AI innovation is continuing to surge at an exponential rate – with research from McKinsey revealing that 72% of businesses have implemented AI into at least one business function.

In response to the increased adoption of AI by businesses, more companies are beginning to appoint Chief AI Officers (CAIOs) to help harness the benefits that AI has to offer. However, Paul Holland, CEO of Beyond Encryption explains that this role has mainly taken a commercial stance, leaving CAIOs to implement AI strategies that enhance business operations and drive innovation. While this is a central aspect to a CAIOs role, it means that many organisations are failing to consider this role from a cybersecurity perspective.

With 75% of security professionals reporting they have witnessed an increase in attacks over the past year – with 85% attributing this rise to the number of threat actors leveraging AI – it’s clear that businesses need to up their game in defending against increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks. A CAIO has the potential to implement AI solutions that go beyond business efficiency and develop strategies that ensure cybersecurity is prioritised to help detect and prevent AI-driven threats.

So what are the benefits in appointing a dedicated CAIO, from a cybersecurity perspective?

A source of knowledge and advocate for innovation

For many CEOs, AI is no more than a buzzword, and too many organisations are rushing into appointing a CAIO, simply to capitalise on the “AI hype” – resulting in unnecessarily bloat within the C-Suite and executive leadership team. However, businesses should not neglect the importance of appointing a dedicated AI expert to their team, as they can ensure an organisation remains one step ahead of the competition and at the forefront of all technological advancements.

However, with greater access to AI comes an increased level of risk. A CAIO is the key to mitigating these risks, as they have the ability to  establish stronger security frameworks and implement resilient operations to combat threats in the digital landscape. By aligning with the rest of the board and working alongside the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), a CAIO can integrate measures to promote resilience and appease all members of the C-Suite, gaining their all-important buy-in.

Someone to spearhead digital transformation

Many businesses are unprepared for increasingly sophisticated AI driven forms of cyber attacks. This makes having a professional with AI expertise in the boardroom even more important, as they can make sure senior leadership are well informed and allow them to make decisions around the associated risks and benefits of AI technologies. A CAIO also has the power to influence budget allocations towards cybersecurity and make sure employee training programs are implemented to help safeguard an organisation’s digital infrastructure. This dual focus on security and innovation supports employees in leveraging AI technologies correctly and ensures that businesses remain secure in the process.

CAIOs also play a central role in identifying and mitigating potential vulnerabilities within AI systems themselves, given they would be responsible for making sure that all models are free from any biases and remain transparent. This process involves regular audits to ensure that all AI implementations stay ahead of evolving cyber threats, which a CAIO is perfectly placed to carry out.

A dedicated checkpoint during a crisis

With reports revealing that 50% of UK businesses suffered some form of cyber attack in 2023, a CAIO’s role in coordinating a swift response from the top down and developing a recovery strategy has never been more important.

Through leveraging AI tools to proactively detect and flag security incidents to the correct stakeholders within a business, CAIOs can lead the way when it comes to utilising predictive analytics. By navigating the cyberthreat landscape and mitigating current threats and future risks, they can ensure a business’ data and assets are protected through implementing pre-emptive measures,

To make this process as seamless as possible, CAIOs must foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation around security within their organisation. By adopting comprehensive training programs that extend beyond basic compliance, organisations can also make sure that all employees stay informed about the latest AI advancements and best cybersecurity practices. This well-rounded strategy enables employees to utilise AI securely while safeguarding against cyber threats.

A buffer for shareholder confidence

With many concerns being raised over AI’s ethical standards, a CAIO has the ability to uphold a company’s reputation and maintain trust to reassure stakeholders that consumer privacy has not been compromised.

A CAIO is a benchmark in checking that an organisation is consistently using AI in a transparent and responsible manner, and ensures that all AI implementation is aligned with stakeholder interests by closely monitoring the integration of AI into a codified corporate strategy. This not only helps to solidify a company’s position in the market, but it also boosts shareholder confidence by demonstrating a strong commitment to ethical AI practises.

In short, a CAIO brings the know-how and authority needed to make the most of AI while keeping risks at arms length. With their expertise, A CAIO holds the roadmap on how to use AI responsibly while also being able to shape digital transformation plans, handle crises, and maintain stakeholder trust. This highlights the importance of having a CAIO in your C-Suite, especially as cyber threats continue to become more sophisticated.