SYDNEY, Australia - 13th November 2024 - As cyber threats continue to evolve, Australian IT professionals are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen their cybersecurity measures. According to GetApp's 2024 Data Security Survey, which included responses from 350 Australian IT professionals, there is a strong belief that AI can enhance cyber defences rather than exacerbate cyberattacks.
The survey reveals that 56% of Australian IT and data security professionals view AI as a greater ally than a threat in the realm of cybersecurity. A significant 91% of Australian respondents anticipate an increase in cybersecurity spending by 2025, reflecting a commitment to robust security measures.
Investing in AI to Prevent Cyber Threats
AI solutions for network security (41%) and cloud security (40%) are Australian businesses' top investment priorities. Additionally, 47% of Australian IT professionals are already utilising AI tools for advanced malware detection, highlighting the technology's role in threat identification and prevention. An impressive 96% of Australian respondents use AI-assisted cybersecurity tools, demonstrating a broad acceptance of AI in enhancing security protocols.
Despite potential threats associated with AI, such as deepfake impersonation and enhanced phishing capabilities, the survey reveals that most Australian IT professionals believe AI will boost defences rather than aid attacks.
"AI is increasingly seen as a critical cybersecurity tool, with Australian IT professionals leading in its adoption to enhance data security and threat detection," said Andrew Blair, Content Analyst at GetApp.
"Our findings suggest that while potential risks, like AI-enhanced phishing, remain, the prevailing sentiment among Australian IT professionals is that AI's potential to strengthen defences far outweighs its threats. This reflects a shift toward a proactive, structured approach to cybersecurity, where organisations are not only investing in AI-driven tools but are also developing human oversight to mitigate any ethical or compliance challenges," added Blair.
Strategic Approach to AI Implementation:
To successfully integrate AI into cybersecurity strategies, Australian IT leaders are advised to follow a structured approach:
Plan: Identify specific areas where AI can enhance IT security, such as network and cloud security, and align these with organisational goals.
Prioritise: Develop a human-in-the-loop (HITL) approach to ensure human oversight and intervention in AI-managed tasks and maintain ethical standards and compliance.
Prepare: Ensure data is AI-ready by organising and managing data effectively, allowing AI systems to function optimally and securely.
About the Survey:
GetApp's 2024 Data Security Survey was conducted online in August 2024, gathering insights from 4,000 IT professionals across 11 countries, including 350 participants from Australia. The survey aimed to understand global data security practices and the role of AI in enhancing cybersecurity measures.
