AI takes centre stage in cybersecurity investments

PwC’s 2026 Global Digital Trust Insights Survey states

As digital transformation accelerates across the East Caribbean, businesses are prioritising cybersecurity investments to address a rapidly evolving threat landscape. According to PwC’s 2026 Global Digital Trust Insights survey, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as the top investment priority for cybersecurity leaders, outpacing cloud, network, and data protection.

The survey, which gathered insights from nearly 4,000 business and technology executives across 72 countries, highlights that only a small fraction of organisations feel fully prepared to withstand today’s sophisticated cyber threats. In the Caribbean, where digital adoption is rising and cross-island connectivity is increasing, the need for robust cyber resilience is more urgent than ever.

Tracie Greenidge, Director, Risk Assurance, PwC East Caribbean, commented:

“As AI rises to the top of cybersecurity investment priorities, Caribbean companies have a powerful opportunity to lead with innovation and resilience. With only 6% of organisations globally considered ‘very capable’ of withstanding cyber-attacks across all vulnerabilities, our region must act decisively. By investing in smart technologies and fostering cross-island collaboration, we can build a secure digital future that protects our people, empowers our businesses, and strengthens our global competitiveness.”

Key Findings

• Cyber Budgets on the Rise: Nearly eight in ten organisations plan to increase their cybersecurity budgets, with a third expecting a 6–10% rise.

• AI as a Game Changer: AI is the top priority for cyber investment, with 48% of security Leaders focusing on AI threat-hunting capabilities.

1• Skills Shortages: Half of respondents cite a lack of AI knowledge or relevant skills as the biggest challenge to implementing AI for cyber defence. Upskilling and reskilling are critical for the Caribbean’s digital workforce.

• Quantifying Cyber Risk: More organisations are measuring the financial impact of cyber risks, with 50% now using risk quantification tools.

• High Cost of Breaches: Over a quarter of businesses report data breaches costing at least US$1 million, underscoring the financial stakes for Caribbean enterprises.

Addressing the Skills Gap

Cybersecurity workforce shortages are a significant barrier to progress, especially as organizations in the Caribbean operationalize AI and secure increasingly complex environments. Nearly half of leaders also cite a lack of qualified personnel as a top challenge in securing operational technology and industrial IoT systems.

Looking Ahead

As quantum technologies and other emerging threats loom, Caribbean organizations must prioritize not only investment in technology but also in people—ensuring teams are equipped with the skills and knowledge to anticipate and respond to evolving risks.

 78% of organisations expect to increase their cybersecurity budgets in the next year, with AI investment (36%) leading priorities.

• Only 6% of organisations globally are ‘very capable’ of withstanding cyber-attacks across all vulnerabilities.

• 27% of businesses report their most damaging data breach in the last three years cost at least US$1 million.

• Cyber skills gaps—especially in the application of AI for cyber defen

(PR)