INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY: AI BURNOUT STRATEGY
Proofpoint 2025 CISO report highlights AI risks, burnout and human error as top UK security concerns
63 % of UK CISOs expect a material cyberattack in the next 12 months, with GenAI-related data loss and insider threats topping their list of risks, according to Proofpoint’ s latest Voice of the CISO report.
Proofpoint, a cybersecurity and compliance company, has released its fifth annual Voice of the CISO report, surveying 1,600 CISOs across 16 countries.
The 2025 edition highlights two urgent trends: rising cyberattacks are fueling anxiety among CISOs and increasing the willingness to pay ransoms, while the rapid rise of GenAI is forcing security leaders to balance innovation with risk amid growing fears of data exposure and misuse.
As cyberthreats multiply, 63 % of UK CISOs believe they are likely to face a material cyberattack in the next year, yet 61 % admit their organisations are unprepared.
Nearly three-quarters( 74 %) of UK CISOs reported material data loss in the past year, with insider-driven incidents the top cause. Human behaviour remains the most critical weakness, with 86 % of data loss incidents linked to departing employees.
AI has become both a priority and a risk. While 72 % of UK CISOs say enabling safe GenAI use is a strategic priority, 63 % are concerned about potential customer data loss via public platforms. Organisations are moving from restrictions to governance, with 60 % introducing usage guidelines and 55 % exploring AIpowered defences, although enthusiasm has fallen sharply from 87 % in 2024.
“ This year’ s findings reveal a growing disconnect between confidence and capability among CISOs,” said Patrick Joyce, global resident CISO at Proofpoint.“ Rising data loss, readiness gaps and human risk continue to undermine resilience. As GenAI adoption accelerates, CISOs are being asked to do more with less and still safeguard what matters most.”
The report also reveals:
• 57 % of UK CISOs would consider paying a ransom to restore systems or prevent data leaks
• 60 % cite people as their greatest risk despite 66 % believing employees understand security best practices
• Boardroom alignment with UK CISOs has dropped from 84 % in 2024 to 57 % in 2025
• 58 % of UK CISOs have experienced or witnessed burnout in the past year
“ Artificial Intelligence has moved from concept to core, transforming how both defenders and adversaries operate,” commented Ryan Kalember, chief strategy officer at Proofpoint.“ CISOs now face a dual responsibility: harnessing AI to strengthen their security posture while ensuring its responsible use. But AI is just one of many forces reshaping the role.” p
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