Zoho Cybersecurity Report exposes hidden AI security gaps

The Zoho Cybersecurity Report highlights a sharp contrast. Indian businesses are betting big on AI, with 93% believing it will strengthen security. But beneath that confidence, serious gaps in Zero Trust security India continue to exist, leaving systems exposed at the core.

One in three organisations has not implemented a Zero Trust framework. This becomes a major concern as AI adoption increases the attack surface. Without strong structural controls, AI risks amplifying existing weaknesses instead of solving them.

Workforce password security statistics reveal weak foundations

A closer look at workforce password security statistics shows how basic issues are still unresolved. Nearly 29% of employees use more than 10 business applications daily, creating multiple entry points that require careful monitoring and protection.

Yet, adoption of essential controls remains low. Only 25% use strong password policies and multi-factor authentication, while just 9% prioritise access management. This imbalance highlights a growing disconnect between advanced security investments and fundamental hygiene practices.

Indian organizations AI adoption risk is rising fast

The report makes it clear that Indian organizations AI adoption risk is not just theoretical. While 98% of organisations plan to deploy AI-driven security tools, many still lack full visibility into their systems, with 34% reporting only partial control over critical identities.

This creates blind spots at a time when AI is expanding operational complexity. As organisations scale AI usage, limited visibility and weak access controls increase the likelihood of threats slipping through unnoticed.

Internal threats reshape the security conversation

The threat landscape is also shifting inward. Malicious insiders account for 23% of risks, making them the top concern, ahead of ransomware and human error. This signals a need to rethink traditional security approaches.

Without strong internal guardrails such as access control and Zero Trust practices, these risks become harder to detect. It reinforces the idea that security is no longer just about defending perimeters, but about managing trust within systems.

Closing the gap between confidence and capability

The Zoho Cybersecurity Report ultimately points to a gap between perception and reality. While organisations feel ready for the future, their current systems lack the depth needed to support secure AI adoption.

To move forward, businesses must focus on strengthening core controls, improving visibility, and building robust Zero Trust frameworks. Only then can AI truly deliver on its promise without increasing risk.