On Thursday 12th June, EWORLD garnered attention in Malta’s tech and business community by hosting ‘AI vs. AI’, a first-of-its-kind event focused on the dual role of artificial intelligence in modern cybersecurity.

The event drew senior decision-makers, IT professionals, and key customers eager to explore the real-world impact of AI-powered cyberattacks and the equally intelligent tools designed to defend against them.

Ing. Raphael Micallef Trigona, Managing Director of Systec and EWORLD, explains what drove the vision behind this innovative event and why it’s a wake-up call for businesses in today’s evolving threat landscape.

“The hype around AI gave us the perfect opportunity to shine a light on how it’s being used, and misused, within cybersecurity,” said Ing. Micallef Trigona. “We wanted to demystify what AI really means and how it operates on both sides of the battlefield: offensive and defensive.”

‘AI vs. AI’ stood out as a unique event in Malta’s tech scene. Rather than getting lost in buzzwords and theory, the session was designed to be practical and understandable. One of its highlights was a live demonstration that simultaneously displayed an AI-driven cyberattack and the corresponding AI-powered defence in real time. Attendees watched as one simulated attack succeeded, and another was blocked, giving them a tangible understanding of how AI is transforming cyber warfare.

Every scenario presented during the event was grounded in actual vulnerabilities and exploits. Ing. Micallef Trigona stressed the importance of context. “We broke down each case for the audience. It wasn’t just about showing the attack but explaining how it worked and what allowed it to succeed – or fail. Education and continuous testing are crucial.”

The demonstrations were especially impactful because they mirrored real-world threats companies face today. From AI-driven bots scanning for vulnerabilities to sophisticated, personalised intrusions, the event made it clear – businesses are already under siege from intelligent, automated threats.

One of the key takeaways from the event is that many companies still underestimate the extent to which AI is already shaping cybersecurity.

“People don’t realise that AI is behind many of the attacks we see,” he said. “Hackers are renting out bots, deploying them randomly across the web to find any opening. It’s not personal... until it is.”

This randomness and speed mean that traditional security methods are no longer enough. Businesses that lack the tools to detect, respond to, and adapt in real time are effectively defenceless. “If you don’t have AI-ready tools and a posture that allows AI-style remediation, you can’t cope,” he added.

With two decades of experience as a systems integrator focused on high-value B2B infrastructure solutions, EWORLD has increasingly shifted its focus toward cybersecurity in response to growing market needs. Its collaboration with SECFORCE, a cybersecurity consultancy specialised in offensive security assessments offering both consulting and testing assurance services, is central to this transformation.

“This is the second major event we’ve co-hosted with SECFORCE,” Ing. Micallef Trigona explained. “They handle the aggression testing and we provide the mitigation. Together, we offer a full-spectrum cybersecurity solution.”

Through strategic partnerships and continuous investment in skilled personnel, EWORLD is aiming to bridge the knowledge gap for local enterprises. Their commitment is clear: to empower companies with the tools, awareness, and resilience needed to survive, and thrive, in the AI age.

Looking ahead, Ing. Micallef Trigona is candid about the unpredictable pace of AI development. “It’s evolving so fast that even predicting where we’ll be in two or three years is difficult. We can look at trends, but beyond that, we have to be ready for anything.”

He also touched on the growing importance of ethical AI. While ethical frameworks are being developed and embraced by responsible vendors and clients, enforcement remains a grey area. “Unfortunately, ethical practices only go so far when bad actors ignore them. It’s our job to stay ahead and prepare for every possibility.”

The overarching message from ‘AI vs. AI’ was both a warning and a solution. As Ing. Micallef Trigona put it, “Every company needs to understand their security posture. You should know how vulnerable you are and where you stand in your industry. No CEO can afford to say, ‘I don’t know.’”

EWORLD’s event succeeded not just in demonstrating technical capability but in starting crucial conversations about readiness, investment, and responsibility in the face of AI-powered threats.

With sessions like this, EWORLD is helping to shape a more resilient, better-informed business landscape.