A quarterly survey by Gartner shows that artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced malicious attacks are the top emerging risk for enterprises in the third quarter of 2024. This is the third consecutive quarter with such attacks being the top emerging risk identified by the survey.
AI-assisted misinformation was identified by survey respondents as the second highest emerging risk that they are concerned about. This was a new risk in the list.
The next two emerging risks in the list reflect political worries related to escalating political polarization (a new risk in the list) and the outcomes of key elections around the world. Misaligned organizational talent profile moved down from the fourth-place ranking in the second quarter to the fifth most cited risk in the third quarter.
The full list of the top five Most Commonly Cited Emerging Risks in Q3 2024 is as follows:
Source: Gartner (November 2024)
“The two new emerging risks relate to complexities of the IT and political environment made highly visible to executives and boards by current events,” said Zachary Ginsburg, Senior Director, Research in the Gartner Risk & Audit Practice. “While the upcoming US election generates headlines over the candidates’ regulatory, trade and other proposals, organizations have difficulty considering the actual risk implications from the many scenarios that might unfold. Amplifying this uncertainty are recent US Supreme Court decisions on federal agencies’ authority to set and enforce regulations.”
Gartner clients can read more in 3Q24 Emerging Risk Report. Nonclients can read: Top Emerging Risk Trends
