77% of Chief Product Officers Use Gen AI for Cybersecurity

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) is swiftly transforming the landscape of product management, particularly in the context of cybersecurity. According to a recent report from PYMNTS Intelligence, titled “From Spark to Strategy: How Product Leaders Are Using Gen AI to Gain a Competitive Edge,” a remarkable 77% of Chief Product Officers (CPOs) now leverage Gen AI for cybersecurity applications. However, what stands out is that, rather than automating tasks, Gen AI is redefining the creative processes within product teams.

### Understanding the Adoption of Gen AI

The report is based on a survey conducted in March 2025, which involved 60 product leaders from companies generating at least $1 billion in revenue. The results highlight a near-universal acceptance of Gen AI across various industries, including goods, technology, and services. However, the manner in which these CPOs adopt and utilize the technology varies greatly depending on the nature of their products.

For firms involved in the creation of goods and technology, Gen AI is primarily employed to enhance early-stage creativity. This includes functions such as concept development, prototyping, and visual design. In contrast, service-oriented companies tend to utilize Gen AI for its analytical capabilities, such as generating reports and summarizing insights.

### Creativity vs. Automation

A significant takeaway from the report is the evolving role of Gen AI in the creative process. While it serves as a powerful brainstorming partner—offering data-driven insights and speed—it does not replace human input. The most prominent use of Gen AI among CPOs is for innovation and ideation, with 64% claiming this as their primary application. This is nearly double the percentage (34%) of CPOs using Gen AI for production monitoring or quality control.

Interestingly, while 100% of surveyed leaders acknowledged the effectiveness of Gen AI in various functions, it remains evident that human oversight is crucial. The report indicated that while executives view Gen AI as a powerful tool, it does not function autonomously; instead, it operates in tandem with human input. In the realm of cybersecurity, this means that even as AI becomes integral to safeguarding digital environments, human judgment remains a cornerstone.

### The Paradox of Confidence

There’s a compelling paradox emerging within CPOs’ attitudes towards Gen AI: executives express considerable confidence in the technology yet recognize the necessity for human oversight. While every respondent deemed Gen AI “effective,” most admitted that they do not fully relinquish control. This indicates a shift in perspective—effectiveness with Gen AI is viewed not merely as a pathway to full automation but rather as an augmentation of human capabilities.

This realization marks a nuanced understanding of Gen AI’s role in organizations. It can streamline many processes, such as drafting design briefs or identifying bugs, but final decisions still rest with human teams. This hybrid model—where humans provide context and oversight while AI executes tasks—fosters a system of shared accountability.

### Skills Evolving, Not Disappearing

Contrary to the fear that AI may deplete the workforce, findings suggest that Gen AI is not leading to an outright reduction of creativity-focused roles. Instead, nearly all CPOs argue that Gen AI has heightened the demand for analytically skilled workers. While some routine tasks are being automated, there’s an increasing emphasis on roles that require the interpretation and refinement of AI-generated output.

In more automated companies, those that employ Gen AI heavily, all reported a decreased demand for lower-skilled workers. In firms relying less on automation, this figure drops to 79%. This contrast illustrates that Gen AI trims repetitive tasks while enhancing the need for higher-level analytical skills—fostering an environment where creativity thrives within the framework of technology.

### The Future of Gen AI in Product Management

Looking ahead, CPOs anticipate significant benefits from Gen AI, particularly in speed to market, user experience, and design precision. However, fewer executives foresee cost reductions through the technology. This belief marks a diversification in the role of Gen AI: executives increasingly consider it a tool for growth rather than merely a means for cutting expenses.

As leaders adapt to the integration of Gen AI, it becomes clear that innovation still relies heavily on human direction. The introduction of Gen AI enables product leaders to accelerate their thought processes, iterate on designs more effectively, and navigate the complex boundaries between creativity and control more fluidly.

### Conclusion

The substantial uptake of generative artificial intelligence among Chief Product Officers heralds a new era in product management and cybersecurity. The report’s findings illustrate that while Gen AI is highly effective in enhancing product innovation and execution, it does not diminish the human element in the creative process. Instead, CPOs are increasingly relying on a collaborative model, with humans providing oversight and context, fostering a holistically enhanced product environment.

This paradigm shift signifies that while Gen AI may be revolutionizing how teams operate, it is ultimately a tool that enhances human creativity rather than substitutes it. As CPOs continue to explore the full potential of Gen AI, it’s essential to maintain a balanced approach, ensuring that innovation thrives within the realms of both technology and human insight.

Source link