Proofpoint, Inc. has released its 2026 AI and Human Risk Landscape report, shedding light on the challenges organizations face as they rapidly adopt AI technologies. The report, based on a survey of over 1,400 security professionals from 12 countries, highlights a significant gap between AI deployment and security preparedness. With AI systems now operational across various functions, organizations are finding it difficult to ensure their security controls are effective against potential AI compromises.
The study reveals that 87% of organizations have moved beyond pilot stages with AI assistants, and 76% are rolling out autonomous agents. Despite these advancements, 52% of organizations are not fully confident in their AI security controls' ability to detect compromised systems. Furthermore, half of the organizations with existing controls have already experienced AI-related incidents, indicating a pressing need for improved security measures.
AI's integration into enterprise workflows has expanded the attack surface, with threats spreading rapidly across email, cloud applications, and collaboration platforms. The report notes that while email remains a primary threat vector, AI-related incidents are increasingly affecting other channels, including social and messaging platforms. This widespread exposure underscores the necessity for comprehensive security strategies that encompass all potential points of vulnerability.
Investigation readiness remains a significant challenge, as only one-third of organizations feel fully prepared to handle AI-related incidents. The complexity of managing multiple security tools further complicates incident response, with 94% of organizations finding tool management challenging. This fragmentation limits visibility and slows response times, emphasizing the need for a unified security platform.
To address these issues, organizations are encouraged to pursue vendor and tool consolidation, expand AI protections, and enhance collaboration channel coverage. By adopting a unified platform approach, organizations can improve their security posture and better manage the risks associated with AI deployment. As AI continues to transform enterprise operations, establishing robust security foundations will be crucial for scaling AI confidently and securely.
Source: https://www.proofpoint.com/us/newsroom/press-releases/proofpoint-research-reveals-half-global-organizations-experienced-ai