Data Governance Crisis: 48% of Businesses Unprepared for Agentic AI Adoption

IT Security Leaders See Promise in AI Agents, But Lack Confidence in Data Foundations and Guardrails

 

As AI technology rapidly advances and cyber threats grow more complex, new research from Salesforce underscores a stark truth: most enterprise IT security leaders are unprepared for secure deployment of autonomous AI agents.

According to the latest State of IT report from Salesforce, 100% of surveyed IT security leaders identified at least one area where AI agents could enhance their cybersecurity posture. Yet, nearly 80% of respondents admitted that their current security strategies need transformation to meet the demands of the agentic AI era.

Despite strong enthusiasm for the potential of AI, the survey — which included responses from more than 2,000 IT security leaders across 30 countries — reveals deep concerns about readiness. Nearly half (48%) fear their data infrastructure is insufficient to support agentic AI, and 55% lack full confidence in their ability to implement AI agents with appropriate safeguards.

“Trusted AI agents are built on trusted data,” said Alice Steinglass, EVP and GM of Salesforce Platform, Integration, and Automation. “IT security teams that prioritize data governance will be able to augment their capabilities while protecting data and remaining compliant.”

Rising Threats, Growing Budgets

The evolving threat landscape is prompting action. While traditional risks like phishing and malware remain top of mind, emerging challenges such as data poisoning — where attackers manipulate AI training datasets — are gaining prominence. In response, 75% of organizations expect to increase their cybersecurity budgets over the next year.

Compliance: An Opportunity and a Hurdle

AI agents could help companies navigate regulatory complexities by improving compliance with data privacy laws. But that potential is complicated by real-world challenges. While 80% of leaders see AI as a compliance enabler, 79% also recognize it as a compliance risk. Less than half (47%) feel confident in their ability to deploy AI agents in full compliance with regulations, and a staggering 83% have yet to fully automate compliance processes.

Trust Gap Widening

Trust remains a cornerstone of effective AI deployment — yet both consumer confidence and internal confidence are faltering. Only 42% of consumers trust companies to use AI ethically, down from 58% in 2023. Meanwhile, internally, 57% of IT security leaders doubt the accuracy or explainability of their AI systems, and 60% admit they don’t offer full transparency into how customer data is used.

Data Governance: The Key to Agentic Maturity

The research finds that nearly half of security leaders are uncertain about their data quality or their ability to enforce proper AI governance. However, there are signs of progress. A separate survey of CIOs shows that companies are investing four times more in data infrastructure and management than in AI itself — a promising sign that many are laying the necessary groundwork.

Adoption Rising, But Preparation Lags

AI agent adoption is already underway, with 41% of IT security teams using them in daily operations — a figure expected to rise to 75% within two years. These agents are expected to support everything from threat detection to audit capabilities for AI models.

Still, only 47% of leaders believe their current security and compliance practices are fully ready to support AI agents — underscoring the need for widespread tactical overhauls.

Real-World Example: ASU Embraces Agentic Future

Arizona State University (ASU) is among early adopters, using Salesforce’s Agentforce platform to embed trusted AI agents into daily operations. ASU has emphasized the importance of data relevancy in their AI efforts, implementing robust data backup and compliance tools through Salesforce-acquired Own to support innovation securely.

 

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Meet Jacktone Lawi, a seasoned technology journalist with years of experience in the industry. I have developed my passion for technology during my formative years, which has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory. My expertise lies in reporting on emerging technologies and their impact on businesses and consumers worldwide. Through my experience I’m well-versed in covering topics such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital transformation, among others. Throughout my career, I have has demonstrated an exceptional ability to distill complex technical information into accessible and engaging content that resonates with my readers. My writing style is clear, concise, and informative, allowing me to communicate even the most technical concepts to a broad audience. Beyond my writing skills, I have also become known for extensive network of industry contacts and ability to secure exclusive interviews with high-profile figures in the technology world. These connections have enabled me to gain unique insights into the latest trends and developments in the field, giving me a competitive edge in my reporting. In addition to my work as a journalist, I’m also actively engaged in the broader technology community. Where I regularly attend conferences and events, share insights and stays up-to-date on the latest innovations in the industry. Overall, my wealth of experience as a technology journalist have given me a deep understanding of the industry and its impact on society.

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