Three in 4 Australian organisations to spice up cyber budgets this 12 months; AI tops the agenda

Monday, 13 October 2025

Australian organisations are accelerating AI‑enabled cybersecurity, with three in 4 planning finances will increase over the subsequent 12 months as AI turns into their high precedence, in response to new analysis launched by PwC Australia.  

Surveying over 100 Australian companies and tech leaders, the 2026 Digital Trusts Insights report discovered organisations are more and more involved about AI-powered cyberattacks.

AI funding drives cybersecurity innovation

Over half of Australian organisations expressed concern about AI-driven malware and provide chain assaults, reflecting the worldwide escalation in malicious AI use. This is resulting in AI being the biggest precedence in cyber budgets over the subsequent 12 months, with 37% of organisations saying AI is their high precedence. 

The analysis discovered organisations have been challenged by a lack of know-how within the software of AI for cyber defence, prompting organisations to prioritise coaching in AI and machine studying, and to upskill and reskill cyber groups to deal with cyber expertise gaps over the subsequent 12 months. 

PwC Australia Cybersecurity and Privacy Partner Robert Di Pietro mentioned that AI has introduced a brand new dimension to cybersecurity throughout the globe: “AI is transforming cybersecurity across the world. The integration of AI into cybersecurity is a double-edged sword with adversaries experimenting with AI-powered cyberattacks, while Australian organisations are leaning in and investing in skills and responsible AI to strengthen defences and build digital trust.” 

“It is important Australian companies stay vigilant and proactive in leveraging AI to strengthen their security systems, while also understanding the new risks brought about by AI technology.”

Addressing Cyber Skills Shortages and Rising Budgets Signal Commitment 

Cyber expertise deficits stay a priority for tech leaders, with a lack of know-how within the software of AI for cyber defence and lack of related expertise being the highest two challenges for organisations over the past 12 months when implementing AI for cyber defence. 

Mr Di Pietro added: “The survey found 50% of organisations will focus on upskilling and re-skilling over the next 12 months to fill critical cyber skills gaps, and over half of respondents will prioritise AI event detection and behavioural analytics. This differs from the global trend, where companies are prioritising AI threat hunting.”

Nearly 75% say their cyber finances will improve over the subsequent 12 months, and solely 13% of organisations expect their cyber budgets to lower in 2026 – greater than double the worldwide common of 6%. 

The survey revealed that whereas practically half of Australian leaders are prioritising spending on enhancements in preparedness, solely 35% are prioritising knowledge safety and belief, in comparison with 44% globally. 

“Sustained and strategic investment in cyber capabilities is essential to defend against emerging threats, especially as we see an increased prevalence of threats caused by artificial intelligence and quantum computing,” mentioned Mr Di Pietro. 

“As companies continue to deal with a growing list of cyber risks, the findings underscore the need for Australian organisations to accelerate their investment in data protection strategies to keep pace with global security standards and reduce vulnerabilities.”

A Unique Australian Concern: Quantum Computing 

Australian organisations are uniquely involved in regards to the rising dangers related to quantum computing, with 33% figuring out it as a significant risk – increased than the 26% world common. While solely 19% of native enterprise and tech leaders are fearful about knowledge poisoning, a important vulnerability amplified by the combination of enterprise AI instruments into enterprise operations.

Mr Di Pietro concluded: “The 2026 Digital Trust Insights survey underscores the critical need for Australian organisations to elevate their cybersecurity strategies by strengthening the foundations – including data governance and digital identities – to enable safe and secure adoption of emerging technological threats such as quantum computing and AI-driven attacks.”  

The Australian findings could be seen right here: 2026 Global Digital Trust Insights: C-suite playbook and findings