Key Takeaways:
- 85% of cybersecurity leaders fear that AI will outpace cyber defenses, according to a survey by RiverSafe.
- AI is increasing the complexity of cyberattacks, forcing organizations to adapt their security strategies.
- While many are investing in cybersecurity improvements, a significant portion still lacks adequate measures to combat AI-powered threats.
The Rising AI Threat in Cybersecurity
London, September 20, 2023 – In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, a new threat is emerging, and it’s powered by artificial intelligence (AI). A recent survey conducted by RiverSafe, a leading cybersecurity professional services provider, paints a concerning picture for the future. According to the AI Unleashed: Navigating Cyber Risks Report, 85% of cyber leaders believe that AI will outpace their current cyber defenses.
The study, conducted by independent polling agency Censuswide and comprising 250 cybersecurity leaders, highlights the growing concern surrounding AI-powered cyber threats and the urgent need for organizations to bolster their cybersecurity strategies.
AI’s Impact on Cybersecurity Complexity
One of the alarming findings from the report is that 61% of respondents have observed an increase in the complexity of cyberattacks due to AI. This indicates that AI is changing the cybersecurity landscape, making attacks more sophisticated and challenging to defend against.
As AI becomes more sophisticated, organizations must adapt their strategies and incorporate new, resilient defense mechanisms to protect their assets effectively. The consequences of not doing so could be detrimental.
Investing in Cyber Protections
To combat the looming threat of AI-powered cyberattacks, 69% of cyber leaders are increasing their investments in cyber protections to enhance their detection and response protocols. However, the remaining 31% who are not investing in cybersecurity improvements may find themselves facing severe risks.
Suid Adeyanju, CEO at RiverSafe, emphasizes the urgency of the situation: “Cyber leaders view AI as their biggest security risk, and, given its rapid development, it’s vital that defense strategies and security postures are re-evaluated and updated to best protect against this emerging threat.”
He further advises organizations to implement defense technologies that provide greater visibility over networks and offer comprehensive staff training on detecting and responding to threats. A revised and up-to-date cyber strategy is no longer an option but a necessity to mitigate the risks, especially in light of the new wave of AI-enabled threats.
Outdated Cyber Strategies
A concerning revelation from the survey is that over 20% of respondents admitted that their current cyber strategy is outdated and urgently needs refreshing to address new threats like AI. This highlights the critical need for organizations to stay up to date with the latest cybersecurity measures and technologies.
Furthermore, only 39% of those surveyed have a formal incident response plan in place to deal with ransomware attacks, while 16% feel that their existing risk controls are inadequate. These statistics underscore the need for organizations to bolster their cybersecurity posture comprehensively.
Oseloka Obiora, CTO at RiverSafe, warns businesses about the allure of AI without the necessary security measures: “Businesses need to find the balance between gaining a competitive edge in the marketplace with robust cybersecurity measures to avoid leaving themselves vulnerable.”
The potential cost of a successful attack on customer and employee data, in terms of financial and reputational damage, can be catastrophic. Organizations must prioritize cybersecurity and ensure they are equipped to defend against AI-powered threats.
Preparing for the Future
As the threat landscape evolves with the increasing influence of AI, organizations must adapt and fortify their cybersecurity defenses. AI can bring both benefits and risks to businesses, making it crucial to find the right balance between innovation and security.
RiverSafe’s report serves as a stark reminder that AI is not just the future of technology but also the future of cyber threats. Organizations that fail to prepare adequately may find themselves vulnerable to sophisticated attacks that can have far-reaching consequences.
For a comprehensive look at the report, you can access it here.
About RiverSafe
RiverSafe is a leading professional services provider specializing in Cyber Security, DevOps, and Data Operations. Their comprehensive portfolio of expertise, consultancy, and technical capabilities allows companies to accelerate the value of their technology investments, reduce risks, and enhance software delivery efficiency.
Founded in 2010 by cybersecurity experts Suid Adeyanju and Oseloka Obiora, RiverSafe is headquartered in Canary Wharf, London. Learn more at RiverSafe.
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