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IT Teams Prioritize Security Ahead of AI Push
23 Feb
Summary
- Data security is the top modernization concern for 69% of IT leaders in 2026.
- Half of IT leaders find bridging hybrid cloud and on-prem environments challenging.
- Only 35% of IT teams believe they possess the necessary skills for current systems.
In 2026, IT leaders overwhelmingly identify data security as their primary modernization concern, with 69% citing it as a top priority. Confidence in passing regulatory audits is notably low, with just over a third feeling extremely prepared.
The complexity of hybrid IT environments presents a significant hurdle, as 51% of IT leaders struggle to effectively connect cloud and on-premise systems. Current challenges also include maintaining data quality, ensuring robust access control, and managing storage costs within hybrid cloud security frameworks.
Compounding these issues are widespread reliance on legacy systems for critical operations and a pronounced skills gap. A mere 35% of IT teams believe they possess the requisite skills for today's systems, indicating a need for substantial upskilling and modernization.
Artificial intelligence is seen as a potential solution for enhancing security and optimizing processes, yet infrastructure readiness for AI remains a concern for many. Consequently, alongside data security investments, two in three companies are focusing on improving data accessibility to support AI initiatives.
