replace security architecture. It is a signal to evolve conversations.
Partners can add value by:
- Helping clients understand where AI-assisted security fits in their lifecycle
- Advising on governance and oversight of AI-driven recommendations
- Reinforcing the need for layered controls across identity and email
- Positioning specialist detection as complementary to AI-assisted prevention
AI will change how vulnerabilities are discovered. It will not change the fundamental truth that exposure often begins in the inbox. The opportunity for partners is clear. Move from product seller to strategic advisor. Guide clients through the integration of AI into their security programs without losing sight of operational realities.
Keeping Businesses Safe and Secure
Prevention is always better than a cure, and one of the best defences is to encourage businesses to proactively boost their company’s cyber resilience levels to avoid threats landing in inboxes in the first place. The fact that a staggering 94% of malware attacks are delivered by email, makes email an extremely important vector for businesses to fortify.
No one vendor can stop all email threats, so it’s crucial to remind customers that if they are using Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, they should also have a third-party email security specialist in place to mitigate their risk. For example, using a specialist AI-powered email threat detection solution like MailGuard.
For a few dollars per staff member per month, businesses are protected by MailGuard's specialist, AI-powered zero-day email security. Special Ops for when speed matters! Our real-time zero-day, email threat detection amplifies your client’s intelligence, knowledge, security and defence.
MailGuard provides a range of solutions to keep businesses safe, from email filtering to email continuity and archiving solutions. Speak to your clients today to ensure they’re prepared and get in touch with our team to discuss fortifying your client’s cyber resilience.
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