The results of a survey conducted by LogRhythm, a company offering assistance to security teams to halt security breaches through the evaluation of segregated data, indicate that the shortage of skilled AI professionals within organisations is the principal barrier to adopting AI technology in the Asia-Pacific region. This was a concern expressed by 35% of the respondents.

Interestingly, the survey findings point out that financial outlay is not seen as a significant hindrance to AI adoption, with only 15% of respondents highlighting it. The integration of the AI technology with existing systems came in second place, having been flagged by 23% of LogRhythm's channel partners as a challenge.

Joanne Wong, Vice President of International Markets at LogRhythm, pointed out that even though AI promises remarkable automation capabilities, the role of human expertise remains crucial. "Despite the advantages AI offers in terms of automation, human expertise remains paramount in bridging the gap between the capabilities of an AI solution, and an organisation's unique requirements," said Wong.

A point of encouragement ascertained by the survey suggests that the eager adoption of AI tools and technology is on the rise. It seems operational efficiency is the driving force behind this momentum; over one-third of LogRhythm's channel partners responded that their clients are now utilising AI tools, with approximately two-thirds employing AI in their operations.

However, the rapid adoption of AI is not without its associated pitfalls. In fact, data privacy issues still exist as a significant impediment to widespread AI adoption. Of the channel partners, 47% have expressed serious reservations about data leaks caused by AI, while 18% worry specifically about leaks of proprietary business information. Additionally, alarmingly, 62% of respondents believe that AI could potentially amplify existing security risks.

Thankfully, businesses are not sitting idle, as indicated by 28% of the respondents who have undertaken risk assessments and laid out internal AI usage policies and guidelines. Wong has lauded these proactive measures: "It is reassuring to see businesses take measures like risk assessments and provision of internal guidelines."

"While the potential of AI to transform operational efficiencies and drive bottomline is immense, it is just as important that businesses take a measured approach to the adoption of AI."

Emphasising the importance of addressing security and privacy concerns in AI implementation, Wong stressed that businesses must be vigilant. This involves recognising the elevated threat landscape due to the existence of malicious AI. Wong recommends investing in appropriate tools and resources capable of swiftly and comprehensively monitoring and responding to potential threats.

Wong concluded by saying, "This includes managing the associated security and privacy risks associated with its implementation, acknowledging that the threat landscape has significantly increased with the availability of nefarious AI, and investing in the right tools and resources that can monitor and action on potential threats at speed and scale."