Businesses rapidly adopt AI for cybersecurity, OECD data show

SHOTS Desk · Tue · 27 Oct 2026 · 20:35 · Reported

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, businesses are turning to AI to strengthen cybersecurity, while individuals are taking greater control of personal data online, new OECD data show.

In 2025, 5.3% of enterprises used AI for ICT security, roughly one-quarter of all enterprises using AI. Adoption rose 23.2% from 2024, 68.6% from 2023, and more than doubled its 2021 level.

Use varies sharply by firm size: 26.7% of large enterprises adopted AI for ICT security in 2025, against 9.6% of medium-sized firms and 3.7% of small firms. By sector, 18.1% of information and communication firms used it, compared with 8.9% in professional and scientific activities and 2.1% in accommodation and food services.

On personal data, the share of individuals changing browser settings to limit cookies rose 26.8% between 2020 and 2025. Shares refusing use of personal data for advertising and restricting location access rose 17.2% and 14.0% respectively. Individuals with higher educational attainment we

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