What's Happening?
New research from the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) indicates that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is simultaneously the leading cybersecurity concern and a significant growth opportunity for IT service providers (ITSPs). GTIA's 'Channel
Trends in Cybersecurity' research found that ITSPs in North America and the UK & Ireland are expanding their cybersecurity services, with AI influencing both their growth strategies and customer priorities. The Q3 2026 Quarterly Cybersecurity Tracker, a separate resource focusing on North America, identified AI-generated attacks as customers' primary cybersecurity concern. It also highlighted an uneven deployment of established protections, with less than half of providers reporting deployment of key security controls, such as multifactor authentication and immutable backups, to more than half of their customers. Carolyn April, Vice President, Research and Market Intelligence at GTIA, noted that concern about AI provides an opening for providers to help customers make practical security decisions, including setting rules for AI use and protecting data.
Why It's Important?
This research underscores a critical juncture in the cybersecurity landscape, where the rapid advancement of AI presents both enhanced threats and new avenues for protection. For U.S. businesses, the rise of AI-generated attacks means an increased need for sophisticated cybersecurity measures, driving demand for ITSP services. The uneven deployment of existing protections indicates a significant vulnerability across many organizations, making them susceptible to evolving AI-powered threats. This creates a substantial market opportunity for ITSPs to offer specialized AI-related cybersecurity solutions, including AI governance, model and data security, and acceptable-use policies. The willingness of customers to pay more for cybersecurity, as reported by three-quarters of providers, further emphasizes the urgency and value placed on robust protection in the face of AI-driven risks. This trend will likely lead to increased investment in cybersecurity infrastructure and expertise across various U.S. industries.
What's Next?
IT service providers are poised to significantly expand their cybersecurity offerings in response to these trends. Over three-quarters of respondents plan to add new cybersecurity solutions within the next year, with notable increases in identity and access management, data protection and privacy, and AI-related cybersecurity solutions. Nearly 60% plan to specifically add AI-related cybersecurity solutions. This expansion will likely involve developing new services around AI governance, model and data security, and acceptable-use policies. The research suggests that cybersecurity will continue to be a major revenue driver for ITSPs, with gains concentrated in identity, security management, cloud, and data solutions. As AI technology continues to evolve, the cybersecurity industry will need to adapt rapidly, focusing on innovative solutions to counter increasingly sophisticated AI-generated threats and ensure the secure integration of AI into business operations.
Beyond the Headlines
The dual nature of AI as both a threat and an opportunity in cybersecurity highlights a fundamental challenge of emerging technologies: their potential for both immense benefit and significant harm. This situation necessitates a proactive and adaptive approach to security, moving beyond traditional defenses to incorporate AI-specific safeguards. The uneven deployment of basic security controls suggests a broader issue of cybersecurity readiness across organizations, which could be exacerbated by the rapid pace of AI development. This also raises ethical considerations regarding the responsible development and deployment of AI, particularly in the context of its potential misuse by malicious actors. The findings imply a growing need for education and training within organizations to understand and mitigate AI-related risks, fostering a culture of security that keeps pace with technological advancements.
