Two-thirds of IT specialists think AI more opportunity than threat
Some 63% of IT-decision makers believe AI will be a greater benefit to cybersecurity than a threat, find a survey by Databarracks.
The IT specialist said that its poll of 500 UK experts suggest AI is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape.
While around a third of survey participants have not assessed AI as a risk, the data suggests that it is a growing priority.
Before 2019, just 2% of organisations surveyed in the annual Data Health Check had completed an AI risk assessment. Within the past five years, that figure has grown to 65%.
Chris Butler, resilience director at Databarracks, said AI will reshape the cybersecurity landscape. “The question is whether that is for the better or the worse,” he said.
“The Data Health Check 2024 has shown that attitudes towards AI are mixed, which tracks closely with our experience and in everyday conversations with our customers. As with any technology, AI can be used for good or nefarious purposes. From bespoke phishing emails to convincing deepfake videos, the potential criminal applications of the technology are becoming increasingly clear,” he continued.
“But we can also benefit from rapid advances in the field to protect ourselves. Whether it is used to streamline the workflows of cybersecurity teams or to independently detect potential threats – AI is an invaluable defensive tool,” added Butler.
He concluded that cyber is an arms race between attackers and security professionals that demands the latter continually innovate its defences.
Download the Data Health Check 2024 here
