ISC2 Research Highlights Cautious AI Adoption Among Cybersecurity Teams
A recently published survey by ISC2, a leading global organization for cybersecurity professionals, sheds light on the cautious but increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools within cybersecurity teams. This survey, titled the 2025 AI Adoption Pulse Survey, assessed the impacts and trends related to the integration of AI in security operations among professionals across various organizations.
Understanding AI Adoption in Cybersecurity
The survey included responses from 436 cybersecurity professionals, providing valuable insights into how AI is reshaping operational strategies within the industry. Notably, about
30% of these experts reported already utilizing AI tools for security tasks, which include AI-enabled solutions and generative AI methods. Meanwhile,
42% were either exploring or testing the adoption of these innovative technologies, suggesting that more organizations are poised to integrate AI into their cybersecurity frameworks in the near future.
Casey Marks, Chief Qualifications Officer at ISC2, emphasized the transformational impact of AI on how cybersecurity teams function. With 70% of respondents who adopted AI tools reporting enhanced team effectiveness, it is clear that these technologies are facilitating better operational efficiencies.
Areas of Impact
According to the survey, AI tools are overwhelmingly expected to streamline various cybersecurity processes via automation and improved efficiency. The five primary areas identified for immediate positive impact are:
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%)
The data indicates that organizations with substantial workforces, particularly those employing over
10,000 employees, are at the forefront of AI adoption, with
37% currently using these tools. Conversely, smaller organizations with fewer than
500 employees lag behind, highlighting a significant divide in AI integration based on organizational size.
AI's Role in Hiring Trends
One significant revelation of the survey pertains to recruitment dynamics within cybersecurity, particularly at entry-level positions. While
52% of respondents expressed a belief that AI will reduce the necessity for entry-level roles, a more optimistic
31% contended that AI's evolution may also lead to the creation of new roles tailored for junior professionals.
Moreover, nearly half of the participants (
44%) noted that the implementation of AI security tools has not substantially affected their hiring practices, suggesting a carefully balanced approach to workforce adjustments in light of AI advancements. On the other hand,
21% acknowledged that their hiring strategies have indeed shifted due to AI's impact.
Future-Proofing the Cybersecurity Workforce
These findings underscore an essential narrative: as AI technology advances, it reshapes current roles while poised to create future opportunities. Notably,
44% of the professionals indicated that their organizations are undergoing a reevaluation of the required skills and roles to accommodate AI adoption. This moment of transition presents both challenges and opportunities, prompting security leaders to deliberate on how to leverage AI benefits while securing a skilled workforce.
The survey calls on organizations and hiring managers to adapt to the evolving landscape shaped by AI technologies. Striking a balance between leveraging automation efficiencies and investing in new opportunities for entry-level personnel is paramount to maintaining a robust and agile cybersecurity workforce.
For a complete understanding of the AI Pulse Survey's findings, including layers of analysis on team effectiveness and hiring trends as AI evolves in cybersecurity, visit
ISC2's official publication.
Conclusion
The ISC2 2025 AI Adoption Pulse Survey paints a vivid picture of the current state of AI in cybersecurity, emphasizing cautious optimism among professionals. As the field evolves, ongoing training and adaptive strategies will be critical to ensure that cybersecurity remains effective, secure, and future-ready in an increasingly interconnected digital environment.