Observed Signal · Oct 7, 2026 · Research/Survey · Source: Retail-News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
AI Drives Cyber Spending; Firms See Risks from Autonomous Systems
According to PwC's 2027 Global Digital Trust Insights Survey, 84% of security and finance executives expect their cyber budgets to increase in the next twelve months, up from 78% last year. AI is a top budget priority for 58% of security leaders, yet only 39% have fully formalized continuity plans that address cyber risks. Attacks on AI systems are the top unprepared threat for 50% of respondents, ahead of cloud threats (40%), third-party attacks (34%), and ransomware (33%). Only 22% would allow AI agents to make autonomous decisions in cyber defense, citing reliability, accountability, and skill gaps. Notably, only 47% say cyber risks are regularly on the board agenda. To mitigate, companies are adopting multi-cloud strategies (54%), regional data redundancy (47%), and improved vendor risk management (50%). The survey covers nearly 4,000 executives across 71 countries.
This survey highlights the growing importance of AI in cybersecurity budgets and the recognition of AI-related risks, which is relevant for AdTech companies relying on AI systems, but it is not directly about advertising technology.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- 84% of security and finance executives expect cyber budgets to rise in the next 12 months, up from 78% last year.
- 58% of security leaders rank AI as a top cyber budget priority.
- Only 39% of companies have a fully formalized and integrated continuity plan that addresses cyber risks.
- 50% of security leaders say attacks on AI systems are among the threats their organization is least prepared for.
- Only 22% would allow AI agents to make autonomous decisions in cyber defense.
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