AI the Top Priority for New Spend as Cyber Budgets Flatline

According to IANS, 69% of 500 surveyed US security leaders named AI the top area for additional spending. Meanwhile, 55% of respondents said their budgets stayed flat or were cut due to economic conditions.

• 69% of respondents named AI the priority for new spending
• Software to take 35% of security budgets in 2026, up from 29%
• 55% of companies kept or cut cybersecurity budgets
• 69% expect no AI-driven layoffs; 81% expect new roles