CyberTech Top Voice: Interview with ABBYY’s Max Vermeir

Hello, CyberTech community. Welcome to part #11 of the CyberTech Top Voice interview series with ABBYY’s Sr. Director of AI, Max Vermeir.

The latest CyberTech Interview with ABBYY’s Max Vermeir is an interactive Q&A-styled conversation. In the interview, Max highlights this year’s most-talked cybersecurity threat: Generative AI-powered attacks. In 2024, GenAI cyberattacks have undeniably become a game-changer. While it’s driving groundbreaking innovation, it’s also arming cybercriminals with an entirely new set of tools. From crafting hyper-personalized phishing attacks to creating increasingly evasive malware, attackers are leveraging AI to add a troubling layer of sophistication to their tactics. In this interview, we’ll dive deep into the rise of Gen AI in cybersecurity, exploring both its transformative potential and the new risks it brings to the digital landscape.

Join us in shaping the future of cybersecurity. Learn more about how an intelligent automation company like ABBYY keeps its data, people, and infrastructure safe against cyber threats.

Here’s what Max had to say to our AI and cybersecurity community.

Hi Maxime, welcome to the CyberTechnology Top Voice Interview Series. Please tell us about your journey as an IT and security professional. How did you start at ABBYY?

Max: Thank you, CyberTech Insights! It’s been a fascinating journey. I originally dove into the tech space, passionate about using data to solve real-world problems. My path led me through various roles focused on automation and, ultimately, the world of AI and machine learning, where I found my home at ABBYY. Here I started by focusing on the intersection of data in all shapes, including documents, processes, and AI, and it became clear how an immense amount of value can be created using the right tools and technologies. ABBYY’s focus on intelligent automation combined with purpose-built AI felt like a perfect alignment, and I quickly became immersed in building compliant, innovative AI solutions for our customers.

The biggest cyber tech update of the year– which one would you pick for our audience and why?

Max: Gen AI in cybersecurity unquestionably takes the spotlight this year. Generative AI has been revolutionary, but it’s also handed cybercriminals a powerful new arsenal. Attackers are now leveraging AI to craft hyper-personalized phishing scams and create more evasive malware, adding a whole new layer of sophistication to their tactics. This is where the socio-economic impact comes into play: with this technology suddenly accessible to the masses, there’s an urgent need for widespread education to ensure that everyday people don’t fall victim to it. It’s a bit like a sci-fi showdown between “good AI” and “bad AI,” and staying one step ahead is the real challenge. That’s why the AI Acts emerging globally are so important—they show that regulators are moving swiftly to address these evolving threats, staying proactive in a landscape where security demands are always changing.

Copilot attacks, Gen AI phishing attacks, and so on… we are hearing an endless chatter on AI-led cyberattacks. How can AI companies secure their assets from such attackers– who more or less use the same or similar technologies?

Max: It’s true– we’re up against “adversarial AI” as much as hackers.

Securing our assets in this environment means building defense systems that can “think” just as fast as an attacker. At ABBYY, for instance, we’re constantly testing our internal systems with what can be described as digital “stress tests.” A key thing for us is providing clarity and insights into how we are working hard to protect our customers’ data, hence we’re working on a Trust Centre that will highlight all of this.

Data + AI Security: please explain this from an AI leader’s point of view. How do you bring together AI + DATA SECURITY at ABBYY?

Max: Data security and AI are tightly intertwined. Data is the lifeblood of AI models, but the more data you have, the more it becomes a target.

At ABBYY, we ensure that data security starts at the data ingestion stage and remains a priority through every stage of model development and deployment. This includes encryption, role-based access, and rigorous testing protocols to avoid leaks and attacks. We’re also cautious with data lineage and transparency– ensuring that our models know their “sources” and that data integrity isn’t compromised. In short, it’s about keeping a watchful eye on every byte from start to finish.

Organizations are facing greater difficulties in safeguarding their sensitive data. What are some of the major challenges you face in the Intelligent Automation industry? 

Max: The biggest challenge is balancing data access with data security. In intelligent automation, you often have systems pulling data from multiple sources and using it to make quick, automated decisions. But this distributed data also creates more vulnerability points.

Another challenge is the complexity of securing both data-in-motion and data-at-rest, which are often across hybrid cloud environments. Finally, the growing sophistication of cyber threats is a constant push to stay ahead, as attackers are continually finding new ways to infiltrate.

Key moments from the recently concluded ABBYY Ascend 2024–  what’s up for the next 202 edition? 

Max: Ascend 2024 was fantastic! We introduced some groundbreaking tools in document AI and process AI, including advanced analytics that provide more insight into business operations than ever before. A key highlight was our new security layer designed specifically for our automation suite, focusing on data integrity and compliance when leveraging LLMs in your sensitive document-centric automation.

As for 2025, we’re gearing up to double down on AI transparency, allowing customers to not only see how it all works but also provide that trust in AI to their customers as well. Exciting things are in store!

A fresh tip on AI-powered cybersecurity that you would like to give to our readers.

Max: Leverage process AI to visualize your workflows and establish operational monitoring, instantly surfacing any deviations from expected processes. This proactive approach empowers you to react and make corrections in real-time. Think of it as having a virtual guard dog that’s ever-vigilant, alert to any unusual activity and ready to signal when something’s off.

What are your predictions for 2025 in the AI and machine learning domain?

Max: In 2025, AI is going to be more embedded in our day-to-day lives than ever– expect AI to move from being a tool to becoming a true “co-pilot” in the workplace. In the security realm, we’ll likely see AI as the first line of defense in cybersecurity, automatically recognizing and countering threats. On the flip side, organizations will have to navigate the ethical implications of these more autonomous systems.

Tag a leader in the cybersecurity industry or an influencer you would like to invite to a CyberTech Top Voice interview roundtable discussion:

Max: Alexander Hanff

Thank you so much Max for participating in our CyberTech Top Voice Interview series. We look forward to having you and ABBYY leaders again!

Recommended CyberTech Interview: Fintech’s Digital Fortress Under Attack: Cybersecurity Challenges in 2025

To participate in our interviews, please write to our CyberTech Media Room at news@intentamplify.com