UK security leaders are issuing stark warnings about Chinese AI developer DeepSeek, with 81% of CISOs demanding urgent regulation from the government. The findings come from an Absolute Security survey of 250 CISOs, which highlighted fears of an impending national cyber emergency if AI use continues unchecked.

Already, 34% of CISOs have imposed outright bans on AI tools, while 30% have shut down specific projects over security risks. Concerns centre on DeepSeek’s potential to expose sensitive data and accelerate cyberattacks. Sixty percent anticipate higher attack volumes, and 42% now see AI as a net threat.

Andy Ward of Absolute Security said AI tools like DeepSeek are advancing faster than corporate security can keep up, leaving many organisations exposed. Almost half of CISOs admitted their teams lack readiness for AI-enabled threats. Without state-level regulation, they fear widespread economic disruption.

Yet, businesses are not abandoning AI altogether. Instead, 84% are hiring AI professionals and 80% are investing in executive training, aiming to build resilience while limiting risky deployments.

The clear call from security leaders: AI must be supported but regulated. They say government action, standards, and a national strategy are needed to ensure AI remains a tool of progress, not crisis.