Global research by Freeform Dynamics shows strong adoption of intelligent machines used for automating and optimising business and IT processes.
The research found that 92% of IT professionals surveyed recognise the technology is now central to the success of their business, but 68% acknowledge it raises new concerns about network security, access and controls.
According to the research, investment in intelligent business systems and automation is well underway across the globe. The top current application deployment areas cited by respondents include digital customer engagement systems (55%), process automation and workflow systems (52%), and automated risk monitoring and management solutions (50%).
Despite the speed of adoption, the study reveals that IT decision makers are finding it difficult to assess the full extent of the risks, challenges and threats posed by intelligent business systems.
Security concerns (33%), funding constraints (30%) and lack of knowledge (24%) were all identified as areas of worry and named as primary obstacles to adoption and use.
To give just one example, a fifth of respondents (20%) said increased 'noise' on the network is making it harder to detect malicious activity, with automated/bot access to APIs causing system/application issues and creating unexpected security exposures.
"Organisations are harnessing the transformative powers of intelligent systems to gain competitive advantage.
"But IT decision makers recognise that, while a force for good, these technologies also expose the enterprise to new internal and external risk vectors," said Tony Lock, Distinguished Analyst at Freeform Dynamics.
"As the pace of adoption increases, there will be no escaping the impact of intelligent systems on the enterprise - regardless of whether or not organisations directly invest in such technologies."
Michael Hack, SVP of EMEA Operations at Ipswitch, added: "IT professionals should approach intelligent machines with their eyes wide open. As network managers grow more confident with intelligent systems, they will become increasingly willing to tackle more complex applications.
"However, they need to ensure they have the right tools in place to enable intelligent systems and support the IT team to manage the impact of internal and external intelligent automation effectively."