ISC2 has released its 2025 AI Adoption Pulse Survey, revealing insights into the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) security tools among cybersecurity teams worldwide. The survey, which gathered responses from 436 cybersecurity professionals across various organizations, aims to assess how AI adoption is influencing team effectiveness, hiring practices, and the emergence of new roles within the sector.
“AI is reshaping how organizations operate, and cybersecurity is no exception,” said ISC2 Chief Qualifications Officer Casey Marks. “Our latest AI Survey shows cautious but growing interest in AI security tools, with adoption expected to accelerate in the future.” Notably, 44% of professionals indicated that the current or expected implementation of AI security tools has not affected hiring, while 28% believe that AI could create new opportunities for entry-level talent.
The survey indicates that 30% of cybersecurity professionals have already integrated AI security tools into their operations, defined as “AI-enabled security solutions, generative AI, and/or agentic AI for automatic action.” Furthermore, 42% of respondents are exploring or testing the adoption of such tools, suggesting a strong momentum toward future implementation. Among those who have adopted AI security tools, 70% report positive impacts on their team’s overall effectiveness.
Key areas where AI security tools are expected to yield the most immediate benefits include network monitoring and intrusion detection (60%), endpoint protection and response (56%), vulnerability management (50%), threat modeling (45%), and security testing (43%). The largest organizations, particularly those with over 10,000 employees, lead in AI adoption, with 37% actively using these tools. Mid-to-large organizations (2,500–9,999 employees) and smaller firms (100–499 employees) also show significant adoption rates of 33%, while mid-sized (500–2,499 employees) and the smallest organizations (1–99 employees) lag behind at 20% adoption.
In terms of industry trends, industrial enterprises (38%), IT services (36%), commercial and consumer sectors (36%), and professional services organizations (34%) are at the forefront of adopting AI for security operations. Conversely, financial services and the public sector report the lowest adoption rates at 21% and 16%, respectively. Notably, despite being among the least adopters, these sectors are actively considering AI integration, with 41% of professionals in financial services and 36% in the public sector evaluating potential options.
The survey also delves into the impact of AI on hiring, particularly at the entry level. More than half of respondents (52%) believe that AI will significantly or somewhat reduce the need for entry-level staff. However, a more optimistic 31% contend that AI could create new types of entry- and junior-level roles, potentially balancing out the decline in traditional early-career opportunities.
Amid these shifts, nearly half (44%) of respondents stated that their organization’s cybersecurity hiring has not been affected by the introduction of AI security tools, while 21% acknowledge that AI has altered their hiring plans and priorities. The findings suggest that AI security tools are not only reshaping the landscape of cybersecurity roles but also prompting organizations to reconsider the skills needed to support AI adoption.
The report underscores the importance for organizations to navigate the evolving influence of AI in cybersecurity carefully. As AI continues to advance, it is essential for companies to embrace its efficiencies while also prioritizing investment in entry-level opportunities. This balance is crucial to ensure that the cybersecurity workforce remains agile, skilled, and prepared for future challenges in an increasingly digital world.
