Tech Execs Expect AI Advancements to Increase Security Threats

Forty-one percent of tech executives in a recent international survey said they believe advancements in AI will significantly increase security threats. NetApp's second annual Data Complexity Report points to 2025 as "AI's make or break year."

NetApp describes itself as an intelligent data infrastructure company that combines unified data storage, integrated data services, and CloudOps solutions.

"The rise of AI has increased the attack surface of many organizations, creating new challenges such as protecting AI-models themselves, defending data sets that are more exposed to attacks, and ensuring data is available and secure for use in AI applications," the company said.

AI Adoption Escalates Security Risks
[Click on image for larger view.] AI Adoption Escalates Security Risks (source: NetApp).

Furthermore, "AI-driven security challenges are weighing heavily on the minds of global tech leaders, with 59% identifying these threats as a leading global stressor. This heightened focus reflects the growing complexity of cyber risks. Executives at the board and C-suite levels continue to prioritize cybersecurity and ransomware protection, with 38% ranking it as their top priority."

Exec Stress
[Click on image for larger view.] Exec Stress (source: NetApp).

Also, the company said, "there's a silver lining: The strategic measures organizations have implemented appear to be paying off. The focus on cybersecurity as a top priority has decreased by 17% since 2023 — a promising sign that progress is being made in combating these ever-evolving threats."

Security Risks Remain Priority but Less So
[Click on image for larger view.] Security Risks Remain Priority but Less So (source: NetApp).

Other highlights of the report as presented by the company include:

  • AI Investment: Will AI Break the Bank? Two-thirds of companies worldwide report that their data is either fully or mostly optimized for AI — meaning their data is accessible, accurate, and well-documented for AI-use cases. However, despite this progress, 2025 will still demand investment in AI and data management.
  • Data Silos: Will Your Data Impede AI Success? Data unification is emerging as a critical driver of AI success, with 79% of global tech executives recognizing the importance of unifying data to achieve optimal AI outcomes.
  • Data Sustainability: Is AI Putting the Planet at Risk? As AI adoption accelerates, 34% of global tech executives anticipate major shifts in corporate sustainability processes, and 33% expect new government energy policies and investments.

"2025 will be a make or break year for AI to achieve world changing outcomes — in some cases for better, in some for worse," NetApp said. "In an effort to surpass competition, global business leaders and organizations will make remarkable investments to fully optimize their data for AI in 2025.

"From AI talent to data management and infrastructure, all eyes will be on technology teams to deliver exceptional return on investment. But as AI scales, so too will security threats and sustainability challenges. Companies will be under incredible pressure as they aim to strike the critical balance between AI transformation, security and sustainability."

As far as methodology for the new report, NetApp said it partnered with Wakefield Research to conduct a quantitative research study during November 2024 among more than 1,300 IT executives in nine markets: US, EMEA (UK, France, Germany, Spain) and APAC (Australia/New Zealand, Singapore, India and Japan).

For the full report, visit the NetApp site here.

About the Author

David Ramel is an editor and writer at Converge 360.

Featured

  • digital learning resources including a document, video tutorial, quiz checklist, pie chart, and AI cloud icon

    Quizizz Rebrands as Wayground, Announces New AI Features

    Learning platform Quizizz has become Wayground, in a rebranding meant to reflect "the platform's evolution from a quiz tool into a more versatile supplemental learning platform that's supported by AI," according to a news announcement.

  • stylized illustration of a desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone all displaying an orange AI icon

    Survey: AI Shifting from Cloud to PCs

    A recent Intel-commissioned report identifies a significant shift in AI adoption, moving away from the cloud and closer to the user. Businesses are increasingly turning to the specialized hardware of AI PCs, the survey found, recognizing their potential not just for productivity gains, but for revolutionizing IT efficiency, fortifying data security, and delivering a compelling return on investment by bringing AI capabilities directly to the edge.

  • abstract pattern of cybersecurity, ai and cloud imagery

    Report Identifies Malicious Use of AI in Cloud-Based Cyber Threats

    A recent report from OpenAI identifies the misuse of artificial intelligence in cybercrime, social engineering, and influence operations, particularly those targeting or operating through cloud infrastructure. In "Disrupting Malicious Uses of AI: June 2025," the company outlines how threat actors are weaponizing large language models for malicious ends — and how OpenAI is pushing back.

  • young educators collaborate with AI tools on laptops and tablets

    Survey: Younger Educators More Likely to Embrace AI Tools

    While educators across the United States agree that AI has enhanced classroom engagement, enthusiasm for AI's benefits is strongest among young teachers, according to a recent survey from learning technology company D2L.