The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, and AI is at the forefront of this transformation. A recent survey conducted during Infosecurity Europe 2026 highlights the growing concerns of cybersecurity professionals regarding AI-powered attacks. The study reveals that 41% of respondents cited AI-powered attacks as their top challenge, a figure that is double that of supply chain risk (21%) and unknown threats (21%). This shift in focus underscores the critical need for organizations to adapt their security strategies to address the evolving threat landscape.
The survey also sheds light on the time-consuming aspects of cybersecurity operations. Chasing false positives and low-priority alerts account for 26% of the time, indicating a significant portion of resources spent on validation. Additionally, 25% of respondents mentioned the need to validate risks, while 17% highlighted the manual process of stitching together data from multiple security tools. These inefficiencies emphasize the importance of streamlining processes and enhancing automation to improve overall security operations.
The effectiveness of threat intelligence is another area of concern. While threat intelligence plays a crucial role in security operations, only 19% of respondents trust it completely to determine the most critical issues to address. This lack of trust highlights the need for organizations to enhance their threat intelligence capabilities and ensure that the data is actionable and reliable.
Furthermore, the survey reveals a cautious approach towards AI in decision-making. Only 8% of respondents would trust AI to make security decisions without human approval, indicating a preference for human oversight. This finding underscores the importance of maintaining a human-centric approach while leveraging AI technologies to enhance security operations.
The adoption of Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) is also a concern. Only 28% of respondents described their organization as having a continuous, proactive exposure management program in place. This low adoption rate suggests that organizations need to prioritize the implementation of CTEM to effectively manage and prioritize cyber risks.
Board-level concerns are increasingly focused on AI-driven threats. The survey found that 32% of respondents mentioned AI-driven threats and organizational preparedness as the most pressing questions from board members. This shift in boardroom priorities highlights the need for organizations to demonstrate their understanding of AI's impact on the threat landscape and their ability to adapt accordingly.
In conclusion, the survey results underscore the complex challenges faced by cybersecurity professionals in the age of AI. From managing AI-powered attacks to streamlining security operations and building trust in threat intelligence, organizations must navigate a rapidly evolving landscape. By addressing these challenges head-on and embracing innovative solutions, cybersecurity teams can enhance their resilience and better protect their organizations from emerging threats.
