Securing the Digital Economy: Innovations in Cybersecurity, Ethical AI and the Future of Digital Payments and Cryptocurrency
Abstract
The expanding digital economy now totally relies on artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cryptocurrencies and digital payment systems because of their rapid growth. The technological progress has resulted in major security risks and moral problems with AI, along with regulatory difficulties in financial operations. The research applies cybersecurity risk management framework and technology acceptance model to examine security aspects from technical and human behaviour perspectives. The analysis examines worldwide cybersecurity threats that consist of ransomware incidents and fraud and data breaches, together with regulatory actions, which include the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework and the SEC’s cryptocurrency oversight framework. The study establishes a digital payment security system that combines blockchain identity authentication with AI anomaly detection and quantum-secure encryption. The examination defines ethical challenges related to AI decision systems and privacy protection but supports explainable AI together with multi-tiered governance structures for transparency alongside accountability. Policy study across the United States, the European Union and China identifies the necessity to establish worldwide regulations which maintain innovation versus security equilibrium. The study offers usable directions which aid policymakers as well as financial institutions and technology developers to establish a secure, ethical and resilient digital economy.