According to a new report from Arelion, titled “Artificial Intelligence: Opportunity or Threat for Global Networks?,” a staggering 90% of decision makers believe that hackers are more likely to trick AI-based cybersecurity tools than those operated by humans.
“Our research shows that AI is generally a boon for businesses,” stated Mattias Fridström, Chief Evangelist at Arelion. “However, given that the most significant AI-related threat is cybersecurity, network operators face an ongoing war of attrition with cyber criminals. AI already provides many possibilities for bad actors to target vulnerable areas in a company's safeguards. Now, they can set a series of protocols to attack relentlessly until it eventually overwhelms cyber defenses.”
AI-driven cybersecurity threats have become the top concern for enterprise network decision-makers across all regions and industries. According to the survey, 65% anticipate that within four years, most DDoS attacks will be driven by AI rather than humans. Alarmingly, 25% report they are already experiencing DDoS attacks specifically designed to bypass AI-powered cybersecurity defenses.
AI’s Business Impact
Arelion’s report highlights that AI is delivering on its promises, with 55% of senior network decision-makers rejecting the notion that AI is overhyped. These leaders are already witnessing tangible benefits across their organizations. Meanwhile, 25% believe AI may be overhyped in the short term but remain optimistic about its potential for significant mid- to long-term advantages.
Furthermore, the majority of decision-makers are embracing AI’s growing role in network operations. A significant 63% believe AI will help reduce network costs over the next three years, reflecting confidence in its ability to optimize operations.
Human Cybersecurity Experts Still Needed
With the majority of decision-makers showing a chronic lack of confidence in current AI-based cybersecurity, human cybersecurity experts will remain critical, alongside the need to maintain and upgrade their skills.
“Organizations cannot handle the complex impacts of AI on their own. They need assistance in the form of external resources, expertise and collaboration–particularly when it comes to cybersecurity,” Fridström noted.
Network operators will need to consider remedial action in different areas. Arelion warned that if complexity is not understood and overcome, hoped-for cost reductions may not be realized. Additionally, if workforce skills are not maintained through adequate recruitment and training, a lack of human back-up could prove disastrous if AI-driven solutions misfire.
Moreover, insufficient network capacity will clearly hamper organizational performance at a fundamental level.
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