Companies are facing an unprecedented surge of *security threats* related to AI and quantum technologies. Thales, a major player in cybersecurity, reveals that the rapid rise of artificial intelligence worries nearly 70% of organizations. The integrity and trust placed in AI systems remain central concerns, affecting strategic decision-making. As security challenges become more complex, a blind immersion in AI deployments could lead to unexpected vulnerabilities. The need for *sophisticated and proactive* approaches is proving crucial to counter these growing threats.
New Concerns Related to AI
The threats associated with artificial intelligence (AI) are now at the top of companies’ concerns regarding data security. According to Thales’ annual data threats report, AI, particularly generative AI, is creating unprecedented pressure on cybersecurity. Nearly 70% of surveyed organizations believe that the speed of AI development constitutes their main security issue.
This concern goes beyond the speed of development. A dissatisfaction with the integrity of AI systems was reported by 64% of participants. A lack of reliability is also at the heart of concerns, with 57% expressing worries about this aspect. Generative AI, a true “data-hungry beast,” necessitates high-quality information for various functionalities, including model training and content generation.
Increased Pressure on Data Quality
As rapid advancements in agentic AI materialize, the requirement to ensure data quality becomes essential. Decision-making informed by AI systems relies on the data they utilize. Thus, the importance of having top-tier data cannot be overstated.
One-third of respondents report an active deployment of generative AI, marking a shift towards more robust operational integrations. While most companies are concerned about a rapid uptake of generative AI, those that are advancing quickly are integrating systems without prior adjustments or locking existing systems.
The Rise of Security Threats
With the increasing integration of generative AI, challenges related to data security are becoming more complex. Companies are moving from merely exploring AI capabilities to mature operational deployments. This evolution could potentially generate heightened security vulnerabilities.
Experts believe that the swift pursuit of technological transformation sometimes undermines the necessary caution. Eric Hanselman, chief analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence, emphasizes that companies are adopting generative AI at a pace sometimes exceeding their ability to comprehend the implications of this technology.
Growing Investments in AI Security
In the face of these challenges, 73% of respondents report investing in security tools specifically dedicated to AI. These investments often take the form of new budgets or reallocating existing resources. Organizations prioritizing AI security are also adopting diversified strategies.
More than two-thirds of companies are turning to their cloud service providers for solutions, while three in five are engaging established security vendors. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the risks associated with AI and an urgent need for specialized defenses.
Evolution of Data Breaches
Despite a modest reduction in data breaches, the threat remains significant. In 2021, 56% of companies reported a breach, a figure that has slightly declined to 45% in the 2025 report. The resurgence of phishing and the persistence of malware show that organizations must double their efforts to improve their security posture.
External actors are perceived as the greatest threat, with particular attention on hacktivists and state actors. Human errors, although still concerning, have lost some prominence, now ranking third.
Preparations Against Quantum Threats
The fear of quantum threats is gaining significant traction within organizations. A remarkable 63% of respondents identify the future compromise of encryption algorithms as the primary danger, alarming predictions about the capabilities of quantum computers to break current security systems.
Key distribution flaws are also highlighted by 61% of respondents. Furthermore, 58% mention the “harvest now, decrypt later” (HNDL) threat, illustrating concerns about potential future exposures that are also worrying.
To address these threats, half of the organizations are currently reviewing their encryption strategies, with 60% of them engaged in developing or evaluating post-quantum cryptography solutions. Limited trust in telecommunications providers or cloud services further hinders the progress of this transition.
Todd Moore, global head of data security products at Thales, warns about the urgency of adequate preparation against these emerging technologies. The time to adopt post-quantum cryptography algorithms is pressing; any delays expose critical data to an increasing risk.
Ongoing Change Dynamics
Despite the challenges posed by AI and quantum threats, a growing number of organizations are investing in robust security measures. The need to secure not only the advanced capabilities of new technologies but also to create a solid foundation against emerging threats has become a priority.
Companies are compelled to continuously adapt their security strategies to guard against vulnerabilities and ensure the integrity of systems in a dynamic technological world. For more information on cybersecurity and cloud technologies, events such as the Cyber Security & Cloud Expo, which will be held in Amsterdam, California, and London, offer valuable insights from industry leaders.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main AI-related threats identified by Thales?
Thales has identified the rapid development of AI, particularly generative AI, as the primary source of security concern. This includes worries about the integrity and reliability of AI systems.
How are companies integrating generative AI into their operations?
A significant share of companies is integrating generative AI into their operations. About one-third of the surveyed organizations state that this technology is either actively integrated or already in the process of transformation within their systems.
What types of cybersecurity challenges are associated with the use of generative AI?
The use of generative AI presents complex challenges in data security, such as dependence on sensitive information for operation and increased vulnerability to security threats.
What are the concerns regarding trust in AI systems?
According to surveys, 64% of respondents express concerns regarding the integrity of AI systems, while 57% highlight a lack of trust. These elements are crucial for their secure adoption.
What is the impact of quantum threats on data security?
Quantum threats, such as the possibility of compromising encryption algorithms, raise significant concerns, with 63% of respondents fearing this outcome in the future.
Are companies preparing for the threat of quantum computers?
Yes, about 50% of the surveyed companies are reevaluating their encryption strategies, and a good number of them are exploring post-quantum cryptography solutions to anticipate potential threats.
What is the role of AI security tools in combating these threats?
73% of organizations are investing in AI-specific security tools to address the threats. They are adopting a diversified approach by collaborating with cloud providers, established security vendors, and emerging startups.
What types of data breaches are the most concerning for companies?
Despite a slight decrease in data breaches, companies remain concerned about persistent threats such as malware and phishing, with hacktivists considered the highest threat.
