UK CISOs Warn AI Tool DeepSeek Threatens Cybersecurity, Urgent Action

Post by : Ramanpreet Kaur

Photo : Reuters

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been widely praised as a technology that can make businesses faster, smarter, and more efficient. From automating tasks to analyzing huge amounts of data, AI promised a new era of innovation. However, for the people on the front lines of cybersecurity—the Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) AI is starting to feel like a double-edged sword.

In particular, a Chinese AI tool called DeepSeek is causing concern across the United Kingdom. Many CISOs worry that this tool could be misused by cybercriminals to access sensitive company data or even disrupt national infrastructure. According to a recent survey conducted by Absolute Security for its UK Resilience Risk Index Report, 81% of UK CISOs believe the government must urgently regulate DeepSeek. They fear that without strict rules, the AI platform could become a trigger for a widespread cyber crisis.

Immediate Actions by Security Leaders

The survey included 250 CISOs from large UK organizations, giving a clear view of the real-world concerns facing corporate defense teams. The results show that AI is no longer a theoretical issue—it is a pressing problem affecting business operations and national security.

Many security leaders are already taking proactive steps:

• 34% have banned AI tools entirely within their organizations due to cybersecurity risks.

• 30% have stopped using specific AI applications that they consider vulnerable.

These measures are not meant to slow innovation. Instead, they are practical ways to protect businesses while AI technology and cyber threats continue to evolve.

Why DeepSeek Is a Concern

The main problem with platforms like DeepSeek is their potential to expose sensitive data. Cybercriminals could exploit the AI system to launch attacks or steal corporate secrets. According to the survey:

• 60% of CISOs predict an increase in cyberattacks due to AI tools like DeepSeek.

• 60% report that AI is already complicating privacy and governance rules, making their jobs much harder.

• 42% now see AI as more of a threat than a help in their cybersecurity efforts.

Andy Ward, SVP International at Absolute Security, emphasized: “New AI tools like DeepSeek are changing the cyber threat landscape. They can accelerate attacks and put sensitive information at risk. Organizations need to strengthen their defenses immediately. That’s why security leaders are calling for government regulation.”

The Preparedness Gap

Perhaps the most worrying finding is that many security teams feel unprepared. Nearly half (46%) of CISOs say their teams cannot fully manage AI-driven threats. As AI technology develops faster than existing security measures, a dangerous gap is forming, leaving organizations vulnerable to attacks.

Ward warns, “Without clear national rules on how AI should be used, monitored, and governed, companies and even entire sectors of the UK economy could face serious disruptions.”

Businesses Respond Strategically

Despite the risks, UK businesses are not abandoning AI. They understand its enormous potential to improve operations, customer service, and decision-making. Instead of stopping, companies are taking a strategic pause to adopt AI safely.

Key steps businesses are taking include:

• Hiring AI specialists: 84% of organizations are focusing on bringing in experts to manage AI safely.

• Training executives: 80% of companies are providing AI training for C-suite leaders to ensure decisions are informed and safe.

• Building internal expertise: By strengthening teams with AI knowledge, companies hope to balance external threats and internal capabilities.

This approach shows that businesses want to benefit from AI while avoiding the risks it may bring. The goal is to create a safe and controlled environment for AI innovation.

Calls for Government Action

The message from UK security chiefs is clear: AI should continue to develop, but safely and responsibly. CISOs are asking for a stronger partnership with the government to ensure national security and protect businesses. Experts suggest that a comprehensive approach should include:

• Clear rules and regulations for AI deployment.

• Government oversight to monitor AI use and prevent misuse.

• Skilled AI workforce to handle complex security challenges.

• National cybersecurity strategy to prepare for AI-related risks.

Ward concludes: “The time for debate is over. Immediate action and clear guidelines are needed to make sure AI helps society rather than causing new problems. Without strong regulation, the risks will only grow.”

AI is an exciting and powerful technology, but it comes with real challenges. Tools like DeepSeek offer both opportunities and dangers. UK CISOs are taking practical steps to protect businesses, yet they are calling on the government to act fast. By combining regulation, skilled professionals, and strong security practices, the country can enjoy AI’s benefits while minimizing its threats.

The warning from UK security leadership is loud and clear: AI innovation must proceed, but it cannot be left unchecked. Businesses and government must work together to ensure AI remains a force for progress, not a catalyst for crisis.

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