As artificial intelligence reshapes the cybersecurity landscape, organisations worldwide face escalating challenges when protecting against sophisticated AI-powered attacks. Despite understanding the severity of the threat, businesses are struggling to keep pace with the rapid evolution of cybercrime. Barriers such as skill shortages, lack of AI-powered tools, and the complexity of managing advanced cybersecurity infrastructures leave many organisations vulnerable.
In its latest study titled “Cyber defense & AI: Are you ready to protect your organisation?”, Kaspersky gathered insights from IT and Information Security professionals across SMEs and large enterprises. The research reveals a growing sense of urgency among businesses to prepare for AI-driven cyber threats, with 19% of respondents stating they have considerable gaps in their cyber protection. The study also explores barriers to achieving effective cybersecurity and the dire consequences of failing to adapt.
Despite understanding the risks, businesses face significant obstacles in building robust cybersecurity. According to the study, 44% of organisations cite the lack of AI-related cybersecurity training for employees as a critical issue. Another 44% point to the complexity of managing cybersecurity infrastructure, which makes it harder to stay ahead of attackers. The shortage of advanced tools is another key challenge. Nearly 43% of respondents admitted that their organisations lack modern AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, while 41% struggle with a lack of information from external experts about the evolving AI-related threat landscape. Additionally, 39% experience a scarcity of qualified InfoSec professionals, leaving the businesses vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated threats.
The consequences of failing to adapt are severe and wide-ranging. More than half of surveyed professionals (58%) fear unpreparedness could result in confidential data leaks, while 52% anticipate a loss of customer trust and significant financial losses, including stock value drops and loss of business opportunities. Reputational damage is a concern for 47% of respondents, who worry about the long-term fallout from a cyberattack. Other potential consequences include financial penalties (33%), investor withdrawal (31%), lawsuits (29%), and even partial business closures (23%).
“The rise of AI-driven cyberattacks marks a turning point in the cybersecurity landscape. Organisations must act now to fortify their defenses. This includes investing in AI-powered tools, training employees to recognise threats related to AI, and developing and implementing cybersecurity controls for products and services with AI. Failure to adapt could lead to significant financial, operational, and reputational damage. Preparedness is not just an option – it’s a necessity in this new era of cyber threats,” said Alexey Vovk, Information Security Director,Kaspersky.