A recent study by cybersecurity solutions provider Kaspersky reveals that the surge in (artificial intelligence) AI-driven cyberattacks is creating new challenges for businesses, many of which struggle to keep up with increasingly complex threats.
According to Kaspersky’s report, 76% of surveyed companies reported a rise in cyber incidents over the past year, with nearly half (46%) believing that these attacks were driven by artificial intelligence.
“Cybercriminals have become more organized and skilled, developing new attack strategies,” Oleg Gorobets, corporate infrastructure protection expert at Kaspersky, said in a media release. “While AI can aid both attackers and defenders, it’s critical for companies to focus on securing essential IT infrastructure with multi-layered solutions and expertise.”
In the study “Cyber defense & AI: Are you ready to protect your organization?” most respondents expressed concern about AI’s role in cybercrime, with 72% calling it a serious issue.
Challenges
The study highlights a significant readiness gap among many companies despite growing awareness of cybersecurity threats. Over half of the surveyed organizations lack key resources: 57% lack external cybersecurity expertise, 54% have insufficiently staffed IT teams, 49% lack qualified personnel, and 52% fall short on regular training. Also, 53% feel their current security solutions are inadequate, leaving them vulnerable. Although most respondents recognize the need to address these issues, many have yet to implement necessary improvements.
To address these challenges, businesses are investing in cybersecurity training, staffing, and third-party expertise, but a gap remains. Over half of the companies surveyed lack sufficient resources to confront these sophisticated threats: 57% lack external expertise, 54% have understaffed IT teams, and 49% report a shortage of skilled personnel.
Gorobets emphasized the importance of layered defenses, advising companies to consider comprehensive security solutions like extended detection and response (XDR) systems.
“Ongoing employee training, particularly in safe AI practices, adds a vital layer of defense,” he noted.