The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, and the rise of AI-powered attacks is posing a significant challenge to professionals in the field. A recent survey conducted during Infosecurity Europe 2026 highlights the growing concern among cybersecurity leaders regarding AI-driven threats, which are now considered the top challenge, surpassing supply chain risks and unknown threats. This shift in priorities underscores the urgent need for organizations to adapt their security strategies to address the evolving threat landscape.
One of the critical issues identified in the survey is the time wasted on chasing false positives and low-priority alerts. A substantial proportion of security teams' efforts are dedicated to validating findings, indicating a misallocation of resources. This inefficiency is further exacerbated by the manual stitching together of data from multiple security tools, which delays decision-making and response times. The survey reveals that 26% of security teams spend a significant amount of time on these tasks, while 17% face delays due to the manual integration of data and 13% due to waiting for other teams to act.
The effectiveness of threat intelligence is another area of concern. While threat intelligence plays a crucial role in security operations, many organizations struggle to translate data into actionable priorities. Only 19% of respondents trust threat intelligence to provide clear guidance on what needs to be fixed first, with 52% acknowledging the need for significant human judgment in decision-making. The volume of information often creates more noise than clarity, leading to a lack of trust in AI-driven decision-making. Only 8% of respondents would trust AI to make security decisions without human approval, highlighting the ongoing reliance on human expertise.
The adoption of Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) is also a concern. Despite its growing importance, only 28% of respondents have a continuous, proactive exposure management program in place. This indicates a gap in the industry's ability to prioritize and validate cyber risks effectively. Boards are increasingly focused on AI-driven threats and organizational preparedness, with 32% of respondents reporting that board members ask about AI-driven threats the most.
The survey's findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity that addresses the challenges posed by AI-powered attacks. Organizations must invest in advanced threat intelligence capabilities, streamline data integration processes, and enhance their threat exposure management programs. By doing so, they can better prepare for the evolving threat landscape and ensure the effectiveness of their security operations. The industry must also continue to foster trust in AI-driven decision-making while leveraging human expertise to create a robust and adaptable cybersecurity framework.
