As Artificial Intelligence (AI) redefines the cybersecurity landscape, organizations around the world face to growing challenges in protecting against sophisticated attacks supported by this technology. However, despite understanding the magnitude of the threat, companies are struggling to keep up with the rapid evolution of cybercrime. Obstacles such as skills shortages, lack of AI-powered tools, and the complexity of managing advanced cybersecurity infrastructure leave many organizations vulnerable.
In its study “Cyber defense and AI: are you ready to protect your organization?”, Kaspersky collected information from IT and Information Security professionals from SMEs and large enterprises. The research reveals a growing sense of urgency in Spanish organizations to prepare for AI-powered cyber threats, with 22% of respondents reporting significant gaps in their cyber protection. The study also explores the obstacles to achieving effective cybersecurity and the serious consequences of failing to adapt.
“The rise of AI-powered cyberattacks marks a turning point in the cybersecurity landscape. Organizations must act now to strengthen their defenses. This includes investing in AI-powered tools, training employees to recognize AI-related threats, and developing and implementing cybersecurity controls for AI-enabled products and services. Failure to adapt could lead to significant financial, operational and reputational damage. “Preparation is not an option, but a necessity in this new era of cyber threats.”says Alexey Vovk, Director of Information Security at Kaspersky.
Lack of training in AI a critical problem
Despite understanding the risks, companies face significant obstacles to building strong cybersecurity. According to the study, he 34% of organizations in Spainmentions lack of cybersecurity training related to AI among its employees as a critical problem. Another 32% point out the complexity of managing cybersecurity infrastructure, which makes it difficult to stay ahead of attackers. The shortage of advanced tools is another key challenge: 43% of respondents admitted that their organizations lack modern AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, while 38% face a lack of information from external experts on the related threat landscape. with AI in constant evolution. Additionally, 32% experience a shortage of qualified InfoSec professionals, leaving companies exposed to increasingly sophisticated threats.
The consequences of not adapting are serious and far-reaching. More than half of the professionals spanish respondents (51% fear that lack of preparation will lead to confidential data leakswhile 47% anticipate the loss of customer trust and 46% significant financial losses, including drops in share value and loss of business opportunities. Reputational damage worries half of those surveyed (50%), who fear the long-term repercussions of a cyberattack. Other possible consequences include financial penalties (32%), investor withdrawal (29%), lawsuits (29%), and even partial company closures (21%).
