40% of Security Teams Use AI Daily in 2026

Artificial intelligence has become a mainstream tool within security operations as of 2026. Prophet Security's "State of AI in Security Operations 2026" report, which surveyed over 250 cybersecurity professionals, indicates that 40% of security teams are now utilizing AI on a daily basis. This widespread integration signifies a significant shift in how organizations approach cybersecurity.

Further underscoring the growing adoption, the report highlights that an additional 56% of security teams are currently in the process of testing AI technologies. This suggests a strong pipeline of future AI integration across the industry. In contrast, a mere 4% of surveyed professionals indicated that their teams have no plans for AI adoption, a figure that points to the near-universal recognition of AI's potential benefits in the cybersecurity domain. The report aims to detail the tangible changes and impacts observed by teams that have already implemented AI into their security workflows.

The survey data from Prophet Security, compiled by ViB, provides a quantitative snapshot of AI's penetration into the cybersecurity sector. The daily usage figure of 40% represents a substantial commitment to AI-driven security solutions, moving beyond experimental phases for a significant portion of the industry. The 56% actively testing AI indicates a proactive approach to evaluating and integrating new tools, likely driven by the evolving threat landscape and the increasing complexity of cyberattacks. The minimal percentage of teams with no adoption plans suggests that AI is no longer viewed as a niche technology but as a fundamental component of modern security strategies.

While the report focuses on the adoption rates, it also delves into the specific ways AI is transforming security operations for those already using it. The findings are expected to shed light on improvements in areas such as threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, and overall operational efficiency. The increasing reliance on AI tools is likely a response to the growing volume and sophistication of cyber threats, where human analysts alone may struggle to keep pace. The data presented in the "State of AI in Security Operations 2026" report offers a clear indication that AI is not just a future prospect but a present reality for a majority of cybersecurity professionals.