AI Adoption Accelerates, But 82% of Organizations Still Fear the Risks

Jul 31, 2026 - 22:34 Updated: Jul 31, 2026 - 22:36

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Artificial intelligence (AI) adoption is accelerating across enterprises worldwide, but organizations are becoming increasingly aware of the cybersecurity risks that accompany its widespread use. According to a new global study by Kaspersky, businesses are embracing AI-powered technologies to improve operational efficiency while recognizing the need for stronger security frameworks, governance policies, and employee awareness programs.

The study, conducted by Kaspersky's internal research center, surveyed 1,800 IT and cybersecurity decision-makers and professionals from organizations across 18 countries representing multiple industries.

The findings reveal strong enterprise confidence in AI-enabled technologies. Nearly 68% of respondents said they would recommend solutions with built-in AI capabilities, while only 5% indicated they would prefer to avoid AI-powered tools altogether. The results highlight AI's growing importance as a key technology driving innovation, productivity, and digital transformation across organizations.

AI is now widely used across day-to-day business operations, with employees leveraging AI tools for a variety of tasks. The most common use cases include data analysis and visualization (54%), project management (49%), information search (47%), department-specific activities (46%), and text generation and editing (41%).

Despite these productivity gains, cybersecurity remains a significant concern. The study found that 82% of organizations are worried about the risks associated with AI adoption. These concerns are supported by real-world incidents. Among the 87% of organizations that experienced a cyberattack during the past year, 13% reported security incidents linked specifically to AI-related vulnerabilities.

At the same time, organizations believe that people play a critical role in reducing these risks. Nearly 74% of respondents said responsible employee behavior can significantly mitigate AI-related cybersecurity threats, underscoring the importance of security awareness and ongoing workforce training.

Commenting on the findings, Brandon Muller, Senior Security Consultant for the META region at Kaspersky, said organizations must ensure that security keeps pace with AI adoption.

"Organizations are embracing AI at an unprecedented rate, but this rapid adoption must be matched with equally robust security measures. We are seeing an increasing number of AI-related threats, ranging from malware disguised as popular AI applications and vulnerabilities introduced through insecure AI-assisted coding to leaked credentials for enterprise AI platforms and malicious AI agents. Addressing these risks requires a comprehensive strategy that combines advanced security technologies, clearly defined governance, and a well-trained workforce," Muller said.

Kaspersky's Recommendations for Secure AI Adoption

To help organizations maximize the benefits of AI while minimizing cybersecurity risks, Kaspersky recommends:

Establish clear AI governance policies that define acceptable AI usage, prevent sensitive information from being shared with external AI services, and ensure compliance across the organization.
Deploy advanced cybersecurity solutions capable of delivering real-time threat detection, visibility, investigation, and response. AI-powered security platforms can also help monitor shadow IT and identify unauthorized third-party AI applications used by employees.
Strengthen employee cybersecurity awareness through regular training programs covering phishing, safe AI usage, and emerging cyber threats, enabling staff to use AI responsibly without compromising organizational security.