Kuala Lumpur – June 18, 2025 – NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and technology services, today launched its new report, “The AI Security Balancing Act: From Risk to Innovation,” spotlighting the dual opportunities and risks artificial intelligence presents in the cybersecurity landscape.
GenAI Gains Momentum Amid Leadership Misalignment
The report, based on a survey of over 2,300 senior GenAI decision-makers across 34 countries — including 1,500 C-Suite leaders — finds that while CEOs are bullish on GenAI adoption, CISOs and operational leaders cite a lack of guidance, clarity, and resources to manage its risks and infrastructure demands.
The C-Suite Divide: Optimism vs Operational Reality
Nearly 99% of C-Suite executives plan to expand GenAI investments in the next two years, with 67% of CEOs planning significant commitments. Likewise, 95% of CIOs and CTOs report that GenAI is already driving greater cybersecurity investments, ranking improved security among the top three realized benefits of GenAI in the past year.
However, a clear gap remains. 45% of CISOs express negative sentiments toward GenAI, and 54% say internal policies around its responsible use are unclear — in contrast to only 20% of CEOs sharing that concern.
Despite these reservations, 81% of security leaders who hold negative views still agree that GenAI will enhance efficiency and business impact, reflecting its undeniable value.
Skills and Strategic Alignment Still Lag Behind
NTT DATA’s research further exposes a skills and strategy gap. While 97% of CISOs identify as GenAI decision-makers, 69% admit their teams lack the necessary skills to effectively work with the technology.
Only 38% of CISOs report alignment between GenAI and cybersecurity strategies, compared to 51% of CEOs — revealing the growing disconnect between vision and implementation.
Additionally, 72% of organizations lack a formal GenAI usage policy, and only 24% of CISOs strongly agree their organizations have a robust framework to balance risk with value.
Legacy Infrastructure: A Major Roadblock
The report also highlights infrastructure as a key barrier. 88% of security leaders say legacy systems limit agility and GenAI readiness. Upgrading IoT, 5G, and edge technologies is seen as vital to unlocking GenAI’s full potential.
To overcome these challenges, 64% of CISOs are opting for co-innovation with strategic IT partners over standalone AI tools. When selecting GenAI partners, security leaders prioritize end-to-end GenAI service offerings as their top criterion.
Expert Voices Call for Proactive Collaboration
“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,” said Sheetal Mehta, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Cybersecurity at NTT DATA, Inc.
“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,” added Craig Robinson, Research Vice President, Security Services at IDC.
