Why 98% of Security Leaders Are Pumping the Brakes on AI — And What It Means for Your Practice

Enterprise AI adoption is accelerating everywhere — except where security teams have a say. A new global report reveals why, and what healthcare providers need to understand before their next AI deployment. 

A February 2026 report by Apono — the 2026 State of Agentic AI Cyber Risk Report, based on a survey of security and AI leaders across healthcare, technology, financial services, and other sectors — found that 98% of surveyed security leaders report that security and data concerns have already slowed AI deployments, added review steps, or reduced the scope of agentic AI projects at their organizations. Only 21% of respondents said they feel prepared to manage attacks that specifically target AI agents or autonomous workflows. The findings run counter to the dominant market narrative that AI agents are rapidly taking over enterprise workflows. On the ground, security leaders are pressing the brakes — and in healthcare, where AI tools are increasingly being piloted across clinical documentation, prior authorization, diagnostics support, and care coordination, the implications for providers are immediate and practical.