Kyndryl: Why IT and Cyber Remain a Hurdle for AI Adoption

The race to implement AI is well underway, with companies reexamining their internal operations to find just how and where they can implement the game-changing technology. 

Yet when they open the proverbial hood of their operations, many are finding themselves navigating a complex maze of opportunities and challenges. The promise of increased efficiency, enhanced customer experiences, and groundbreaking innovations tantalises executives, yet the path to realising these ambitions is fraught with obstacles.

IT leader Kyndryl’s newly released Readiness Report reflects this, offering a sobering glimpse into the state of digital transformation across various industries and global markets, but in doing so, also helps identify a problem that can be tackled. 

The cybersecurity conundrum

At the heart of the digital transformation challenge lies a pervasive and growing concern: cybersecurity. 

The Kyndryl report reveals a stark reality—while cybersecurity consistently tops the list of business concerns, with a majority of executives expressing worry about cyber-attacks, only a minority feel adequately prepared to manage these risks. 

This glaring gap between concern and readiness represents a significant hurdle in the journey towards AI adoption and IT modernisation.

The cybersecurity challenge is exacerbated by the state of many organisations' IT infrastructure. A substantial portion of mission-critical IT systems are approaching or have reached end-of-life, creating vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are all too eager to exploit. 

This ageing infrastructure not only poses security risks but also hampers the integration of advanced AI systems, which require robust, modern IT environments to function effectively.

The IT readiness paradox

Perhaps one of the most intriguing findings from the Kyndryl report is the paradoxical perception of IT readiness among executives. 

While a majority believe their IT infrastructure is best-in-class, only a minority think it's prepared to manage future risks. 

This disconnect between perceived capability and actual readiness is a significant barrier to progress, potentially leading to complacency and underinvestment in critical areas of IT modernisation and cybersecurity.

The implications of this readiness paradox are far-reaching. Organisations that overestimate their IT capabilities may be less likely to invest in necessary upgrades or cybersecurity measures, leaving them vulnerable to both cyber threats and technological obsolescence. 

This false sense of security can be particularly dangerous in the context of AI adoption, where robust, secure, and modern IT infrastructure is crucial for success.

Bridging the gap

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of AI adoption and IT modernisation remain compelling. Organisations that successfully navigate these hurdles report improved efficiency, greater innovation, and enhanced experiences for both employees and customers. 

However, realising these benefits requires a strategic approach that addresses the interconnected challenges of cybersecurity, IT modernisation, and talent acquisition.

To move forward, organisations must prioritise cybersecurity as a foundational element of their digital transformation efforts. This involves not only investing in modern security technologies but also fostering a culture of security awareness throughout the organisation. 

Simultaneously, companies must address the IT readiness paradox by conducting honest assessments of their infrastructure capabilities and investing in necessary upgrades.

By building a robust talent pipeline, organisations can ensure they have the expertise needed to implement AI securely and effectively.

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