As AI is restructuring its business, 90% of organizations are not ready to secure an AI-driven future, according to a new report from Accenture. Globally, 63% of companies are in the “exposure zone.” This indicates that there is no both cohesive cybersecurity strategies and the technical capabilities needed.
Generated AI Expenses and Security Expenses (Source: Accenture)
The urgency of embedding cybersecurity through design
The report reveals that AI adoption accelerates the speed, scale and refinement of cyber threats, far outweighing current enterprise cyber defense. For example, 77% of organizations lack the critical data and AI security practices needed to protect their critical business models, data pipelines and cloud infrastructure.
“Geopolitical tensions, economic volatility and increasingly complex operational environments, coupled with Ai-Augmented attacks, make organizations more vulnerable to cyber risk. This report serves as a wake-up call that cybersecurity can no longer regret it. “Take this proactive approach will help ensure competitiveness, strengthen customer loyalty and turn cybersecurity into a business enabler.”
AI Cyber Defense
Despite the growth in AI Enterprise adoption, only 22% of organizations are implementing policies and training for use of Genai. Plus, few people maintain a comprehensive inventory of AI systems. This is important for managing supply chain risks. Furthermore, data protection remains insufficient, with only 25% of organizations that fully utilize encryption methods and access control to protect sensitive information.
“Genai’s advancement represents a deep paradigm shift in cybersecurity, bringing unique challenges and opportunities. By continuously monitoring and updating secure AI systems at the core, organizations can preempt the most important threats.” “Business resilience needs to be prepared to respond quickly to disruptive forces and to be confident in the organization’s ability to act effectively.”
The study also reveals widespread cybersecurity immaturity across the region, highlighting the gap between ambition and preparation. Only 14% of North America and 11% of European organizations have a mature attitude. In Latin America, 77% lack basic strategies and capabilities, while 71% of Asia-Pacific organizations remain in the “exposure zone” and face serious operational and economic risks.
Cybersecurity Maturity Zone
This study identifies three different security maturity zones based on the organization’s cybersecurity strategy and technical capabilities. Accenture, the top group that calls the “Reinvention Ready Zone,” consisting only of 10% of organizations, has an adaptive, resilient security attitude that continues to evolve to combat emerging threats.
The middle 27% of the “ongoing zone” shows strength, but struggles to define strategic orientation or implement defenses.
The most at-risk groups in the “exposure zone” account for 63% of organizations characterized by limited cyber readiness and a responsive attitude towards threats. These conditions are exacerbated by complex AI environments and global risk factors.
However, reinventional companies are 69% less likely to face sophisticated attacks and are 1.5 times more effective at blocking them. It also shows 1.3 times the visibility across the environment, with 8% reduction in technical debt, 15% increase in customer trust, and how cybersecurity practices drive both resilience and business value.
Actions to prepare for reinvention
Here are four important actions you will need to take to reach the “Reinvention Preparation Zone.”
Considering the reality of an AI-damaged world, we explain the right and right security governance frameworks and operating models to establish accountability and align AI security with regulatory and business goals. Design your digital cores safely from the start by incorporating security into your AI development, deployment and operational processes. Maintain a resilient AI system with a secure foundation to proactively address emerging threats, enhance detection capabilities, enable AI model testing, and improve response mechanisms. Reinvent cybersecurity with Genai by leveraging it to automate security processes, enhance cyber defense, and detect threats faster.
