AI-related risks are said to be a rapidly growing issue. Credit: Pungu x/Shutterstock.

The latest poll among chief internal auditors (CIAs) reveals that AI cybersecurity risks are set to dominate the business threat landscape in 2025 and beyond.  

Cybersecurity remains the top concern, with AI-related risks a rapidly growing issue. 

According to research by the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (Chartered IIA), conducted with nearly 1,000 CIAs across 20 European countries, 83% of respondents identified cyber and data security as a top five risk.  

This concern is said to be driven by the rise of deep-fake attacks and increasingly sophisticated AI-powered hacks. 

Chartered IIA chief executive Anne Kiem said: “While these technological advances offer tremendous opportunities, without proper safeguards they also pose significant threats.  

“Internal audit is uniquely equipped to provide assurance that cyber, digital and technology-related controls are not only in place but effective.” 

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Human capital including diversity, talent management and retention maintains its position as the second major risk, with 52% of CIAs ranking it in the top five.  

Organisations are faced with the challenge of balancing demographic shifts, skill shortages and budget constraints amidst growing digitalisation. 

Changes in laws and regulations take the third spot, with 46% of CIAs considering it a key risk.  

The Chartered IIA’s flagship report, Risk in Focus, highlights the transformative effect of technological threats on the risk landscape, particularly AI as the fastest-growing business risk. 

AI has climbed to the fourth-biggest risk this year, up from sixth, with 40% of CIAs citing it as a top five risk, an increase from 33% the previous year.  

The Chartered IIA emphasises the need for organisations to adapt quickly to stay competitive and meet consumer demands in the face of digital disruption and AI advancements. 

The report expects the AI risk to escalate, predicting that it will become the second-biggest risk by 2028.  

CIAs are encouraged to use their internal audit teams to evaluate cyber and digital controls and recommend necessary improvements to mitigate these emerging threats. 

Macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties, influenced by conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, were noted as top risks by 39% of CIAs.  

Additionally, 33% of CIAs pointed to climate change, biodiversity and environmental sustainability as top risks, with regulatory changes including the EU’s Corporate Social Responsibility Directive expected to push these concerns higher by 2028.