UPDATE: Cybersecurity automation is now deemed critical for 100% of Australian organizations, according to new findings released today by ThreatQuotient, a Securonix company. The 20 November 2025 report reveals that Australian cybersecurity teams are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance productivity and combat escalating cyber threats.
The report, titled “Evolution of Cybersecurity Automation and AI Adoption,” indicates a significant increase from 86% last year, with 100% of Australian cybersecurity professionals now viewing AI-enhanced automation as essential. This marks Australia as a leader in adopting cybersecurity automation, with the most consistent upward trend reported since 2022.
While the adoption of automation is on the rise, challenges remain. A staggering 95% of Australian respondents report facing obstacles in implementing cybersecurity automation, primarily due to technology issues. However, as organizations pivot towards AI integration, human factors such as skills shortages and departmental silos have emerged as key barriers.
Interestingly, 55% of Australian organizations have received new funding for cybersecurity automation this year, compared to 49% globally. This reflects a growing commitment to improving key performance indicators, including Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) and Mean Time to Respond (MTTR), which are now prioritized by 60% and 58% of respondents, respectively.
The study surveyed 750 senior cybersecurity professionals across Australia, the UK, and the USA, emphasizing the urgency of adopting AI to enhance threat detection and response times. The top motivations for AI deployment are evenly split, with 50% of Australian organizations focusing on productivity improvements, while another 50% aim for greater efficiency.
Leon Ward, Chief Transformation Officer at Securonix, stated, “Australian organizations are embracing AI-powered automation at an unprecedented pace. This shift is no longer optional; it’s essential.” However, Ward cautioned that tactical uncertainties and skill shortages remain significant hurdles.
Despite the push from senior leadership—60% are eager for efficiency gains and 68% for productivity boosts—31% of respondents cite gaining management buy-in as a persistent challenge. This contradiction highlights the need for clearer use cases to unlock the competitive benefits of AI.
The report also reveals that 31% of Australian respondents have experienced AI system failures, with political implications in supplier selection being a top concern for 32% of respondents. Ethical issues and fears of over-reliance on AI follow closely behind.
Ward concluded, “With clear performance metrics and growing maturity, Australia is well-positioned to lead the next phase of cybersecurity transformation. However, balancing innovation with caution is crucial.”
For a deeper dive into these findings, visit the full report at ThreatQuotient.
