Only 4% of organisations globally have reached the ‘mature’ level of cybersecurity readiness, according to Cisco’s 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index. Though there’s been a slight uptick from 3% last year, it’s clear that most organisations are still grappling with inadequate preparedness amidst rising complexities introduced by hyperconnectivity and AI.
AI is changing the threat landscape
AI is not just a buzzword; it’s significantly escalating the risk levels in cybersecurity. A staggering 86% of organisations faced AI-related security incidents last year. Yet, only about half of the workforce feels adequately prepared to handle AI-induced threats, leaving organisations in a precarious situation.
Last year, almost half of the organisations experienced cyberattacks, primarily due to the convoluted security frameworks they operate with. The focus is shifting towards external threats like state-affiliated groups, highlighting an urgent need for refined defence strategies against these dangers.
GenAI deployment risks
While 89% of organisations employ AI for threat detection and incident response, there’s a worrying lack of oversight around GenAI tools. Over 60% are unaware of how employees are interacting with these tools, raising the stakes for cybersecurity and data privacy violations.
Investment priorities shift
Despite the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures, only 45% of organisations are allocating more than 10% of their IT budget to cybersecurity, a concerning drop from last year. The complexity of security deployments is hindering swift responses to threats, with a significant majority indicating a severe shortage of skilled professionals in the field.
Key Points
- Only 4% of global organisations are deemed ‘mature’ in cybersecurity readiness.
- 86% of organisations faced AI-related security incidents last year.
- About 49% of employees are uncertain regarding AI threat awareness, leaving a significant knowledge gap.
- 90% use AI for enhanced threat detection and recovery, highlighting its importance in their security strategy.
- Significant oversight exists around GenAI usage in organisations, raising risks of data breaches.
- Only 45% of organisations allocate over 10% of their IT budget to cybersecurity, stressing the need for increased investment.
- A shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals remains a major hurdle for over 86% of firms.
Why should I read this?
This article is an eye-opener on the current state of cybersecurity readiness—or rather the lack of it. Given the rapid evolution of cyber threats, especially with AI in the mix, it’s crucial for organisations to grasp where they stand. If you care about your digital safety or manage any tech assets, you’re going to want to keep up with these alarming trends and considerations. We’ve read this so you don’t have to; don’t miss out on what’s critical for your organisation’s security!