AI at the Edge: Security Chiefs Call for Rules to Prevent Crisis

UK security leaders are escalating warnings over Chinese AI company DeepSeek, with 81% of CISOs demanding immediate regulation by the government. A survey by Absolute Security of 250 CISOs found widespread concerns that uncontrolled AI could spark a national cyber crisis.

Findings reveal that 34% of CISOs have already banned AI tools, and 30% have shut down specific projects over safety concerns. Fears centre on DeepSeek’s ability to leak sensitive data and drive cyberattacks. Sixty percent expect attack volumes to rise, while 42% now perceive AI as more of a threat than an advantage.

Andy Ward of Absolute Security said that DeepSeek and similar tools are moving faster than defences can adapt, leaving businesses unprepared. Nearly half of CISOs acknowledged they are not equipped for AI-enabled attacks. Without regulation, the risk of economic disruption grows.

Still, organisations are not abandoning AI investments. Instead, 84% are hiring AI specialists, and 80% are training executives to develop in-house resilience while halting risky deployments.

The message from security leaders is firm: AI adoption must be guided by regulation and strategy. They urge government action to enable safe innovation, prevent disruption, and safeguard national security.