Bitdefender’s 2026 Cybersecurity Assessment Report has unveiled that only 48% of Singaporean organisations have full visibility into the AI tools and chatbots their employees use at work. The report, based on a survey of over 1,200 IT and security professionals across six countries, highlights significant concerns about AI-driven threats and data sovereignty.
The report indicates that 50% of Singapore firms track official enterprise tools but remain unaware of personal accounts and Shadow AI used by employees. This lack of visibility poses a risk as AI tools become more integrated into workplace operations. Furthermore, 53% of Singapore respondents who experienced a security breach were instructed to keep it confidential, despite believing it should be reported. This figure, although slightly lower than the 57.6% reported in 2025, underscores a persistent culture of breach suppression.
Data sovereignty has emerged as a critical factor in vendor selection, with 76.5% of Singaporean respondents willing to switch vendors over concerns about data jurisdiction. This aligns with a global trend where data location and access are becoming decisive criteria for cybersecurity solutions.
The report also highlights that 76.6% of Singapore firms are hesitant to disable legitimate tools exploited by attackers due to fears of operational disruption. This reflects a broader struggle to balance security measures with business continuity.
Andrei Florescu, president and general manager of Bitdefender Business Solutions Group, emphasised the need for modern security strategies to “go beyond reactive defences” to effectively manage AI adoption and compliance.
As AI-powered threats continue to evolve, organisations are urged to enhance their visibility and governance of AI tools to mitigate risks and ensure robust cybersecurity practices.
