During the Proofpoint Protect 2025 conference, cyber professionals underscored that phishing remains the foremost cause of data breaches globally, with AI significantly influencing both attack strategies and defense mechanisms. Proofpoint scans billions of emails and URLs daily, revealing that 71% of users engage in risky online behavior, often falling victim to AI-enhanced phishing tactics. While AI has streamlined cybercriminal activities, it is also being leveraged to bolster cybersecurity defenses by improving threat detection and response times. However, experts cautioned that AI tools can unintentionally introduce vulnerabilities, particularly in social engineering, emphasizing the need for robust security measures as organizations navigate this evolving threat landscape. The implications of leveraging AI in both offensive and defensive cyber operations are critical for safeguarding digital infrastructures.