If you’re in a leadership, management, or decision-making role, there’s a reality you can’t ignore: artificial intelligence is no longer just a competitive advantage—it has become a top-tier business risk. This is the conclusion of the latest Allianz Risk Barometer, which highlights the key concerns of global executives.
The report makes one thing clear: cybersecurity remains the number one risk for the fifth consecutive year. But the biggest surprise is the sharp rise of AI, which jumped from 10th place to 2nd in just one year. This reflects both the excitement and the anxiety surrounding its rapid adoption.
At TecnetOne, we see this daily: companies eager to unlock AI’s potential but moving faster than their governance, processes, and security culture can support.
It’s no coincidence that cybersecurity still tops the global rankings. Ransomware attacks, data breaches, operational disruptions, and digital supply chain compromises continue to impact organizations of all sizes and sectors.
Despite increased investment in security, attackers have also evolved—leveraging automation, AI, and advanced social engineering. This creates a relentless arms race, where letting your guard down isn’t an option.
For business leaders, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue. It’s a strategic risk with direct consequences for business continuity, brand reputation, and stakeholder trust.
What’s striking about the Allianz report is the meteoric rise of AI as a risk factor. In 2025, it barely made the top 10. In 2026, it ranks second.
Why the sudden leap? Because businesses are realizing that AI isn’t neutral. It can bring massive benefits—but also introduce new, complex risks if poorly managed.
According to Allianz Chief Economist Ludovic Subran, many organizations are adopting AI faster than they can adapt in governance, regulation, or workforce readiness. That’s where the problems begin.
Learn more: How to Turn AI Into a Strategic Ally—Not a Security Risk
Deploying AI isn’t just about upgrading tools. It reshapes your company’s risk profile. Key concerns highlighted in the report include:
AI systems aren’t foolproof. They can fail due to:
A single error in an automated process can rapidly escalate and disrupt core operations.
With evolving laws, unregulated AI use can lead to:
Biased or opaque AI decisions can damage your brand and erode trust among customers and stakeholders.
Too much dependence on AI may weaken human oversight in critical areas like finance, HR, or security.
AI’s rise as a risk doesn’t replace cybersecurity—it amplifies it. Both are now deeply intertwined.
A recent Moody’s report warns of the growing use of agentic AI in cyberattacks—systems that act with minimal human oversight.
In the U.S., the top risks are:
Even though AI ranks 4th nationally, it’s climbing. This shows a clear trend: the more AI becomes embedded in business processes, the more aware companies become of its risks.
The same pattern is emerging across Europe and Latin America, though many regions still face challenges in digital governance and cybersecurity maturity.
The Allianz report also highlights the broader impact of digital acceleration. Your company likely depends on:
This hyperconnected ecosystem boosts efficiency—but expands your attack surface. Adding AI without proper controls only multiplies the risks.
Similar titles: The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence Driven Malware
Many companies now face a tipping point:
According to Allianz, future issues will arise from:
At TecnetOne, we believe the answer isn’t to slow down innovation—but to scale AI responsibly and securely. Here are key actions to take:
Avoid adopting tools just because they’re trending. Define:
AI must be part of your:
Technology without awareness is a liability. Ensure your people understand:
Not all AI solutions are equal. Evaluate how providers handle data, security, and incident response.
The Allianz Risk Barometer sends a clear message: AI has gone from being a promise to a top-level business risk. Its leap to #2 in global rankings reflects how quickly it’s been adopted—often without the necessary safety nets.
Cybersecurity remains the top concern, but AI is now right behind. Treating them as separate risks is a mistake. They must be addressed together, strategically and holistically.
At TecnetOne, we believe companies that succeed won’t be those that adopt AI the fastest—but those that do so with the greatest control, risk awareness, and security maturity.
Because in 2026, innovating without protecting yourself is no longer an option.