Ransomware groups are getting more sophisticated, they’re increasing in number, and their attacks are growing more destructive as new tools enter the fray. AI, in particular, represents an existential threat that could give enemies much more ammunition to wreak havoc in a victim’s network. At least two in three respondents believe AI software could help enhance ransomware attacks. Thirty-nine percent are very concerned and 44% are moderately concerned about how ransomware groups might leverage AI to inflict maximum damage on companies in hostage scenarios.

At the same time, AI isn’t just for the bad guys. Seventy-one percent believe AI-powered solutions could have a moderate to high impact in bolstering their own cybersecurity defenses for the coming year. The question becomes, who can move faster to secure AI tools — the bad guys or the good guys?