Cybersecurity threats have always been a major concern for professionals, but a new report suggests that recent technological advances have caused fears to reach new heights.
On Monday, EY unveiled the results of its 2024 Human Cybersecurity Risk Survey, which collected insights from 1,000 U.S. public and private sector employees on cybersecurity awareness and practices.
Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, as attackers adopt new techniques and defenders adapt to counter them. Over the past year, artificial intelligence (AI) developments have advanced cybersecurity attacksaccelerating the pace of this game of cat and mouse.
The study finds that working professionals are aware of these changes, with 85% of respondents believing that AI has made cybersecurity attacks more sophisticated and 78% saying they are concerned about these changes. the use of AI in cyberattacks.
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The study also found that 39% of employees do not feel able to use AI responsibly. Employees expect their companies to take steps to help them build confidence in using AI tools.
Up to 91% of employees would like to see their organization update their training to keep pace with AI developments. However, employers missed the mark: Only 62% of employees said their organization had prioritized educating employees on the responsible use of AI.
As a result, the EY report encourages organizations to take action by strengthening their efforts to raise staff awareness of AI and ensuring that senior managers lead by example.
“Cybersecurity training and leadership attention from across the senior management spectrum contributes to the development of a strong security posture within an organization,” said Dan Mellen, EY Cybersecurity Technical Director, in a press release.
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EY suggested that companies incorporate hands-on AI training protocols that give employees direct exposure to the technology’s capabilities and risks.
EY also called on business leaders to be transparent with the public about how AI is developed and deployed within the business and to share the measures and practices they use to mitigate any risks potential.
