CISOs Warn of Critical Gaps in GenAI Strategy and Infrastructure
▼ Summary
– 95% of C-suite leaders believe GenAI is driving innovation, with 99% planning further investments in the next two years.
– CISOs and operational leaders lack guidance and resources to address GenAI security risks, with 45% expressing negative sentiments toward adoption.
– A skills gap exists, as 69% of CISOs admit their teams lack the necessary skills to work with GenAI despite 97% being decision-makers on the technology.
– Legacy infrastructure is a major barrier, with 88% of security leaders citing it as limiting business agility and GenAI readiness.
– 64% of CISOs prioritize co-innovation with IT partners, with end-to-end GenAI service offerings being their top criteria for partnerships.
Business leaders are racing to adopt generative AI, but security executives warn critical gaps in strategy and infrastructure could undermine these ambitious initiatives. A recent study reveals that while 95% of C-suite executives view GenAI as a catalyst for innovation, cybersecurity teams remain cautious due to unclear policies, skill shortages, and outdated technology.
The enthusiasm at the leadership level is undeniable, 99% of executives plan to increase GenAI investments in the next two years, with 67% of CEOs making substantial commitments. Security leaders also recognize the potential, with 95% of CIOs and CTOs anticipating greater cybersecurity investments tied to AI adoption. However, 45% of CISOs express reservations, citing a lack of clarity around governance and accountability.
A troubling divide exists between leadership optimism and operational realities. While 81% of skeptical security leaders still acknowledge GenAI’s efficiency benefits, 54% report unclear internal guidelines, a concern shared by only 20% of CEOs. This misalignment extends to execution, where 69% of CISOs admit their teams lack the necessary skills to implement GenAI effectively.
Infrastructure challenges further complicate adoption. A staggering 88% of security leaders cite legacy systems as a major barrier to AI readiness, with modernization of IoT, 5G, and edge computing identified as critical for progress. Despite these hurdles, 64% of CISOs are turning to strategic partnerships rather than standalone solutions, prioritizing vendors with end-to-end GenAI service capabilities.
The path forward demands tighter collaboration. Only 38% of CISOs believe their cybersecurity and GenAI strategies are aligned, compared to 51% of CEOs. Even more concerning, 72% of organizations lack formal GenAI usage policies, and just 24% of security leaders feel confident in their risk management frameworks.
As businesses push ahead with AI-driven transformation, bridging these gaps will be essential. Without proactive alignment, modernized infrastructure, and clear governance, organizations risk exposing themselves to new vulnerabilities while struggling to harness GenAI’s full potential.
(Source: HelpNet Security )
