With responses from more than 1,100 cybersecurity professionals, a new survey reveals that 88% of respondents believe AI will have a significant impact on their work, now or in the near future.
The study of ISC2 shows that 35 percent have already witnessed its effects. However, opinions on the exact implications of AI are divided.
Optimism that AI will improve work efficiency is expressed by 82% of respondents. 56% say AI will make certain activities in their job unnecessary, freeing up time for higher value-added tasks.
75% of respondents are moderately to extremely concerned about AI being used for cyberattacks or other malicious activity, with deepfakes, disinformation, and social engineering the top three concerns among cyber professionals.
While 60% feel confident in their ability to lead their organization’s secure adoption of AI, 41% of participants have little or no expertise in securing AI and technology. machine learning (ML) technology. 82% believe there is a need for comprehensive and specific regulations governing the safe and ethical use of AI.
But despite these concerns, only 27% of participants say their organization has formal policies in place governing the safe and ethical use of AI, and 39% say their organization is currently discussing a formal policy. When asked “who should regulate the safe and ethical use of AI,” the study found that cyber professionals hope for global coordination between national governments and a consortium of AI experts.
“Cybersecurity professionals are anticipating both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents, and are concerned that their organizations lack the expertise and awareness to securely introduce AI into their operations” , says Clar Rosso, CEO of ISC2. “This creates a tremendous opportunity for cybersecurity professionals to lead, applying their expertise in secure technology and ensuring its safe and ethical use. In fact, ISC2 has developed AI workshops to foster the expert-led collaboration that cybersecurity workers need to meet this challenge. “
THE complete survey is available on the ISC2 website.
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