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Artificial intelligence (AI) has become the top cybersecurity investment priority for companies worldwide, as a vast majority admit they are ill-prepared to withstand growing digital threats, according to PwC’s 2026 Global Digital Trust Insights report.
The report surveyed nearly 4,000 business and technology executives across 72 countries, revealing that only 6 percent of organisations consider themselves ‘very capable’ of resisting cyberattacks across all key areas, highlighting a widening readiness gap amid an increasingly complex threat landscape.
Despite this, 78 percent of companies plan to increase their cybersecurity budgets in the next 12 months, with AI commanding the largest share (36 percent) of new investments. Cloud security (34 percent), network security (28 percent), and data protection (26 percent) follow as other major areas of focus.
“AI presents a significant opportunity to strengthen cyber defence, but success depends on closing the skills gap and integrating these technologies into broader risk frameworks,” said Femi Osinubi, consulting and risk services leader, PwC Nigeria.
“Nigerian businesses must invest not just in AI-driven tools but also in developing local talent. Combining technology and skills is key to protecting Nigeria’s digital economy and infrastructure.”
PwC stated that the findings mark a turning point for global businesses that are now betting on AI-driven defence systems to detect, anticipate, and neutralise threats faster.
The report underscores that while AI adoption is accelerating, skills shortages remain a major barrier. Half (50 percent) of respondents cited a lack of knowledge in applying AI to cyber defence as a key challenge, while 41 percent pointed to insufficient expertise.
Meanwhile, one in four businesses (27 percent) said their most damaging data breach over the past three years cost at least $1 million, with large enterprises and technology, media, and telecom (TMT) firms facing the greatest exposure.
PwC also warned that organisations must prepare for next-generation risks, including quantum computing threats, which 49 percent of companies have yet to address due to limited understanding and resources.
“Cyber resilience comes from foresight, not hindsight. The organisations that will lead in the future are those investing in AI and cyber skills not just to respond, but to anticipate,” said Sean Joyce, Global Cybersecurity and Privacy Leader, PwC US.
