Cybersecurity and the AI Frontier: Insights from PwC’s Global Digital Trust Insights 2026

Data, when interpreted correctly, can reveal crucial trends and phenomena. This is particularly evident in the realm of cybersecurity, where only 6% of companies worldwide feel equipped to defend against cyberattacks. This statistic came to light in PwC’s Global Digital Trust Insights 2026, an extensive survey involving around 3,900 business executives across 72 countries, including Italy. The findings indicate a pressing need for organizations to evolve their approach to cybersecurity, particularly in the face of geopolitical uncertainties and rapid technological advancements.

The Strategic Role of AI in Cybersecurity

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as the latest strategic frontier for enhancing cybersecurity measures. The data highlights that a growing number of companies recognize the critical role AI plays in safeguarding digital assets. In Italy, 69% of businesses surveyed plan to bolster their cybersecurity budgets in the coming year. Significantly, about one in three—32% as compared to a global average of 36%—is prioritizing investment in AI technology over traditional security measures like cloud protection and data safeguarding.

While the intention to invest is rising, awareness of the inherent risks remains notably uneven. Alarmingly, a mere 6% of organizations globally report feeling fully prepared to counter cybersecurity threats, a trend mirrored in Italy.

Identifying Vulnerabilities: The Economic Impact of Cyber Breaches

The vulnerabilities that top executives express concern about are well-documented. Global data indicates that ineffective authentication and access controls are identified as the leading risk, cited by 55% of respondents, with one in three Italian managers echoing these concerns. Other significant vulnerabilities include lingering legacy systems and the vulnerability of supply chains, underscoring the necessity for a cultural shift alongside technological upgrades.

The economic ramifications of cyber incidents are substantial. A global overview indicates that 27% of organizations have experienced breaches resulting in damages exceeding one million dollars over the last three years, a figure which drops to 19% in Italy. This discrepancy can largely be attributed to the relatively smaller scale of digital infrastructures within Italian firms. Giuseppe D’Agostino, Cybersecurity & Resilience Partner at PwC Italy, emphasizes the need for integrating cybersecurity into the organizational framework to enhance resilience against emerging threats.

Transitioning from Reaction to Proactivity

The landscape of cybersecurity is evolving from mere reactive measures to proactive strategies. Investments in security are increasingly perceived as essential for anticipating cyber threats rather than merely responding to them. According to PwC experts, companies should focus on artificial intelligence and develop necessary skills through training and retraining programs for their workforce.

Interestingly, the survey reveals that approximately half of all organizations are now utilizing automated security solutions—48% globally and 47% in Italy. Additionally, AI and machine learning applications are already in use by 53% and 41% of firms, respectively, highlighting a significant shift toward advanced technologies for cybersecurity.

The Critical Skills Gap

Despite rising investments and technological advancements, a significant skills gap persists within the cybersecurity landscape. In Italy, only 31% of companies report investing in continuous training programs, comparing unfavorably to a global average of 47%. Moreover, 62% of Italian business leaders indicate a shortage of specialized talent in securing Operational Technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) systems.

The challenges extend to applying AI in a cybersecurity context, with 39% of Italian companies citing a shortfall in expertise, and 48% struggling to find qualified professionals in this pivotal area. This skills scarcity poses a significant roadblock to effectively harnessing the potential of AI in cybersecurity.

In summary, while the intent to invest in cybersecurity is on the rise, organizations must address their vulnerabilities and the skills gap to fully leverage AI’s potential in protecting digital infrastructures. The situation calls for not just increased funding, but a comprehensive approach that integrates culture, governance, and training to enhance overall cyber resilience.