A recent survey finds a widening gap between CEOs and security executives over the cybersecurity implications of artificial intelligence, with 68% of executives citing AI as a growing threat versus 52% of security leaders expressing similar concern. The split underscores mounting tensions in enterprise AI strategy and risk governance.
- 68% of CEOs view AI as a significant cybersecurity threat, compared to 52% of CISOs
- 16-point gap in risk perception between C-suite and security executives
- 74% of C-suite leaders believe AI improves efficiency; only 41% of security leaders agree
- 63% of CISOs report AI has introduced new system vulnerabilities
- Only 39% of organizations have formal AI risk assessment protocols
- Firms with aligned leadership are 2.3 times more likely to avoid major AI-related breaches
A new analysis of executive perspectives on artificial intelligence reveals a deepening rift between C-suite leaders and cybersecurity professionals on the risks posed by AI technologies. Among 312 senior executives surveyed across North America and Europe, 68% of CEOs identified AI as a significant or emerging cybersecurity threat, compared to 52% of chief information security officers (CISOs) who shared that view. This 16-point divergence signals a fundamental disconnect in risk perception at the highest levels of corporate decision-making. The data reflects broader uncertainty about AI's role in organizational security frameworks. While 74% of C-suite respondents believe AI enhances operational efficiency and innovation, only 41% of security leaders agree. Conversely, 63% of CISOs reported that AI tools have introduced new vulnerabilities into their systems, including unauthorized access vectors and sophisticated phishing campaigns powered by generative models. The survey also highlights disparities in preparedness. Only 39% of organizations have established formal AI risk assessment protocols, and just 27% conduct regular audits of AI-driven systems for security compliance. These figures suggest that while leadership embraces AI’s strategic value, cybersecurity teams are grappling with implementation gaps and unmanaged exposure. The divergence could affect investment priorities, regulatory compliance, and incident response readiness. Firms with aligned executive and security leadership on AI risk are 2.3 times more likely to report successful AI deployments without major breaches, according to the findings.