Gen AI optimism high in ANZ but cybersecurity concerns loom

New research from Dell Technologies has unveiled the perspectives of Australia and New Zealand's business and IT leaders on the transforming abilities of Gen AI and AI in industries. While they express optimism about GenAI's potential to revolutionise operations, cybersecurity remains a dominant concern, especially in the aftermath of large-scale data breaches. Furthermore, it is notable that only 68% of local organisations are integrating a Zero Trust strategy into their security posture, in contrast to the global average of 89%.

Additional insights from the research indicated that respondents foresee Gen AI delivering value by enhancing IT security posture (52% globally and 51% in ANZ), aiding in productivity gains (52% globally and 48% in ANZ), and boosting customer experience (51% globally and 49% in ANZ). Notably, there is ongoing debate over who is responsible for the risks associated with Gen AI, with 72% of ANZ respondents asserting the responsibility lies with organisations. Globally, the figure stands slightly higher at 77%.

Interestingly, 75% of ANZ businesses express concern that Gen AI might usher in new security and privacy issues. This figure overshadows the global average of 68%, reflecting the urgency for robust cybersecurity measures. Meanwhile, while 79% have prepared an Incident Response Report, only 68% have embarked on a Zero-Trust deployment strategy, again falling short of the global average of 89%.

The research also highlighted an evolving approach to infrastructure due to AI innovations. In ANZ, 75% of IT decision-makers lean toward an on-prem or hybrid model to ameliorate potential challenges brought in by AI applications, compared to 78% globally. Consequently, this strategy could illuminate the path for organisations striving to stay at the forefront of AI and Gen AI's fast-paced advancement.

However, it seems the issue is further complicated by a noteworthy skills shortage in ANZ, which 74% of businesses recognise compared to 67% worldwide. While other regions prize creativity and creative thinking as top skills, ANZ decision-makers are on the lookout for logical and critical thinking along with complex decision-making abilities.

Dell Technologies Innovation Catalyst Research reached these conclusions based on responses from 6,600 IT and business decision-makers across 40 countries. Revealing that 81% of respondents in ANZ foresee AI and GenAI significantly transforming industries, the study also illuminates the varying degrees to which organisations are prepared for the rapid evolution of these technologies.

Angela Fox, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Dell Technologies Australia and New Zealand, accentuated the need for local business leaders to continue investing in their security posture. This is particularly crucial in light of the fact that 68% are pursuing a Zero Trust strategy, as compared to 89% globally. Meanwhile, 74% of ANZ organisations report a current talent shortage for innovation in their industry, indicating the need for skills in learning agility and desire, AI fluency, logical, critical thinking and complex decision-making in the coming years.