As artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly powerful tool for cybercriminals, businesses worldwide are racing to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. A recent study by Kaspersky, titled “Cyber Defense & AI: Are You Ready to Protect Your Organization?”, highlights growing concerns among IT and Information Security professionals about the role of AI in cyberattacks.
The survey, which gathered insights from SMEs and large enterprises across the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa (META) region, revealed that 92% of professionals expect AI-driven cyber threats to escalate within the next two years. This growing risk has prompted businesses to prioritize cybersecurity expertise, with many turning to external vendors for specialized training and support.
The study found that companies recognize the critical role of cybersecurity expertise in mitigating AI-related threats.
As AI-driven cyber threats continue to grow, businesses are prioritizing a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. According to the survey, 94% of respondents stressed the necessity of internal training programs to equip employees with advanced cybersecurity skills, ensuring they can proactively identify and mitigate potential threats. At the same time, 93% recognized the value of external cybersecurity expertise, emphasizing the importance of collaborating with specialized vendors to stay ahead of evolving attack strategies.
Reflecting this dual approach, 61% of businesses have already integrated external cybersecurity services, while 62% have implemented dedicated training programs to fortify their defenses. This combination of internal education and external expertise is proving essential for organizations aiming to enhance resilience in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
To reinforce their security posture, 36% of organizations in the META region are actively implementing external support, while 34% are investing in internal cybersecurity training initiatives. This dual approach—combining internal education with external expertise—has become essential for businesses looking to safeguard their networks and data.
Cybersecurity vendors play a crucial role in this evolving landscape by offering specialized services and research-backed solutions. One such initiative is the Kaspersky AI Technology Research Center, which focuses on enhancing AI-driven cybersecurity measures.
“Our latest survey shows that businesses are increasingly aware of the rising threat of AI-powered cyberattacks. To combat this, they are reinforcing their defenses through a combination of in-house expertise and vendor support. At Kaspersky, we leverage AI to enhance threat protection strategies and address security concerns related to AI itself,” said Vladislav Tushkanov, Group Manager at the Kaspersky AI Technology Research Center.
As AI-driven cyber threats continue to evolve, businesses must stay ahead by integrating cutting-edge technology, advanced threat intelligence, and continuous security training to protect their digital assets.