AI has become both a formidable tool and a significant threat. This is especially true in the field of cybersecurity, where cybercriminals and defenders are locked in a strategic competition to build, implement, and use new AI offerings to gain the upper hand.

Darktrace, a global leader in cybersecurity delivering complete AI-powered solutions to free the world of cyber disruption, has released its State of AI Cyber Security 2024 report, underscoring AI’s critical role in defending against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Based on a survey of nearly 1,800 security leaders and practitioners, the report is full of eye-opening statistics that reveal how pivotal AI has become in defending against today’s most complex cyber threats. These are the five most remarkable statistics and why they matter for cybersecurity leaders now.  

74% of security leaders say AI-powered cyber threats impact their businesses, with more threats to come.

AI is fuelling a new wave of cyberattacks, from novel phishing campaigns to deepfakes designed to elicit trust. 74% of security leaders already feel the impacts of such threats on their businesses and 89% of leaders anticipate more AI-driven threats to come. As the breadth, scope, and complexity of such attacks continue to grow, the urgency for advanced defences has never been greater.

60% of security leaders fear their organizations aren’t adequately prepared to defend against AI-powered attacks.

Despite efforts to mitigate risks, 60% of security leaders doubt their organization’s readiness against AI-enabled threats. Perceptions differ across roles and seniority levels, with 79% of executives feeling that their organizations have taken appropriate steps to mitigate AI risk, compared to just 54% of respondents in hands-on roles. This difference in feelings of preparedness between executives and hands-on practitioners underscores the importance of investing in AI cybersecurity solutions that focus on resolving your organization’s most critical vulnerabilities.

66% of security leaders believe that AI cybersecurity solutions will stop AI threats automatically.

Most security leaders agree that AI-powered solutions will be uniquely effective in stopping AI-powered threats automatically. Their enthusiasm raises questions about how decision-makers will navigate the marketplace as more AI-powered solutions emerge. As a result, Darktrace calls on its fellow AI providers to make solutions explainable, transparent, and controllable, thereby worthy of security professionals’ trust.

Less than one-third of security professionals surveyed are “very familiar” with the types of AI Darktrace asked about.

Despite AI’s growing importance, fewer than a third of security professionals are “very familiar” with crucial AI technologies like generative AI and deep learning. Executives and participants from large organizations generally viewed themselves as more familiar with AI technologies than those in hands-on roles or at smaller organizations. These findings highlight the need for better education and greater transparency in the field.

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