UK business leaders heighten focus on AI-related cybersecurity risks

In March, UK business leaders reported increased concern about cybersecurity risks linked to artificial intelligence (AI). Concern rose by seven percentage points month-on-month, with 58% indicating concern compared to 51% in February, representing the highest level recorded to date.

The findings come from Expleo’s AI Pulse sentiment tracker, which combines measures of worry, excitement, trust and confidence into a single score on a 0–100 scale. AI-related cybersecurity sentiment increased in March, bringing the issue into greater focus.

The data indicates growing concern about AI’s role in cybersecurity. While AI is seen as having potential applications in addressing cyber threats, its use may also introduce risks, including the potential for sensitive data exposure in AI tools and limitations in access controls.

Overall sentiment towards AI among UK business leaders remains positive. The AI Pulse sentiment score was 64 in March, unchanged from February, but down ten points from a peak of 74 in September 2025. This suggests continued interest in AI’s potential alongside increased attention to associated risks.

Levels of trust in organisations to use AI ethically remain stable, with around 70% of leaders expressing confidence in responsible deployment. A similar proportion (71%) report positive expectations regarding AI’s opportunities.

Organisations are responding to these concerns by introducing or updating policies, strengthening controls and increasing testing of AI systems to reduce the risk of misuse or exploitation. This reflects a shift towards a phase of broader implementation, with a focus on operational requirements and risk management.

As AI adoption continues to expand, organisations are addressing both its potential applications and the requirements for secure and controlled use.