Global Digital Trust Professionals Express Uncertainty and Lack of Training in New Poll on Generative AI: ISACA

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is generating uncertainty and a lack of training among global digital trust professionals, according to a new poll conducted by ISACA. The survey revealed that many organizations do not have policies in place for the use of generative AI, yet employees are still utilizing the technology. Only 28% of organizations permit the use of generative AI, while 10% have a comprehensive policy in place. More than a quarter of respondents said there is no policy and no plan for one. Despite this, over 40% said that employees are using generative AI regardless, and an additional 35% were unsure. The poll also found that only 6% of organizations provide training to all staff on AI, with 54% providing no AI training whatsoever. Only 25% of respondents indicated a high degree of familiarity with generative AI. The poll also explored concerns around the ethical implementation and potential risks of AI. Forty-one percent of respondents said that not enough attention is being paid to ethical standards in AI implementation, and 57% were worried about AI being exploited by bad actors. Additionally, 69% said that adversaries are using AI as successfully or more successfully than digital trust professionals. Respondents believed that roles such as security, IT operations, and risk and compliance were responsible for the safe deployment of AI. Looking ahead, 19% of organizations plan to open job roles related to AI in the next 12 months. While 45% believed that AI would lead to a significant number of job eliminations, 70% of digital trust professionals remained optimistic about their own roles, saying that it will have a positive impact. To realize this positive impact, 80% believed they would need additional training. Despite the uncertainties and risks surrounding AI, 80% of respondents believed that AI will have a positive or neutral impact on their industry, organization, and career. Additionally, 85% said that AI is a tool that extends human productivity, and 62% believed it would have a positive or neutral impact on society as a whole.