AI-Blockchain Synergy for Next-Generation Cybersecurity. Adaptive, Ethical, and Efficient Architectures

This study investigates the convergence of blockchain technology and advanced computational methods as a pathway to strengthening cybersecurity architectures. While blockchain offers decentralization, transparency, and tamper-resistance, its deployment is constrained by challenges such as scalability bottlenecks, high energy demands, and susceptibility to emerging attack vectors. The primary aim of this research is to evaluate how integrating adaptive intelligence into blockhain systems can enhance resilience, efficiency, and ethical governance in critical infrastructures. A systematic literature review was conducted, drawing on peer reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2025, guided by Kitchenham’s framework and PRISMA reporting standards. The synthesis of 28 studies reveals measurable gains, including reductions in false positives during intrusion detection, improved resistance to consensus-layer attacks, and enhanced interoperability across distributed systems. At the same time, the findings highlight persistent barriers such as limited large-scale validation, adversarial vulnerabilities, and unresolved ethical and legal tensions around data rights and accountability. The paper contributes a multi-layered integration model that positions intelligent optimization at protocol, smart contract, and governance layers. The results underscore the potential of this combined approach to advance cybersecurity while emphasizing the need for sector-specific adoption frameworks, lightweight defenses, and regulatory alignment to ensure sustainable real-world deployment.