The world of cybersecurity is in a state of flux, and the rise of AI-powered attacks is at the forefront of this change. A recent survey conducted during Infosecurity Europe 2026 reveals that AI-driven threats are the top concern for many cybersecurity professionals, with 41% citing them as a significant challenge. This is a startling figure, especially when compared to other concerns such as supply chain risk (21%) and unknown threats (21%). What's more, the survey highlights the time-consuming nature of chasing false positives and low-priority alerts, with 26% of respondents citing this as a major issue. This raises a deeper question: how can we effectively manage and mitigate these threats while also addressing the time-wasting aspects of cybersecurity?
One of the key challenges is the effective use of threat intelligence. While it plays an important role in security operations, many firms struggle to translate data into clear, actionable priorities. Only 19% of respondents completely trust threat intelligence, while 52% find it helpful but still require significant human judgment. This highlights a need for a more nuanced approach to threat intelligence, one that balances the need for automation with the importance of human oversight.
The survey also examined the adoption of Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM), a growing framework for prioritizing and validating cyber risk. Only 28% of respondents described their organization as having a continuous, proactive exposure management program in place. This suggests that many organizations are still struggling to keep up with the pace of change in the threat landscape.
Boards are increasingly looking for reassurance that their organizations understand how AI could change the threat landscape. 32% of respondents said AI-driven threats and organizational preparedness to tackle such issues are the most pressing concerns for board members. This places AI ahead of more established boardroom cyber priorities such as regulatory compliance and supply chain risk.
In my opinion, the rise of AI-powered attacks is a fascinating and concerning development in the world of cybersecurity. It raises important questions about the balance between automation and human oversight, and the need for a more nuanced approach to threat intelligence. As we move forward, it will be crucial to address these challenges in order to effectively manage and mitigate the risks posed by AI-driven threats.
