For its latest research, the global digital trust association surveyed professionals who work in audit, risk, security, data privacy and IT governance to get their take on the current state of GenAI.

Compounding IT experts’ concern is the fact that 74% believe cybercriminals are harnessing AI with equal or even greater success than digital trust professionals.

However, these growing fears have not translated into widespread action: only around a quarter (28%) perceive AI-related risks as an immediate priority.

Further, a scant 10% of organisations have formal policies in place for governing AI technology’s use, with 29% having no policy, nor any plans to implement one.

“In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, AI will play a key role in transforming industries as a whole,” said Chris Dimitriadis, global chief strategy officer at ISACA.

“Holistic digital trust framework implementations are a prerequisite to enjoying the benefits of AI in a more secure, privacy-friendly, ethically acceptable and risk-controlled manner.”

Despite these concerns, businesses are acknowledging the benefits that AI offers, with almost one in five (19%) increasing the number of jobs for AI-related functions in the next 12 months.

What’s more, respondents feel it will have a positive impact on their industry (60%), their organisation (54%), and their career (46%) over the next 5 years.

Just 7% of organisations are providing all employees with AI training, however. This is in spite of the fact that nearly 4 in 5 (79%) agree that many jobs will be modified by AI in the next 5 years.

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On this, Erik Prusch, the chief executive of ISACA, remarked: “Business and IT professionals are aware of the potential positive impact of AI, but to reap the benefits they must ensure the staff in their organisations are trained on how to use AI effectively and safely.

“By providing comprehensive training as part of an overarching AI strategy, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and ensure the safety and security of their operations while promoting long-term business success.”