U.S. Chief Information Security Officers Support AI Deregulation, Excluding DeepSeek
The Views of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) on AI and Deregulation
Strong Support for Deregulation
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are expressing strong support for the current U.S. Administration’s Executive Order (EO) aimed at reducing regulations that hinder advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). A recent survey conducted by Censuswide, involving 500 CISOs from various U.S. organizations, revealed that the majority of these security leaders see potential benefits in keeping up with AI innovation. Specifically, about 79% of CISOs believe that existing AI policies that impede progress should be reassessed and potentially revoked. Additionally, 70% expect more deregulation in the near future.
Balancing Innovation with Security
While many CISOs are optimistic about the potential of deregulation to inspire innovation, they also recognize the challenges it brings to their organizations’ security. A significant 61% of those surveyed indicated that a relaxed regulatory environment makes it harder to protect against cyber threats and risks. This scenario has prompted many security leaders to adjust their focus. As AI technology rapidly evolves, CISOs are now prioritizing resilience within their security strategies rather than relying solely on traditional cybersecurity measures.
Emphasizing Cyber Resilience
In light of these changes, 83% of CISOs argue that cyber resilience is now more important for their organizations than conventional cybersecurity methods. In fact, 90% of those surveyed have already implemented a cyber resilience strategy as a response to the shifting technological landscape. The increased urgency for resilience stems from the dual pressures of rapid AI adoption and diminishing government oversight in technology.
The Rise of DeepSeek and Its Implications
Concerns About DeepSeek
Separately, the introduction of DeepSeek, a generative AI platform from China, has raised serious concerns among CISOs. The survey indicated that 69% of respondents believe that the usage of DeepSeek could lead to a spike in cyberattacks. Consequently, 65% of CISOs have banned the use of this tool within their organizations. Despite these apprehensions, there is notable AI adoption within U.S. organizations, with 89% reporting that they are incorporating AI solutions into their operations.
Uncertainty and Risk Factors
However, there is a surprising lack of awareness surrounding the integration of generative AI tools among security leaders. About 44% of CISOs are uncertain about the extent of generative AI’s use and the nature of information being shared through these tools. Increasingly, there is concern that Shadow AI—the unauthorized use of AI tools—could lead to significant data breaches, as indicated by 71% of respondents.
The Call for Government Oversight
Despite their overall support for deregulation, CISOs believe that the government should play an essential role in regulating emerging technologies like DeepSeek. A strong 77% of survey participants feel that it is the government’s responsibility to enforce guidelines similar to regulations imposed on social media platforms, such as TikTok.
As highlighted by Christy Wyatt, the CEO of Absolute Security, this survey indicates a clear and unified perspective among CISOs. They support removing barriers that obstruct innovation while remaining highly aware of the risks associated with rapid technological changes. The survey suggests that security leaders are indeed adopting resilience-focused strategies to safeguard their organizations in an evolving landscape defined by AI.
