Cybersecurity tops ANZ CIOs' investment priorities for 2025: Gartner

A survey by analyst firm Gartern suggets that cybersecurity remains the top technology investment priority for 88 per cent of Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) chief information officers (CIOs) and technology executives in 2025.

The annual global survey, which included 109 respondents from ANZ, also highlighted data analytics, cloud platforms, and generative AI (GenAI) as key areas of focus.

Gartner vice president of advisory services, Brian Ferreira, attributed this trend to increased government regulation and recent high-profile cyberattacks in the region.

"Organisations face greater scrutiny as they batten down the hatches to avoid becoming the next target or breaching stewardship," Ferreira said.

The survey, conducted across public, private, and non-profit sectors, revealed that 84 per cent of ANZ CIOs plan to invest in data analytics, 83 per cent in cloud platforms, and 81 per cent in GenAI.

Notably, GenAI has quickly become a top investment priority, despite not being included in last year's survey.

Managing cybersecurity and other technology risks emerged as the leading priority for 82 per cent of ANZ CIOs in 2025.

Other key focus areas include managing technology financials, demonstrating IT's business value, and innovating enterprise applications.

The survey also indicated a shift in the critical outcomes expected from digital technology investments.

Improving operating margins topped the list at 94 per cent, up from 48 per cent in 2024.

Ensuring compliance and minimising risks followed at 92 per cent, with excelling in customer or citizen experience at 87 per cent.

Looking ahead, the survey projects significant growth in AI deployment, with 95 per cent of ANZ CIOs planning to deploy AI by 2027, 92 per cent GenAI, and 79 per cent low-code platforms.

Ferreira pointed to the importance of CIOs prioritising technology activities in alignment with executive stakeholders, particularly in the current uncertain economic climate.

CIOs also need to steer their organisations towards digital stewardship, responsible innovation, and stringent compliance as regulatory landscapes continue to evolve.

These findings were presented at the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo on the Gold Coast.