Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI and ML) are widely acknowledged as vital components in the future cybersecurity landscape. Yet, their current integration into cybersecurity functions remains limited.
According to the Check Point 2024 Cloud Security report, 91 per cent of organisations view adopting AI as a priority and highlight vulnerability assessment and threat detection as the key benefits. However, 61 per cent of respondents also acknowledged that their organisation is in the planning or development phases of adopting AI and ML for cybersecurity.
The survey conducted by Check Point and Cybersecurity Insiders provides a snapshot of how professionals across various industries use AI, its priority status within their organisations, and its impact on their workforces.
The survey reveals an industry proceeding cautiously. Only 24% described their efforts as “maturing” or “advanced,” and 15 per cent have yet to implement these technologies. This cautious approach highlights the industry’s ongoing evaluation of AI’s benefits and risks and the development of best practices that comply with evolving regulations.
The survey results show a preference for certain applications when examining specific AI-enhanced cybersecurity functions. Malware detection leads at 35 per cent, followed by user behaviour analysis and supply chain security. Conversely, fewer organisations use AI for security posture management or adversarial AI research. This data underscores the nascent state of AI adoption across various cybersecurity applications.
A significant barrier to faster AI adoption is the complex and shifting regulatory landscape. Businesses are cautious, striving to maintain compliance amid evolving laws and government guidance on AI and cybersecurity. The resource-intensive nature of regulatory compliance adds another layer of complexity, slowing down the adoption process.
Despite the slow adoption, AI is almost universally considered a critical priority for future cybersecurity efforts. An overwhelming 91 per cent of survey respondents ranked AI as a priority, with only nine per cent thinking it a low or non-priority.
Close to 48 per cent of respondents recognise AI’s promise to automate repetitive tasks and enhance anomaly and malware detection as holding the most potential. Reinforcement learning for dynamic security posture management also shows promise, with 41 per cent seeing potential in this area, although only 18 per cent currently use AI.
Respondents identified several key benefits of integrating AI into cybersecurity operations, including vulnerability assessment and threat detection. However, cost efficiency was a less popular response, likely due to the high costs associated with regulatory compliance and AI implementation.
The survey also highlights professional concerns and uncertainties regarding AI’s impact on the cybersecurity workforce. While 49 per cent of respondents noted that new skills are required, and 35 per cent observed redefined job roles, there was a split regarding workforce size changes due to AI, with 33 per cent reporting a reduction and 29 per cent noting an increase. This indicates that while AI promises greater efficiency, its implementation is still a work in progress, often requiring additional hires to integrate the new technology.
A notable split was observed in responses to the statement, “Our organisation would be comfortable using Generative AI without implementing any internal controls for data quality and governance policies.” While 44 per cent disagreed or strongly disagreed, 37 per cent agreed or strongly agreed, reflecting a lack of consensus or awareness about the importance of governance policies when deploying AI.
AI undeniably plays a crucial role in enhancing cybersecurity measures and asset protection. At Check Point, integrating AI with our product portfolio allows us to automate tasks, improve threat detection and response, and provide significant value to our customers. However, successful AI implementation requires thoughtful integration and governance.
To realise the efficiency and accuracy AI promises, our customers must consider how to integrate AI into their existing systems responsibly and effectively. Strategic consulting services will be essential for secure and effective AI deployment in businesses.
Cautious steps and significant regulatory challenges mark the journey towards AI-driven cybersecurity. While the potential benefits are clear, the path to full integration is complex and resource-intensive. As the regulatory landscape evolves, businesses must navigate these changes carefully to harness AI’s full potential in securing their digital futures.
