A Kaspersky study reveals a growing concern among businesses regarding the rise of AI-driven cyberattacks. The survey found that 76% of companies experienced an increase in cyber incidents over the past year, with 46% believing that many of these attacks were powered by artificial intelligence. This trend highlights the dual-edged nature of AI, which has transformed various industries but also equipped cybercriminals with sophisticated tools to exploit vulnerabilities.
The Kaspersky report, titled “Cyber defense & AI: Are you ready to protect your organisation?”, surveyed IT and information security professionals from small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and larger organisations about the new challenges they face. Alarmingly, 72% of respondents expressed serious concern about the potential for AI to enhance cybercriminal tactics, prompting a reevaluation of their cybersecurity strategies.
To combat these AI-enhanced threats, businesses identified several key areas for improvement. 92% of respondents emphasised the need for regular training to build internal expertise, while 91% highlighted the importance of having highly qualified personnel.
Additionally, 90% recognised the necessity of relevant external cybersecurity expertise. Despite this awareness, the study revealed a troubling gap in preparedness: 57% of organisations lack the necessary external expertise, 54% report inadequate IT team sizes, and 49% do not have sufficient highly skilled staff. Furthermore, 53% indicated that their existing security solutions are insufficient, leaving them vulnerable to sophisticated attacks.
Oleg Gorobets, a corporate infrastructure protection expert at Kaspersky, stated, “The cybersecurity landscape today mirrors past challenges, with businesses questioning if current solutions suffice.” He noted that while AI can enhance some cyberattack methods, the root issues often stem from better-organised cybercriminals who have developed innovative strategies.
To address these challenges, Kaspersky recommends several proactive measures. Companies should implement robust, multi-layered protective solutions across their IT networks, utilise XDR ecosystems for unified security management, and invest in employee training to foster cybersecurity awareness. Gorobets emphasises that ongoing education, particularly in safe AI practices, adds a critical layer of defense against evolving threats.
While businesses are increasingly aware of the risks posed by AI-driven cyberattacks, many still lack the essential defenses needed to protect themselves effectively. As cyber threats continue to evolve, organisations must prioritise comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to safeguard their operations.