Disjointed Executive Leadership in Implementing GenAI Initiatives, According to NTT DATA Research
In a recent report titled "The AI Security Balancing Act: From Risk to Innovation", NTT DATA sheds light on the opportunities and challenges that companies face when adopting GenAI in the field of cybersecurity.
According to the report, one of the top benefits that companies have achieved through the use of GenAI is better protection against threats. This is particularly significant in the current digital landscape where cybersecurity threats are ever-evolving.
However, the report also reveals that companies are not yet operationally ready for the rollout of GenAI. This is reflected in the fact that 72% of surveyed companies do not have a formal usage policy for GenAI, and more than half (54%) of CISOs complain about missing or unclear internal guidelines for accountability in its use.
The report emphasizes the need for CISOs to define guardrails early on to proactively control risks in GenAI implementation, a view shared by Christian Koch, Senior Vice President of Cybersecurity, Innovations & Business Development at NTT DATA DACH.
Craig Robinson, Research Vice President, Security Services at IDC, adds that gaps remain between the desired risk posture of a company and its actual capabilities in cybersecurity. This is further complicated by disagreement among C-level management about business goals and operational readiness for the use of GenAI.
Despite these challenges, the report indicates a general optimism about GenAI. Almost all C-level executives (99%) plan to invest more in GenAI in the next two years, with 67% of CEOs planning to do so significantly. This increased investment is expected to lead or has already led to higher spending on cybersecurity for 95% of CIOs and CTOs.
Security professionals primarily look for end-to-end GenAI service offerings when evaluating technology partners. This demand for comprehensive solutions is a reflection of the need for a holistic approach to cybersecurity in the era of GenAI.
The report also highlights the importance of modernization with IoT, 5G, and edge computing technologies for future progress in GenAI adoption. These technologies are considered essential for businesses to leverage the full potential of GenAI in enhancing their cybersecurity posture.
However, the report also notes that outdated infrastructures pose a significant barrier to the business agility and deployment of GenAI. This underscores the need for companies to invest in infrastructure modernization to fully reap the benefits of GenAI.
Despite the optimism, almost half of the CISOs (45%) express criticism of the introduction of GenAI. This criticism is primarily due to concerns about the lack of clarity in accountability and the need for robust risk management frameworks.
In conclusion, the report offers a balanced view of the opportunities and challenges that GenAI presents in the field of cybersecurity. While there are clear benefits, the successful implementation of GenAI requires careful planning, robust risk management, and a holistic approach to cybersecurity.
For more information about NTT DATA's AI services in the field of cybersecurity, visit their website. The full report is available online.
