New research by Hornetsecurity highlights gaps in AI cybersecurity impacting UK businesses. Almost half (45%) of businesses have fallen victim to a cyberattack, but 26% still haven't used AI to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.
The survey, which gathered responses from more than 500 executives across the UK, revealed growing concerns about cyber threats. His 85% of respondents admitted that these attacks are becoming more sophisticated, largely due to AI facilitating the threat creation process.
Commenting on the survey results: Hornetsecurity CEO Daniel Hoffman; “These results show just how prevalent cybercrime has become: 74% of businesses have integrated AI into their defenses to block threats, but still not using this technology One in four people are concerned about this. Businesses need to recognize the potential of AI in combating cyber threats and incorporate it into their security strategies to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated attacks. .”
The double-edged sword of AI
The dual nature of AI in cybersecurity continues to puzzle experts in all fields. An equal number of respondents (40%) see AI as both a reducer and an aggravator of cyber threats. Regarding personal experience, first-hand opinions were again reiterated. He found that 45% of business leaders said AI would help, and an additional 45% reported that AI worsened the threat landscape.
This comes as threat actors are increasingly using AI to automate, refine, and in some cases translate, malicious attacks around the world. The UK's National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) has found that AI is lowering the barrier to entry for novice cybercriminals.
Phishing attacks and deepfakes
There is clear concern about AI-powered phishing attacks, with 58% citing it as their top concern. Deepfake technology has also emerged as a significant concern, with 39% of businesses concerned about the potential use of deepfake technology in cyberattacks, and its increasing use.
Despite the challenges, AI is playing a key role in enhancing cybersecurity efforts. More than half (52%) of companies are using AI to improve threat detection, and 19% are deploying AI for cybersecurity training. However, more than a quarter (26%) of companies have yet to implement AI into their cybersecurity strategy, highlighting gaps in the use of advanced technologies to detect and respond to threats.
Investments in AI and the imminent threat of zero-day attacks
Priorities for investing in AI for cybersecurity are highly divided, with 42% listing AI as a top priority, while 29% consider it a low priority or not at all. I am. This chasm highlights the varying levels of awareness and readiness among companies to integrate AI into their cybersecurity frameworks.
Surprisingly, only 19% of companies feel fully prepared against zero-day attacks, and just 8% rate themselves as fully prepared. Readiness varies by industry. IT and communications departments have the highest level of trust, with 38% rating their readiness as a 9 or 10. This is followed by the education, banking and financial services sectors.
Meanwhile, Government and Defence, Sport and Recreation and several other sectors have reported an alarming lack of confidence in their preparedness, highlighting key areas for improvement. More than 1 in 10 companies (11% total) are unprepared for zero-day attacks.
The future of AI in cybersecurity
Looking ahead, 74% of respondents believe the role of AI in cybersecurity will become even more important over the next five years. This answer points to a future where integrating AI into a company's cybersecurity strategy is not just an option, but a necessity.
Mr. Hoffman added:The message is clear: It is essential for businesses to implement AI in cybersecurity. In addition to investing in new technology, companies must strengthen all technical and human defenses against ever-evolving and deadly threats. ”