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NTT DATA Reveals GenAI Security Gaps Among C-Suite Leaders
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NTT DATA has announced the launch of its new report, 'The AI Security Balancing Act: From Risk to Innovation.' The report highlights both the opportunities and risks that artificial intelligence (AI) presents in cybersecurity.
The findings come from an NTT DATA survey of more than 2,300 senior GenAI decision makers, including 1,500 C-Suite leaders across 34 countries. The report revealed a significant misalignment among executives on business goals and operational readiness for generative AI (GenAI) deployment.
While CEOs and business leaders showed strong commitment to adopting GenAI, the report revealed that CISOs and operational leaders often lack the necessary guidance, clarity, and resources to fully address security risks and infrastructure challenges.
Nearly all (99%) C-Suite executives plan further GenAI investments over the next two years, with 67% of CEOs preparing to make significant commitments. Similarly, 95% of CIOs and CTOs reported that GenAI has already driven or will drive increased cybersecurity investments. Improved security ranked as one of the top three business benefits realized from GenAI deployment in the past year.
Despite this optimism, a disconnect remains between strategic ambitions and operational execution. Almost half (45%) of CISOs expressed negative sentiments about GenAI adoption. More than half (54%) of CISOs reported unclear internal guidelines or policies on GenAI responsibility. In contrast, only 20% of CEOs shared this concern, indicating a stark gap in executive alignment.
Security teams still recognize the business value of GenAI. The report noted that 81% of senior IT security leaders who feel cautious about GenAI agree it will boost efficiency and positively impact the bottom line.
NTT DATA's research also pointed to organizational readiness issues. Although 97% of CISOs identify as GenAI decision makers, 69% admit their teams lack the skills needed to work effectively with the technology. Only 38% of CISOs say their GenAI and cybersecurity strategies are aligned, compared to 51% of CEOs.
The report further revealed that 72% of organizations lack formal GenAI usage policies. Additionally, just 24% of CISOs strongly agree that their organizations have a robust framework balancing risk with value creation.
Legacy technology also poses challenges. A large majority (88%) of security leaders stated that outdated infrastructure significantly affects business agility and GenAI readiness. Modernizing technologies such as IoT, 5G, and edge computing were identified as essential for progress.
To overcome these obstacles, 64% of CISOs prioritize co-innovation with strategic IT partners rather than relying solely on standalone AI solutions. The top criterion for security leaders when evaluating GenAI technology partners is the availability of end-to-end GenAI service offerings.
Sheetal Mehta, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Cybersecurity at NTT DATA, said, 'As organizations accelerate GenAI adoption, cybersecurity must be embedded from the outset to reinforce resilience. While CEOs champion innovation, ensuring seamless collaboration between cybersecurity and business strategy is critical to mitigating emerging risks.'
She added, 'A secure and scalable approach to GenAI requires proactive alignment, modern infrastructure, and trusted co-innovation to protect enterprises from emerging threats while unlocking AI's full potential.'
Craig Robinson, Research Vice President, Security Services at IDC, also commented, 'Collaboration is highly valued by line-of-business leaders in their relationships with CISOs. However, disconnects remain, with gaps between the organization's desired risk posture and its current cybersecurity capabilities.'
Robinson noted, 'While the use of GenAI clearly provides benefits to the enterprise, CISOs and Global Risk and Compliance leaders struggle to communicate the need for proper governance and guardrails, making alignment with business leaders essential for implementation.'
Key points: 99% of C-Suite executives plan further GenAI investments; 67% of CEOs aim for significant commitments.
54% of CISOs say internal GenAI guidelines are unclear, revealing a gap with CEO perspectives.
88% of security leaders cite legacy infrastructure as a major barrier to GenAI readiness.
This report emphasizes the urgent need for stronger executive alignment, modern infrastructure, and strategic partnerships to secure the future of GenAI in cybersecurity.
