CrowdStrike Survey: GenAI in Cybersecurity – 5 Key Findings
CrowdStrike commissioned a survey of 1,022 cybersecurity professionals worldwide to assess their views on generative AI (GenAI) adoption and its implications. The findings reveal enthusiasm for GenAI’s potential to bolster defences against increasingly sophisticated threats, but also trepidation over risks such as data exposure and attacks on GenAI systems.
Platform-based GenAI is Favored
80% of respondents indicated a preference for GenAI delivered through integrated cybersecurity platforms rather than standalone tools. Seamless integration is cited as a crucial factor, with many preferring tools that work cohesively with existing systems.
GenAI Built by Cybersecurity Experts is a Must
Security teams believe GenAI tools should be specifically designed for cybersecurity, not general-purpose systems. 83% of respondents reported they would not trust tools that provide "unsuitable or ill-advised security guidance."
Augmentation, Not Replacement
Despite growing fears of automation replacing jobs in many industries, the survey’s findings indicate minimal concerns about job displacement in cybersecurity. Instead, respondents expect GenAI to empower security analysts by automating repetitive tasks, reducing burnout, onboarding new personnel faster, and accelerating decision-making.
ROI Outweighs Cost Concerns
For organizations evaluating GenAI investments, measurable return on investment (ROI) is the paramount concern, ahead of licensing costs or pricing model confusion. Respondents expect platform-led GenAI deployments to deliver faster results, thanks to cost savings from reduced tool management burdens, streamlined training, and fewer security incidents.
Guardrails and Safety are Crucial
GenAI adoption is tempered by concerns around safety and privacy, with 87% of organizations either implementing or planning new security policies to oversee GenAI use. Key risks include exposing sensitive data to large language models (LLMs) and adversarial attacks on GenAI tools. Respondents rank safety and privacy controls among their most desired GenAI features, highlighting the need for responsible implementation.
Conclusion
The CrowdStrike survey concludes that GenAI is not a silver bullet but has tremendous potential to improve cybersecurity outcomes. As organizations evaluate its adoption, they will prioritize tools that integrate seamlessly with existing platforms, deliver faster response times, and ensure safety and privacy compliance.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary concern for organizations evaluating GenAI investments?
A: Measurable return on investment (ROI)
Q: How do security teams view the role of GenAI in their work?
A: GenAI will empower security analysts by automating repetitive tasks, reducing burnout, and accelerating decision-making
Q: What are the key risks associated with GenAI adoption?
A: Data exposure, attacks on GenAI systems, and lack of safety and privacy controls
Q: What is the expected ROI from GenAI deployments?
A: 31% from cost optimisation, 30% from fewer incidents, and 26% from reduced management time
