Many Australian IT professionals believe Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an asset, as opposed to a threat, in the cybersecurity space.
A survey by business software comparison tool GetApp found revealed 56 percent of Australian IT and data security professionals saw AI as an ally when it came to security.
GetApp Content Analyst Andrew Blair said 91 percent of Australian respondents to a global survey anticipated an increase in cybersecurity spending by 2025.
Mr Blair said 96 percent said they used AI-assisted cybersecurity tools, demonstrating a broad acceptance of AI in enhancing security protocols.
He said despite potential threats associated with AI, such as deepfake impersonation and enhanced phishing capabilities, the survey revealed most Australian IT professionals believed AI would boost defences rather than aid attacks.
“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.”
