Cybersecurity Teams Show Caution with AI Adoption According to ISC2 Research

ISC2 Research Highlights Cautious AI Adoption in Cybersecurity

On July 16, 2025, ISC2, the premier nonprofit organization for cybersecurity experts, released its 2025 AI Adoption Pulse Survey, offering valuable insights into how cybersecurity professionals are approaching the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

Overview of the Survey

The survey gathered the perspectives of 436 cybersecurity professionals from organizations of various sizes, aimed at understanding the impact of AI on team efficiency, hiring practices, and the overall effectiveness of cybersecurity functions. The findings suggest a cautious yet optimistic view regarding the adoption of AI within the cybersecurity sector.

Key Findings on AI Integration

According to the survey, 30% of respondents are already utilizing AI security tools, which encompass AI-enabled solutions, generative AI, and agentic AI for automated actions. A notable 42% are currently exploring or testing these technologies, indicating a trend toward increased future adoption. Interestingly, among those already using AI tools, a significant 70% reported enhancements in their team's overall effectiveness.

The survey also identified the top five areas where AI is deemed to have the most positive immediate impact:
1. Network Monitoring and Intrusion Detection (60%)
2. Endpoint Protection and Response (56%)
3. Vulnerability Management (50%)
4. Threat Modeling (45%)
5. Security Testing (43%)

Larger organizations, particularly those with over 10,000 employees, lead the way in AI adoption, with 37% indicating active usage. In contrast, smaller organizations, especially those with 1 to 99 employees, display a more conservative approach, with 23% having no plans to evaluate AI tools.

Industry Adoption Trends

Industries with the highest rates of AI tool adoption include industrial enterprises (38%), IT services (36%), and commercial/consumer sectors (36%). Comparatively, financial services and the public sector lag behind, reporting adoption rates of 21% and 16%, respectively. This variance suggests that while these sectors may currently be slow to adopt AI, there exists a substantial interest in evaluating these tools for future implementation.

Implications for Hiring and Entry-Level Roles

The survey further illuminated the potential implications for hiring within cybersecurity. More than half (52%) of the respondents anticipated that AI might lead to a reduction in the need for entry-level personnel. Conversely, 31% maintained an optimistic outlook, believing that AI will create new types of roles or amplify demand for entry-level positions, thereby mitigating losses in early-career opportunities.

Notably, 44% of representatives stated that the incorporation of AI tools has not yet influenced their organization’s hiring strategies. In contrast, only 21% indicated that AI has altered their hiring priorities. This split portrays a complex relationship between technology adoption and workforce dynamics.

The survey also underlined that organizations are actively reassessing roles and required skill sets prompted by AI adoption. Nearly half (44%) acknowledged that their teams' functions are evolving to cater to new technologies, marking a significant shift in the operational landscape of cybersecurity.

Conclusion

As cybersecurity continues to adapt to technological advancements, organizations are urged to strike a balance between embracing AI's efficiencies and investing in entry-level opportunities. This balance will help ensure the cybersecurity workforce remains capable, adept, and prepared for the future. For a deeper dive into the survey findings, you can access the full report provided by ISC2.

About ISC2

ISC2 stands at the forefront of the cybersecurity profession, boasting over 265,000 certified members globally. With a mission to foster a secure cyber world, ISC2 continues to offer certification programs such as the renowned CISSP® to enhance professional competencies across various career stages. Their advocacy efforts and initiatives, particularly through the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, aim to broaden access to cyber careers and educate vulnerable populations.

For further details on ISC2 and to explore career opportunities in cybersecurity, please visit ISC2.org. Connect with ISC2 on social media platforms for more insights and updates on the cybersecurity landscape.