When AI-driven attacks target critical infrastructure, such as energy grids and telecommunications networks, the risk extends far beyond data theft. A small, incremental enhancement, like those seen in recent years, will have no meaningful impact against AI-driven attacks. Prioritizing the recovery-is-strength approachCyber recovery is becoming the clearest test of strength as AI‑driven cyberattacks and espionage operations increasingly target government data, systems and critical infrastructure. Strategies should also include:AI-augmented defense and testingSecurity teams should use AI defense tactics by applying Zero Trust to models, data, agents and infrastructure. Turning legacy backups into fast recoveryGovernment CISOs should conduct threat hunting against legacy backups and run detections and security operations from AI-driven recovery capabilities.