Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly shifted from being experimental to essential in many organizations. From improving business communications and automating workflows to enhancing cybersecurity operations, AI now powers decisions across many business functions.

But here’s a question worth asking: If you were asked today whether the vendors you work with are using AI — and how that data is managed — would you know the answer?

For many organizations, the honest response is “not really.” As AI adoption accelerates, third-party risk is becoming a growing blind spot. Vendors are embedding AI into products and services faster than most clients can assess how these tools handle sensitive data, make decisions, or comply with evolving regulations.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how organizations operate, make decisions, and manage data. But as AI becomes embedded in nearly every business function, it’s also redefining the responsibilities of one critical role — the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

In 2025, security leaders are being called upon to go beyond traditional network defence. They’re now expected to shape, oversee, and enforce the rules that govern responsible AI use. This shift isn’t a passing trend — it’s a structural evolution in how organizations approach cybersecurity, compliance, and trust.