Urgent Action Needed: UK CISOs Fear DeepSeek AI Will Trigger National Cyber Crisis
DeepSeek AI, a Chinese powerhouse, is raising serious cybersecurity concerns among UK Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). A new survey reveals widespread fear of a potential national cyber crisis if the technology isn’t urgently regulated.
London, August 2025 – The hype surrounding generative AI has faded for many security professionals. For Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), the reality is far more menacing, particularly around Chinese AI giant DeepSeek. A recent poll of 250 UK CISOs, commissioned by Absolute Security for its UK Resilience Risk Index Report, reveals a stark and immediate threat.
81% of UK CISOs believe DeepSeek requires immediate government regulation to address concerns encompassing data handling practices and potential misuse. The poll highlights a growing fear that DeepSeek, among other comparable AI tools, could serve as a catalyst for a widespread cyber crisis. This isn’t theoretical; existing cybersecurity breaches, like the recent Harrods incident, demonstrate the already complex and hostile threats businesses face.
The survey’s findings paint a grim picture:
- AI Bans and Deployments Halted: 34% of UK CISOs have already implemented outright bans on AI tools due to security risks, and a further 30% have halted specific AI deployments. This isn’t a rejection of innovation, but rather a pragmatic response to the rapidly escalating threat.
- Predicting a Rise in Attacks: 60% of CISOs anticipate a direct increase in cyberattacks stemming from the proliferation of DeepSeek. An equal number report that the technology is already grappling with existing privacy and governance frameworks.
- AI Now a Major Threat: The perception of AI has shifted dramatically. 42% of CISOs now view AI as a greater threat than an asset in their defensive repertoire.
- Lack of Preparedness: A troubling 46% of senior security leaders admit their teams aren’t adequately prepared to manage the unique threats posed by AI-driven attacks. The development of tools like DeepSeek is outpacing defensive capabilities, creating a significant vulnerability gap.
Andy Ward, SVP International of Absolute Security, stresses the urgency of the situation. “Our research unequivocally highlights the significant risks posed by emerging AI tools like DeepSeek,” he states. “Organizations must proactively strengthen their cyber resilience and adapt their security frameworks to counter these AI-driven threats. The need for government regulation is paramount.”
Businesses are Investing in AI Mitigation – but Government Action is Crucial.
While 84% of organizations are prioritizing AI specialist hiring, and 80% are committing to C-suite AI training in 2025, these proactive steps are insufficient without a robust national regulatory framework. The UK’s security leaders are not seeking to stifle innovation, but to enable safe AI adoption.
Clear guidelines for deployment, governance, and monitoring of AI tools are essential to mitigate the risks and ensure a thriving future for both AI and cybersecurity.
Call to Action:
The survey underscores the urgent need for government intervention. A national regulatory framework is crucial to prevent DeepSeek-like tools from triggering a national cyber crisis. Without immediate action, the UK could face widespread disruption across various sectors. The time for debate is over; action is necessary.
Key Takeaways:
- DeepSeek and similar AI tools pose a direct and immediate threat to UK cybersecurity.
- Businesses recognize the need for AI, but a national strategy is required.
- UK CISOs demand immediate government regulation to address AI-driven risks.
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