A new survey from connectivity cloud company Cloudflare Inc. reveals that businesses in the Asia Pacific region are increasingly concerned about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on data breaches.
The report, titled “Navigating the New Security Landscape: Asia Pacific Cybersecurity Readiness Survey,” highlights the growing sophistication of cyberattacks as AI evolves.
According to the Cloudflare survey, 87% of cybersecurity leaders fear that AI could make data breaches more severe. Also, 41% of respondents reported experiencing at least one data breach in the past year, with industries such as construction, travel, and financial services facing the brunt of these attacks. The most frequently targeted data includes customer information, user credentials, and financial details.
AI’s potential role in advancing cybercrime is alarming to many. Half of the respondents expect AI to crack passwords, while others predict it will boost phishing and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Some even anticipate AI being used to create convincing deepfakes that could further compromise security.
Ransomware
In response to these threats, 70% of organizations are adjusting their operations. Companies are focusing on improving governance, enhancing cybersecurity strategies, and increasing collaboration with IT vendors. Investments in AI-driven security tools and the hiring of specialized analysts are becoming priorities.
Despite increased awareness and precautions, ransomware remains a significant issue, with 62% of affected organizations paying ransom despite having policies against doing so. The survey shows notable differences across countries, with India and Hong Kong more likely to pay, while South Korea and Japan remain firm in their refusal.
Cloudflare emphasizes that managing AI-driven risks is a growing challenge for cybersecurity leaders in the region.