95 percent of CISOs say AI is a top risk

Global CISOs Sound Alarm: AI-Driven Threats Top the Risk List, Yet AI Becomes a Strategic Ally in Cybersecurity

In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, a new global survey of 650 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) reveals a striking paradox: while 95 percent rank AI-driven threats as a top risk, they are also harnessing AI as a powerful force multiplier to move beyond traditional defense and actively drive business outcomes.

The comprehensive study, conducted by Splunk, paints a vivid picture of the current cybersecurity landscape. It shows that 92 percent of CISOs identify improving threat detection and response capabilities as their highest priority, followed closely by strengthening identity and access management (78 percent), and investing in AI-powered cybersecurity capabilities (68 percent). This data underscores a critical shift—AI is no longer just a tool for automating defenses; it is now central to strategic decision-making and operational resilience.

Michael Fanning, CISO of Splunk, captures the intensity of the moment: “CISOs operate in the eye of the storm, at the center of constant transformation. Role responsibilities expand, threats evolve, and AI accelerates everything.” His words reflect the reality that today’s security leaders are not only battling an ever-growing array of sophisticated cyber threats but are also navigating the rapid integration of AI into both attack and defense strategies.

The survey highlights that the adoption of AI in cybersecurity is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. Organizations are leveraging machine learning algorithms to detect anomalies, predict potential breaches, and automate incident response, thereby reducing the time between detection and remediation. This proactive stance is essential as threat actors increasingly use AI to launch more targeted, evasive, and damaging attacks.

However, the widespread adoption of AI also introduces new vulnerabilities. AI-driven threats can exploit weaknesses in algorithms, manipulate data inputs, or even use deepfakes to bypass traditional security measures. This dual-edged nature of AI means that CISOs must continuously evolve their strategies, balancing innovation with vigilance.

The findings also reveal a significant investment trend: nearly seven in ten CISOs are prioritizing AI cybersecurity capabilities, signaling a recognition that future-proofing security infrastructure requires embracing advanced technologies. This investment is not just about keeping pace with threats but about gaining a competitive edge—using AI to enhance visibility, streamline operations, and enable faster, more informed decision-making.

As the cybersecurity landscape becomes increasingly complex, the role of the CISO is evolving from a purely defensive posture to a more strategic, business-enabling function. The integration of AI is at the heart of this transformation, empowering security teams to anticipate threats, adapt to new challenges, and ultimately, protect the digital assets that are critical to organizational success.

In conclusion, the survey underscores a pivotal moment in cybersecurity: AI is both the greatest threat and the most promising solution. As CISOs worldwide double down on AI-driven defenses, the race to stay ahead of adversaries—and to harness the full potential of AI—has never been more urgent.

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