ANZ CIOs to prioritise cybersecurity investments by 2025

A recent survey by Gartner has revealed that 88% of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) expect cybersecurity to receive the most significant increase in technology investment by 2025.

This trend is attributed to tighter government regulations and some of the largest cyberattacks of the year. The survey also highlighted that data analytics (84%), cloud platforms (83%), and generative AI (81%) are poised to see substantial investment.

Brian Ferreira, Vice President of EXP Advisory Services at Gartner, noted the increased focus on cybersecurity due to these factors. "With greater government regulation, coupled with some of the largest cyberattacks we've seen in ANZ this year, organisations face greater scrutiny as they batten down the hatches to avoid becoming the next target or breaching stewardship," Ferreira said. "This continues to drive significant focus and investment towards cybersecurity and legal compliance into next year."

The annual Gartner CIO and Technology Executive Survey encompassed 3,186 respondents globally, with 109 participants from ANZ sectors, including public, private, and non-profit. The findings were discussed at the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo on the Gold Coast, which runs until Wednesday.

Generative AI has quickly ascended the investment priority list, with 69% of CIOs having already deployed or planning to deploy it within the next 12 months. This figure is expected to rise to 94% by 2027. Ferreira commented, "While not included in last year’s survey, it’s hardly surprising generative AI has shot towards the top of the technology investment list for next year as organisations continue to navigate their way towards realising the business value that generative AI can offer as the hype subsides."

The survey also identified other technologies that enterprises are planning to deploy or have already deployed within the next year. These include AI (62%), low-code platforms (55%), industry cloud platforms (51%), and 5G (48%). On the other hand, 43% of ANZ CIOs indicated that they would decrease investments in legacy infrastructure next year.

CIOs in the ANZ region identified managing technology risk as their top priority for 2025, with 82% placing it at the forefront. Managing technology financials (59%), demonstrating the business value of IT (52%), and innovating modern enterprise applications and software (51%) followed. Ferreira explained, "The uncertain economic climate businesses have operated in the last few years has increased executive and board scrutiny on technology investments."

Improving operating margins emerged as the most critical outcome of digital technology investments for 94% of ANZ CIOs, a significant increase from 48% in 2024. Ensuring compliance and minimising risks were critical for 92% (up from 57% in 2024), while excelling in customer or citizen experience concerned 87% (up from 70% in 2024). Ferreira noted, "As the Australian regulatory landscapes continue to evolve, it is incumbent upon CIOs to steer their organisations towards a future marked by digital stewardship, responsible innovation, stringent compliance, and active participation in shaping regulatory norms."

ANZ CIOs have already been setting the stage for democratised digital delivery, with 55% having deployed or planning to deploy low-code platforms within the next 12 months. Other significant technologies include generative AI (69%), AI (62%), industry cloud platforms (51%), and 5G (48%). Ferreira concluded, "To ensure continued success of these foundations, CIOs have reconfigured their spending patterns for democratisation and to understand consumption economics."

By 2027, Gartner's survey anticipates higher deployments, with 95% planning to have deployed AI, 92% generative AI, and 79% low-code platforms. The complete findings can be explored in Gartner’s report titled "2025 CIO Agenda: Top Priorities and Technology Plans in Australia and New Zealand."