U.S. Companies Rely on Cybersecurity Firms to Bolster Defenses Against AI-Powered Threats

U.S. enterprises are increasingly adopting advanced cybersecurity services and solutions to safeguard their assets against evolving threats, according to a new report by Information Services Group (ISG). The 2025 ISG Provider Lens® Cybersecurity — Services and Solutions report highlights how businesses are integrating automated, proactive measures with their strategic goals to address complex security challenges and expanding regulatory requirements. The report notes that organizations are prioritizing adaptive systems to bolster enterprise resilience, particularly through AI-driven capabilities. These technologies enhance security operations by streamlining workflows, automating repetitive tasks, and codifying incident response protocols. AI’s role in cybersecurity is growing as both attackers and defenders leverage AI tools, with enterprises expressing concerns about adversaries using AI to deploy malware more efficiently. However, AI-powered defense systems are also proving effective in analyzing vast data sets to detect threats that traditional methods might miss, including risks like data poisoning targeting AI models and training data. Zero trust architecture is gaining momentum as companies expand their digital footprints. This approach, which verifies users and isolates assets through measures like identity and access management (IAM) and microsegmentation, is becoming essential as cloud migration and distributed operations complicate security perimeters. The report also emphasizes the rising importance of security operations center/managed detection and response (SOC/MDR) services, with advancements in proactive threat hunting and prioritization. ISG’s analysis evaluated 116 providers across nine cybersecurity quadrants, including Identity and Access Management, Extended Detection and Response, and Next-Gen SOC/MDR. IBM emerged as a leader in five categories, while Accenture, Atos, Capgemini, and others were named leaders in three quadrants each. Broadcom, Fortinet, and Microsoft were recognized in two, and numerous firms like CrowdStrike, Cisco, and Zscaler were cited as leaders in single categories. NTT DATA was highlighted as a Rising Star for its “promising portfolio” and potential in three quadrants, with additional rising stars in one each. The report also underscores the importance of customer experience in cybersecurity services. PwC was named the global ISG CX Star Performer for 2025, achieving top scores in ISG’s Voice of the Customer survey. Customized versions of the report are available from Capgemini, CyberProof, Rackspace, and Unisys. ISG’s research combines data-driven analysis with insights from its global advisory team to help enterprises identify reliable cybersecurity partners. The firm, which serves over 900 clients—including 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises—focuses on leveraging AI to drive operational efficiency and growth. The 2025 report is accessible to subscribers or for purchase on ISG’s website. The findings reflect a broader shift toward integrating cybersecurity with business strategy, as companies navigate the dual pressures of digital transformation and emerging threats. By aligning security frameworks with risk profiles and utilizing real-time intelligence, enterprises aim to build robust defenses while maintaining agility in a rapidly changing landscape.