The burgeoning digital landscape across the Caribbean is set to see Artificial Intelligence (AI) become a cornerstone of cybersecurity strategies in 2026. A comprehensive PwC study, the 2026 Global Digital Trust Insights Survey, indicates that businesses in the region, mirroring global trends, are increasingly turning to AI to combat escalating digital threats. Despite this strategic shift, a significant portion of these organizations acknowledge their current unpreparedness for the sophisticated cyber risks they face.
As digital transformation accelerates throughout the East Caribbean, the imperative for robust cybersecurity investments is more pronounced than ever. The region’s economies are becoming increasingly interconnected and reliant on technology, from e-commerce and digital banking to e-governance and remote work, expanding the digital footprint and, consequently, the attack surface for cybercriminals.
AI Takes Center Stage in Cyber Defense
The PwC survey, which gathered insights from nearly 4,000 business and technology executives globally, highlights a clear prioritization of AI in cybersecurity investments for the upcoming year. A substantial 78% of organizations anticipate an increase in their cybersecurity budgets, with AI investment emerging as the leading priority, cited by 36% of respondents. Globally, AI is the top investment priority for cybersecurity leaders, outpacing other critical areas such as cloud, network, and data protection.
This focus on AI is driven by its potential to enhance threat detection and response. Security leaders are particularly interested in AI’s threat-hunting capabilities, with 48% prioritizing this area. Organizations are planning to deploy AI agents for cloud security, data protection, and cyber defense operations, signaling a move towards more proactive resilience strategies.
A Persistent Gap in Preparedness
Despite the strategic adoption of advanced technologies like AI, a significant global challenge remains: preparedness. The PwC study reveals that only a small fraction of organizations, just 6%, feel “very capable” of withstanding cyber-attacks across all vulnerabilities. This sentiment is echoed in the Caribbean, where businesses, like their global counterparts, are grappling with an evolving threat landscape that often outpaces their defensive measures.
The financial repercussions of these security lapses are substantial. The study found that 27% of businesses reported their most damaging data breach in the last three years cost at least US$1 million. This underscores the critical need for more effective cyber resilience.
The Shadow of Skills Shortages
A major impediment to leveraging AI effectively in cybersecurity is the persistent shortage of skilled personnel. The PwC report identifies cyber skills gaps as a top challenge, with nearly half of leaders (50%) citing a lack of qualified individuals, particularly in the application of AI for cyber defense. This shortage necessitates significant investment in upskilling and reskilling the existing workforce across the Caribbean to ensure they can manage and deploy these advanced technologies safely and effectively.
Furthermore, global uncertainty is profoundly shaping cybersecurity strategies. Geopolitical tensions and trade disputes are leading 60% of business and technology leaders to rank cyber risk investment as a top strategic priority. While investment is rising, a concerning pattern of spending emerges: only 24% of organizations are significantly prioritizing proactive defenses over reactive measures, a model that security experts deem inefficient and risky.
Charting a Secure Digital Future for the Caribbean
Tracie Greenidge, Director of Risk Assurance at PwC East Caribbean, emphasized the significant opportunity for the region. “As AI rises to the top of cybersecurity investment priorities, Caribbean companies have a powerful opportunity to lead with innovation and resilience,” she stated. She advocates for decisive action, investing in smart technologies, and fostering cross-island collaboration to build a secure digital future.
For the Caribbean, embracing AI in cybersecurity is not merely a technological upgrade but a strategic imperative for economic resilience and global competitiveness. Addressing the skills gap through targeted training and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness across all levels of business are crucial steps. By prioritizing proactive measures, strengthening governance, and harnessing the power of AI, businesses in the Caribbean can better navigate the complex digital terrain and secure their future in an increasingly interconnected world. This news underscores the critical role of advanced technology in safeguarding the region’s growing digital economy.