UK security chiefs are warning that Chinese AI company DeepSeek poses a growing risk, with 81% of CISOs calling for immediate government regulation. The findings, based on an Absolute Security survey of 250 CISOs, point to fears that uncontrolled AI adoption could ignite a national cyber crisis.

Already, 34% of CISOs have banned AI tools, and 30% have halted specific deployments due to security risks. Concerns include DeepSeek’s potential to leak sensitive data and power new waves of cyberattacks. Sixty percent of CISOs expect attacks to rise, while 42% view AI as more dangerous than useful.

Andy Ward of Absolute Security warned that DeepSeek’s rapid evolution is outpacing corporate defences, creating a readiness gap. Nearly half of CISOs admitted their organisations are unprepared for AI-fuelled threats. Without regulation, they fear significant economic fallout.

Despite these risks, businesses remain committed to AI. Eighty-four percent are pursuing specialist hires, while 80% are training executives to manage AI deployments responsibly.

The consensus: AI must be enabled, not banned, but with guardrails. Security leaders urge government action, regulatory clarity, and a national strategy to ensure AI advances strengthen rather than threaten the UK economy.