As cyber threats grow more advanced and budgets remain tight, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are doubling down on AI-driven solutions to strengthen cybersecurity operations while managing rising costs, according to Wipro’s 2025 State of Cybersecurity Report.
The report shows a shift in spending behavior, with only 20% of global security leaders now allocating over 10% of their annual IT budgets to cybersecurity—a 12% drop from 2023. Yet, nearly 30% of respondents said AI automation is their top investment priority, especially to reduce operational costs and improve security response.
CISOs are increasingly leveraging AI to boost threat detection and enhance incident response, with 25% using it specifically for better incident handling. However, widespread adoption faces significant obstacles. A majority (84%) cited data privacy and quality issues as leading challenges, while around 75% struggle with internal skill shortages, pushing them toward costly external support or upskilling efforts.
Integration with outdated systems and budget constraints also continue to hinder progress, with 70% of leaders naming legacy systems and hardware investments as significant roadblocks.
To cut costs further, CISOs are turning to tools rationalization—analyzing and consolidating redundant tools to improve efficiency. Just over a quarter of respondents identified this as a key cost-optimization strategy. Tool sprawl, long a concern for security teams, is driving frustration across organizations.
Additionally, 23% are refining security processes, while 20% aim to simplify operational models.
Wipro’s study highlights a more strategic posture in cybersecurity planning. Nearly all respondents (97%) are investing in Zero Trust frameworks, while 82% are prioritizing IoT security. Around 78% are backing Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions to address the demands of cloud growth and remote work.
As AI tools multiply, 55% of CISOs are now placing emphasis on implementing guardrails for Large Language Models (LLMs), ensuring secure and responsible usage across enterprise systems.
“In the face of complex technologies, shifting regulations, and persistent threats, security leaders must evolve from reactive roles to strategic risk advisors,” said Tony Buffomante, SVP and Global Head of Cybersecurity & Risk Services at Wipro. “AI empowers CISOs to deliver risk-adjusted outcomes while enhancing resilience.”
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News Source: ITPro.com
