What percentage of Australian businesses plan to further integrate AI by 2026?

71% of Australian businesses plan to further integrate AI into their activities by 2026.

How does CPA Australia describe the cybersecurity policies of some Australian companies?

CPA Australia found that 14% of Australian companies have what were described as inconsistent or mostly reactive approaches to cybersecurity policy.

What is CPA Australia's concern about the impact of AI on Australian businesses?

CPA Australia's Gavan Ord expressed concern that the reliance on digital technology, including the use of AI, could leave more Australian companies exposed to online attacks.

Home / Business and Economy / Cybersecurity Risks Soar as Australian Firms Rapidly Adopt AI

Cybersecurity Risks Soar as Australian Firms Rapidly Adopt AI

12 Nov

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Summary

18% of Australian businesses reported cyber incidents in past year
14% have inconsistent or reactive cybersecurity policies
71% of Australian firms plan to further integrate AI by 2026

Cybersecurity Risks Soar as Australian Firms Rapidly Adopt AI

According to a recent report by CPA Australia, the accelerating use of AI by Australian businesses is bringing new cybersecurity vulnerabilities that must be proactively managed. The CPA Australia Business Technology Report 2025, which surveyed 1,117 accounting and finance professionals across the Asia-Pacific region, found that 18% of Australian companies experienced loss of time or money due to cyber incidents over the past year.

The report also indicates that smaller businesses are particularly vulnerable, with 14% of Australian companies found to have inconsistent or mostly reactive approaches to cybersecurity policy. While Australian firms are marginally better prepared than the Asia-Pacific average, CPA Australia is cautioning businesses not to become complacent, especially as they increasingly integrate AI into their operations.