Abstract: This paper analyzes employee perceptions in the Republic of Croatia regarding the application of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, with a particular emphasis on their familiarity with these technologies and their attitudes towards the potentials and risks of their implementation in modern business. The aim of the study was to identify the level of employee familiarity with artificial intelligence and cybersecurity technologies and to investigate whether there are differences in attitudes based on demographic characteristics, such as gender and education level. Empirical research was conducted through an online survey on a sample of 111 employees from various sectors in the Republic of Croatia. Using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis (t-test, ANOVA), the relationship between respondents' demographic characteristics and their perception and familiarity with artificial intelligence and cybersecurity was investigated. The results show a moderate level of familiarity among respondents with the concepts of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, as well as expressed concern about potential job losses due to business automation and the possibility of cyberattacks. The gender of respondents does not significantly influence the investigated attitudes, while the level of education significantly impacts respondents' familiarity with artificial intelligence. The paper contributes to understanding the challenges of implementing artificial intelligence in enterprises and provides recommendations such as employee education and the development of organizational strategies. The results have practical implications for strategic human resource management in a digital environment.

Keywords: employee education, cybersecurity, employee perceptions, enterprises, artificial intelligence