Introduction
AI is quickly becoming core to business operations. Organizations across sectors are adopting AI to improve decision-making, automate workflows, and strengthen cybersecurity. From fraud detection and customer support to access control and behavioral analytics, AI is now part of the enterprise foundation.
According to Radware’s 2025 Cyber Survey, 81% of organizations plan to implement AI-based cybersecurity solutions within the next 12 months to combat the rise of AI-driven threats. At the same time, only 16% feel fully confident in their ability to prevent data breaches involving third-party code and services. This gap between adoption and preparedness is growing, and regulation is catching up fast.
AI Adoption Expands the Cyber Risk Landscape
As organizations integrate AI across more security functions, they also increase their exposure. AI tools are widely used for real-time detection, automated mitigation, and access decision-making. But this adoption introduces risks that require careful governance:
- AI threats evolve faster than traditional defenses
- Business logic attacks are growing, yet only 51% of organizations have real-time protections in place
- 73% of organizations update their APIs at least weekly
- Only 6% have full documentation for all APIs
- 86% now use 11 or more third-party APIs per web application
- Nearly half of organizations lack visibility into the third-party code running in users' browsers
This growing complexity makes compliance harder, especially when security depends on components you do not directly control.
Why the EU AI Act Applies to AI Users
The EU AI Act not only targets companies that build AI models. It also applies to companies that use AI in high-impact or sensitive areas. If your organization uses AI systems for:
- Access control
- Biometric or behavioral analysis
- Critical infrastructure operations
- Automated decisions in financial, healthcare, or other regulated environments
Then you may be subject to requirements under the EU AI Act. These obligations include ensuring transparency, enabling human oversight, maintaining risk documentation, and monitoring for misuse. Responsibility is shared between the AI vendor and the organization using the system.
What’s Coming and When
- Mid-2025: Transparency obligations begin (e.g., AI-generated content disclosures)
- Mid-2026: Requirements for using high-risk AI systems come into effect
- Now: The EU's Code of Practice for General-Purpose AI is shaping expectations, even before formal enforcement
Four Steps to Get Ready
- Map your AI usage across cybersecurity, fraud, access, and compliance workflows
- Assess vendor alignment with the EU AI Act and ask for risk and compliance documentation
- Increase internal visibility into AI-driven systems and third-party integrations
- Establish oversight practices to meet audit, transparency, and human control requirements
Trust, Compliance, and Control Start Now
AI is a powerful enabler of smarter, faster business operations, especially in cybersecurity. However, according to Radware’s 2025 Cyber Survey, most organizations are still playing catch-up when it comes to risk management and compliance. The EU AI Act reinforces a clear principle: if your business uses AI, you are accountable for how it is used.
Now is the time to align your AI adoption strategy with your compliance obligations. Those who act early will not only reduce risk but also build a foundation of trust for how they use AI in critical business functions.