Generative AI offers exciting opportunities for businesses. However, a recent survey found a stark divide in confidence among the C-Suite level regarding their organizations’ readiness on AI adoption.
While 53% of respondents feel extremely confident in their ability to execute AI roadmaps, a substantial 46% harbor doubts. This lack of confidence is particularly pronounced among smaller businesses with revenues under $500 million.1
As businesses work to use AI effectively, it’s more important than ever to understand and tackle these security risks.
AI-Based Threats Are Why IT Leaders Are Growing Cautious
In Flexential’s 2024 State of AI Infrastructure Report, nearly all IT leaders—95%—say they feel more at risk from Cyberattacks because of their growing investment in AI. What’s even more surprising is that 40% of them admit their security teams don’t fully know how to protect these AI systems.
With privacy and security becoming bigger worries, many companies are changing how they manage their AI systems. About 42% have decided to move their AI workloads from public clouds to safer places, like colocation environments. This switch lets companies have more control over sensitive data, keeping it in private or third-party data centers where they feel it’s safer.
Companies are learning that while AI brings new opportunities, it also opens the door to new dangers. So, they are finding smarter ways to protect their data while still using AI to grow their businesses.
Is It The Human Error Factor?
Cybercriminals often stick to what works—exploiting human errors. These attacks are so successful that hackers don’t need new complicated techniques.
In fact, Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report found that 68% of data breaches this year involved simple human errors, like falling for social engineering scams or workers making unintentional mistakes.
Many companies are trying to close these gaps. A recent Skillsoft IT Skills and Salary Report revealed that over one-third of executives see Cybersecurity and AI as top areas for employee training. Yet, the challenge remains. AI-driven threats have already affected three out of four organizations, yet 60% admit they aren’t ready to deal with AI-based attacks, according to a recent study by DarkTrace.
As AI becomes more common, it’s important to build security into AI adoption initiatives. Without it, the risks will only grow.
Is AI’s Growing Complexity Putting Organizations At Greater Risk?
Many IT leaders think so. From the Flexential report, over 54% believe AI’s complexity is creating a bigger target for Cyberattacks. As generative AI usage grows, 39% say they’re handling more sensitive data, and around 51% have moved this data closer to the edge of the network, increasing their vulnerability.
What’s more, a growing number of organizations are struggling to keep up with securing their AI systems. With AI handling so much critical data, security gaps are widening, and many companies feel unprepared for AI-based attacks. It’s becoming clear that while AI offers many advantages, it also brings serious risks that organizations need to address.
Without stronger security measures in place, the increased complexity of AI could leave them exposed to even greater threats.
It’s Not Just About Hackers Anymore
Now, AI security is expanding beyond protecting networks or stopping cybercriminals. Now, it involves customers too.
As more companies use AI tools (like chatbots) to interact with customers, security teams rethink how they detect threats and respond to incidents. It’s not just about hackers anymore—it’s about how AI interacts with users.
While generative AI is just one part of the picture, understanding what different AI tools can do will help security teams prepare for new threats. Whether teams have in-house expertise or not, AI will play a key role in managing security. It will help with everyday security tasks and make sure companies stay compliant with regulations.
FAQ
What Are The Security Risks Of Generative AI?
The security risks of generative AI include data breaches, social engineering, phishing, and malware. These threats can put your sensitive information at risk and lead to serious problems for your business. It’s important to stay aware and take steps to protect yourself.
How To Protect Yourself From Generative AI?
Stop sharing unnecessary information online—only share what’s relevant to your business. Regularly update your security measures and train your team to recognize threats. Staying cautious about your online presence can help keep your data safe.
How Can You Use AI For Cybersecurity?
Threat actors may use AI but you can fight back with AI by implementing Cybersecurity tools that help protect your systems. For example, 2Secure uses AI and machine learning for endpoint protection, which helps detect and respond to threats quickly. This technology can make your security stronger and keep your data safer.
Source:
- 2024 State of AI Infrastructure Report. (n.d.). Retrieved October 2, 2024, from https://www.flexential.com/system/files?file=file/2024-07/flexential-state-of-ai-infrastructure-report-2024-hvc.pdf
