Insider Threats and AI Challenges Surge File Security Risks, Costing Enterprises Millions

Escalating File Security Risks: Insights from a Recent Study

A groundbreaking study led by OPSWAT, a prominent authority in critical infrastructure protection, uncovers alarming trends in file security risks. Conducted by the Ponemon Institute, this research indicates that the ongoing rise of insider threats and complexities surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) have culminated in unprecedented security breaches across organizations, costing them an eye-watering average of $2.7 million each incident.

In today's interconnected world, 61% of enterprises have reported experiencing file-related breaches attributed to either negligent or malicious insiders over the last two years. This unsettling trend emphasizes the growing fragility of file security, even as many organizations invest heavily in AI technologies, hoping to enhance their defenses. Unfortunately, these very advancements in AI are being exploited by cyber adversaries, who utilize generative models to devise sophisticated malicious attacks, including embedding harmful prompts in files and using AI parsers to unveil sensitive information.

Despite the increasing sophistication of threats, less than half of the organizations surveyed expressed confidence in their ability to safeguard files during critical operations like uploads, transfers, and third-party collaborations. Dr. Larry Ponemon, founder of the Ponemon Institute, articulated the gravity of the situation, stating, "As threats continue to accelerate and increase in cost, cyber resilience has shifted from being a technical priority to a strategic and fiscal imperative. Executives must take ownership by investing in technology that reduces risk and cost while allowing organizations to adapt to an evolving AI landscape."

The report underscores a pivotal shift among businesses, moving away from outdated point security solutions and towards comprehensive, multi-layered platforms capable of addressing these complex challenges. By 2026, a staggering two-thirds of organizations are expected to adopt advanced technologies such as multiscanning, Content Disarm and Reconstruction (CDR), and adaptive sandboxing to bolster their defenses.

George Prichici, VP of Products at OPSWAT, noted, "A multi-layered defense that incorporates zero-trust file handling combined with advanced prevention tools is no longer a mere choice but a necessity for organizations aiming to establish robust security in the era of AI. Leveraging a unified platform approach enables file security frameworks to evolve in response to emerging threats, effectively defending intricate file environments both inside and outside organizational perimeters."

The Ponemon Institute remains dedicated to conducting independent research and promoting responsible information management practices across business and governmental sectors. Their mission encompasses executing high-quality empirical studies regarding pressing issues in safeguarding sensitive information pertaining to individuals and organizations.

To gain deeper insights, the full 'State of File Security' report is available here. For those interested in how OPSWAT facilitates resilient file security across IT and OT environments, the OPSWAT MetaDefender™ Platform is worth exploring.

About OPSWAT

Since its establishment in 2002, OPSWAT has emerged as a leader in cybersecurity solutions for IT, OT, and ICS critical infrastructures. The company has developed a comprehensive solutions platform that empowers both public and private organizations to protect their intricate networks and maintain compliance effectively. Grounded in the philosophy 'Trust no file. Trust no device.™', OPSWAT addresses various challenges faced by clients globally, safeguarding networks, data, and devices while counteracting known and unknown threats, zero-day attacks, and malware. Discover how OPSWAT plays a vital role in protecting critical infrastructure worldwide by visiting opswat.com.