AI investments face integration, compliance, and skills challenges: survey

Network engineers report that they see the current and future value in using artificial intelligence for network management and cybersecurity purposes, according to new survey results, but they also anticipate more barriers to successful adoption than their C-suite counterparts.

Network technology provider Opengear surveyed some 513 CIOs and CSOs and 508 network engineers across the U.K., U.S., France, Germany, and Australia to learn more about how organizations are applying AI in network management and cybersecurity efforts. “The adoption of AI in network management is widespread and growing, with enterprises recognizing its potential to enhance cybersecurity, automate routine tasks, and improve operational efficiency,” the report reads.

An overwhelming majority (94%) of CIOs and CSOs have started implementing AI for network management, and 58% of those executives report the implementation is complete. Yet just 42% of network engineers reported their businesses have fully implemented AI for network management. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of network engineers report that AI has been integrated into their cybersecurity systems to some degree, and 28% say it has been fully integrated. Still, 70% of network engineers said they believe AI will enhance their organization’s ability to respond to cybersecurity efforts, with only 27% saying it will significantly reduce response times.