The AI Security Imperative by James Blake is a powerful and timely cautionary tale about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. The book opens with a chillingly plausible scenario: the 2028 election being manipulated by AI to sway an entire nation—subtly and invisibly—against its collective will. It’s a stark reminder of just how vulnerable our democratic systems and digital infrastructure truly are.

Blake guides the reader through an array of advanced threats and methods of manipulation that most citizens—and even many corporations—are unprepared to handle. But it’s not all doom and gloom. He makes a compelling case for fighting fire with fire: using AI to strengthen and evolve our current security frameworks. The key, he argues, is building a robust foundation rooted in domestic development rather than relying on foreign technologies that may carry hidden risks.

The book is well-written, thought-provoking, and essential reading for anyone who wants to better understand the urgent challenges AI poses to our digital and national security. It also underscores the critical need for legislation, education, and action as we navigate this uncharted terrain.

I agree with the author on nearly every point—except one. He says the time to act is now. I’d argue the time to act was a decade ago.

Thank you to Networlding Publishing, James Blake, and NetGalley for the ARC.