AI could play a huge role in protecting companies from cyberattacks

A person holding out their hand with a digital AI symbol.
(Image credit: Shutterstock / LookerStudio)

It seems that AI is increasingly becoming a useful tool for cybersecurity professionals, with this year looking set for widespread adoption.

A joint report from Google Cloud and the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) surveyed over two thousand IT pros around the world, and 82% claimed that generative AI is being adopted by their firm already, in order to gain a competitive advantage.

67% also said that generative AI is being used specifically for cybersecurity purposes. However, confidence in its deployment isn't high, as only half of respondents believe their organization is capable of integrating AI with cybersecurity effectively. 

Sticking points

Only 28% said they are "reasonably confident" in the technology, and only 20% are "very confident."

Caleb Sima, chair of the CSA’s AI Safety Initiative, believes that "the disconnect between the C-suite and staff in understanding and implementing AI highlights the need for a strategic, unified approach to successfully integrate this technology."

Despite the lack of confidence, IT pros do see the potential in using AI tools to strengthen their security posture: over half (55%) said they would be deploying AI-powered cybersecurity tools this year, and 63% believe it could improve threat detection and response. 21% said rule creation would be its most popular task, whereas 19% said it would be attack simulation and detecting compliance violations. 

But respondents also acknowledged the threat AI poses to cybersecurity, as 31% said the technology could make cyberattacks more effective, with 28% believing it could actually be more useful to threat actors than cybersecurity teams. 

When it came to AI's role in the workplace, 30% said it would enhance their skill set, while 24% said it would take care of many work tasks for them, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their role.

Via SiliconAngle

MORE FROM TECHRADAR PRO

TOPICS
Lewis Maddison
Reviews Writer

Lewis Maddison is a Reviews Writer for TechRadar. He previously worked as a Staff Writer for our business section, TechRadar Pro, where he had experience with productivity-enhancing hardware, ranging from keyboards to standing desks. His area of expertise lies in computer peripherals and audio hardware, having spent over a decade exploring the murky depths of both PC building and music production. He also revels in picking up on the finest details and niggles that ultimately make a big difference to the user experience.

Read more
Avast cybersecurity
Rise of AI is causing many firms to worry about their cybersecurity
Cartoon Phishing
Hackers use GenAI to attack more frequently and effectively
Half man, half AI.
Generative AI has a long way to go as siloed data and abuse of its capacity remain a downside – but it does change the game for security teams
Red padlock open on electric circuits network dark red background
AI-powered cyber threats are becoming the biggest worry for businesses everywhere
An abstract image of a lock against a digital background, denoting cybersecurity.
Why AI is playing a growing role in helping SOC teams keep up with cyber threats
Closing the cybersecurity skills gap
AI security: establishing the first and last layer of defense
Latest in Security
Hacker silhouette working on a laptop with North Korean flag on the background
North Korea unveils new military unit targeting AI attacks
An image of network security icons for a network encircling a digital blue earth.
US government warns agencies to make sure their backups are safe from NAKIVO security issue
Laptop computer displaying logo of WordPress, a free and open-source content management system (CMS)
This top WordPress plugin could be hiding a worrying security flaw, so be on your guard
Computer Hacked, System Error, Virus, Cyber attack, Malware Concept. Danger Symbol
Veeam urges users to patch security issues which could allow backup hacks
UK Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer
The UK releases timeline for migration to post-quantum cryptography
Representational image depecting cybersecurity protection
Cisco smart licensing system sees critical security flaws exploited
Latest in News
L-mount alliance
Sirui joins L-Mount Alliance to deliver its superb budget lenses for Leica, DJI, Sigma and Panasonic cameras
Security padlock and circuit board to protect data
Trust in digital services around the world sees a massive drop as security worries continue
Samuel and Romy standing very close together in A24's Babygirl movie
Everything new on Max in April 2025, including A24's Babygirl and The Last of Us season 2
An AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT made by Sapphire on a table with its retail packaging
AMD’s secret weapon against Nvidia seems to be stock – way more RX 9070 GPUs are rumored to be hitting shelves than RTX 5000 models
Hacker silhouette working on a laptop with North Korean flag on the background
North Korea unveils new military unit targeting AI attacks
Seth Milchick and Kier Eagan's animatronic speaking in Severance season 2 episode 10
Apple TV+ announces Severance has been renewed for season 3 after that devastating finale