A recent study by application security SaaS company Indusface has revealed that 77% of global businesses are actively pursuing the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
However, despite this widespread adoption, a concerning 91% of organisations admit they are not fully prepared to manage the risks associated with AI.
The study specifically examined UK businesses to identify the sectors most at risk of becoming overly dependent on AI. The findings highlight the increasing reliance on AI across various industries, with some sectors moving faster than others in embracing the technology.
Legal Sector Leads in AI Adoption
The legal sector emerges as the leading industry in AI adoption within the UK. According to the survey, 30% of law firms have already integrated AI into their operations, with an additional 31% planning to do so. AI is being used to revolutionise legal research, analysis, and due diligence, significantly enhancing the quality of legal services. However, the rapid pace of AI adoption raises concerns about the sector’s potential over-reliance on the technology.
Following closely behind is the IT and telecoms sector, where 29.5% of businesses have adopted AI. The technology is leveraged for network optimisation, predictive maintenance, customer service automation, security, and data analytics. These applications demonstrate the broad scope of AI’s impact on the industry.
In the finance and accounting sector, 26% of UK businesses have embraced AI for various tasks, including fraud detection, credit risk assessment, financial reporting, tax preparation, and customer service. While AI offers numerous benefits in these areas, there is a growing concern that its increasing role could introduce new vulnerabilities in financial services.
Growing Concerns About AI Dependence
As AI becomes more ingrained in business operations, concerns about over-reliance are also growing. Forbes Advisor research indicates that almost six in ten (59%) Brits are worried about the use of artificial intelligence. This apprehension underscores the importance of addressing the risks associated with AI while capitalising on its potential benefits.
Venky Sundar, Founder and President of Indusface, offered his perspective on the dangers of excessive AI reliance in business: “Any sectors powered by tech as a key element of their business, from farming to finance, are at risk of relying too much on AI.”
He cautioned that while AI can assist in conceptualising and building code, it should be used as a “sidekick, not a dependent,” particularly in software development. Sundar emphasised that businesses should continue to follow best practices such as vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, patching, and implementing Web Application and API Protection (WAAP) measures to prevent attacks.
Navigating the Risks of AI in Business
Sundar also highlighted the risks associated with using large language models (LLMs) as an input interface for products. Traditional software inputs, such as text boxes or dropdown lists, are predictable and controlled. However, AI’s ability to interpret prompts removes this predictability, potentially leading to serious security risks.
To mitigate these risks, Sundar recommends that companies maintain separate knowledge bases for productivity and defence use cases, ensuring they are continuously trained and updated. He also stressed the importance of human oversight in managing AI systems, with diverse teams maintaining datasets to ensure comprehensive and unbiased decision-making.
As AI continues to reshape industries across the UK, businesses must strike a balance between harnessing its power and managing the associated risks. With careful planning, oversight, and adherence to best practices, companies can leverage AI to drive innovation while safeguarding against potential vulnerabilities.
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