Growing Disagreement on Artificial Intelligence Benefits and Dangers
A new survey by Axis Capital highlights a growing disagreement between top business leaders regarding the benefits and dangers of artificial intelligence. While the technology helps strengthen digital defenses, it is also giving hackers more powerful tools to launch attacks.
Vincent Tizzio, the CEO of Axis, explained to CNBC that AI is much more than just a technical hurdle. He noted that the technology brings a specific set of responsibilities and challenges for both company boards and chief executives to manage.
A Split in Leadership Views on AI
The study, which included 250 CEOs and CISOs from the US and the UK, revealed a sharp difference in viewpoints. CEOs primarily see AI as a tool to work quickly and surpass their competitors, while CISOs are more concerned about potential issues like data breaches.
This difference is evident in their trust levels. When asked if they believe AI will actually make their companies safer, approximately 19.5% of CEOs expressed a lack of confidence.
In contrast, 30% of security personnel shared this sentiment. According to Tizzio, many executives are now questioning the specific technologies they are purchasing for their companies due to the rapid development of AI.
Leaders' sense of preparedness is also influenced by geography. While 85% of American CEOs believe they are prepared for AI-related risks, only 44% of their U.K. counterparts share this opinion.
Rising Budgets for Digital Safety Amidst Concerns
Despite these worries, funding for internet safety remains a key priority. Eighty-two percent of those surveyed intend to increase their security budgets in the upcoming year, a move driven by the nearly twofold increase in ransomware cases over the past two years. Tizzio concluded that protecting against these digital threats is now a regular part of every conversation regarding a company’s health.
Further supporting the Axis Capital findings, the recently released World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026 confirms a deepening rift in corporate leadership. As per a report published on January 12 this year, 94% of leaders currently believe that artificial intelligence will be the main force behind cybersecurity progress in 2026.
There has been a clear shift in focus at the top. For the first time, CEOs are more worried about cyber-enabled fraud than ransomware. While security leaders continue to prioritize operational threats like ransomware assaults, their concerns are increasingly focused on identity theft and AI-driven schemes.
This mismatch in viewpoints means that leadership teams in international businesses are facing new, often misguided expectations due to the financial and human risks associated with AI, despite advancements in technology security.