CrowdStrike commissioned a survey of 1,022 cybersecurity professionals around the world to gauge their opinions on the adoption and impact of generative AI (GenAI).
The findings reveal enthusiasm for GenAI’s potential to strengthen defenses against increasingly sophisticated threats, but also concerns about risks such as data breaches and attacks on GenAI systems.
While there has been much speculation about GenAI’s transformative impact, our findings provide a clearer picture of how practitioners are thinking about GenAI’s role in cybersecurity.
According to the report, “The era of GenAI has arrived in cybersecurity.” However, as organizations adopt this promising technology, their success will depend on the ability to safely and responsibly deploy GenAI tools in an industry-specific manner.
CrowdStrike research reveals five key findings that shape the current state of GenAI in cybersecurity.
Platform-based GenAI is preferred
80% of respondents said they prefer GenAI delivered through an integrated cybersecurity platform over standalone tools. Seamless integration is cited as a key factor, with many preferring tools that work with existing systems. “GenAI’s value is tied to how well it functions within the broader technology ecosystem,” the report states.
Additionally, nearly two-thirds (63%) of those surveyed indicated they would switch security vendors to access a competitor’s GenAI capabilities. This study highlights the industry’s readiness for integrated platforms that streamline operations and reduce the complexity of implementing new point solutions.
Built by cybersecurity experts, GenAI is a must-have
Security teams believe that GenAI tools should be designed specifically for cybersecurity, not general-purpose systems. 83% of respondents said they would not trust tools that provide “inappropriate or reckless security guidance.”
Preventing a breach remains a key motivator, with 74% saying they have faced a breach or are concerned about vulnerability in the past 18 months. Respondents preferred tools from vendors with proven expertise in cybersecurity, incident response, and threat intelligence over suppliers with extensive leadership in AI alone.
As CrowdStrike summarized, “The emphasis on breach prevention and vendor expertise suggests that security teams avoid domain-agnostic GenAI tools.”
Enhance rather than replace
Despite growing concerns that automation will displace jobs in many industries, the survey results indicate that concerns about job displacement in the cybersecurity field are minimal. Rather, respondents expect GenAI to empower security analysts by automating repetitive tasks, reducing burnout, hiring new talent faster, and speeding decision-making. I am.
GenAI’s potential to enhance analyst workflows was highlighted by the most requested applications: threat intelligence analysis, investigation assistance, and automated response mechanisms. As stated in the report, “The overwhelming majority of respondents believe that GenAI will ultimately optimize the analyst experience and not replace human labor.”
ROI outweighs cost concerns
For organizations evaluating GenAI investments, measurable return on investment (ROI) is the most important concern, rather than licensing costs or pricing model disruption. Respondents expect platform-driven GenAI deployments to deliver faster results by reducing the burden of tool management, streamlining training, and lowering costs through fewer security incidents.
According to the survey data, the expected ROI includes 31% from cost optimization and tool efficiency, 30% from reduced incidents, and 26% from reduced management time. Security leaders are clearly focused on ensuring financial justification for their investments in GenAI.
Guardrails and safety are very important
GenAI adoption has been tempered by safety and privacy concerns, with 87% of organizations implementing or planning new security policies to monitor GenAI usage. Key risks include exposing sensitive data to large-scale language models (LLMs) and adversarial attacks on GenAI tools. Respondents ranked safety and privacy controls as one of the most desirable GenAI features, highlighting the need for responsible implementation.
Reflecting the cautious optimism of practitioners, only 39% of respondents were confident that the benefits of GenAI outweigh its risks. Meanwhile, 40% believe risk and reward are “equal.”
Current status of GenAI implementation in cybersecurity
Adoption of GenAI is still in its early stages, but interest is growing. 64% of respondents are actively researching or have already invested in GenAI tools, and 69% of those currently evaluating their options plan to purchase within the year.
Security teams are primarily driven by three concerns: improving attack detection and response, increasing operational efficiency, and mitigating the impact of staffing shortages. Among economic considerations, ROI is paramount. This shows that security leaders are keen to demonstrate tangible benefits to justify spending.
CrowdStrike emphasizes the importance of a platform-based approach where GenAI is integrated into integrated systems. Such platforms enable seamless deployment, tangible benefits, and safety guardrails for responsible use. According to the report, “GenAI’s future in cybersecurity will be defined by tools that not only improve security but also maintain the highest standards of safety and privacy.”
CrowdStrike research concludes that “GenAI is not a silver bullet,” but it has great potential to improve cybersecurity outcomes. As organizations evaluate their adoption, they will prioritize tools that seamlessly integrate with existing platforms, improve response times, and ensure safety and privacy compliance.
As threats become more sophisticated, GenAI’s role in helping security teams work faster and smarter could become essential. Although GenAI in cybersecurity is still in its infancy, it is poised to move from early adopters to mainstream adoption if organizations and vendors responsibly address the risks.
See also: Keys to AI success: security, sustainability, and overcoming silos
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