IT Leaders Struggle with Hybrid Cloud Visibility and AI-Driven Risks

Cloud security is now a top priority for IT leaders, with AI-driven threats surpassing traditional breaches as the main concern. Ekco’s 2025 survey reveals that 81 percent of IT leaders are concerned about cloud infrastructure security.

Managed cloud and security services firm Ekco conducted a survey of more than 1,000 IT decision-makers. The researchers found that the percentage of organizations using a hybrid cloud model has grown from 58% in 2022 to 68% in 2025. However, only 38 percent of IT leaders believe that their breach response plans are robust against IT-powered cyberattacks.

IT leaders face visibility and budget challenges

Additionally, more than half of IT leaders lack complete visibility into their cloud spending. This lack of visibility makes it difficult to manage budgets and measure returns. Organizations need to invest in better monitoring tools to gain control and improve efficiency.

The study also found that most organizations have embraced cloud infrastructure, but only a few of their systems are fully optimized. While hybrid cloud models are gaining traction, many businesses still struggle to meet their project goals. It indicates a need for more strategic planning and execution.

Skills shortage fuels demand for Managed Service Providers

A lack of in-house expertise is a major hurdle in cloud expansion. Only 27 percent of organizations believe that they have the internal skills to scale the cloud effectively. This gap is driving demand for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). The researchers found that MSP involvement in cloud projects has grown to 40 percent. These partnerships are proving effective by helping projects stay on track and within budget.

According to the study, 58 percent of IT leaders now actively use AI, which is up from 46 percent last year. With platforms like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot leading adoption, businesses are seeing gains in productivity and efficiency. Moreover, organizations must focus on the responsible use of AI tools. Best practices include training staff, managing risks like misinformation, and adopting a multi-platform approach.

Recommendations for building a secure and efficient cloud strategy

The Ekco Infrastructure Modernisation Survey 2025 offers several key recommendations for organizations that want to modernize their IT infrastructure effectively.

1. Prioritise security from the ground up

It’s advised that security should be integrated into cloud infrastructure from the beginning. Organizations must adopt proactive measures to deal with AI-powered threats, such as Zero Trust frameworks, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring.

2. Shift from tactical to strategic cloud adoption

Organizations should align cloud initiatives with broader business goals. A strategic approach enables long-term efficiency, scalability, and innovation. It’s recommended that starting with a phased roadmap can help build internal confidence and reduce resistance to change.

3. Bridge the skills gap with expert support

Many organizations lack the internal expertise to fully leverage cloud technologies. Collaborating with Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can fill these gaps, offering guidance, technical support, and smoother project execution.

4. Gain better control over cloud spending

IT leaders are advised to implement advanced cost-monitoring tools and analytics can provide the visibility needed to manage resources effectively. This clarity is important for maximizing return on investment.

5. Treat cloud optimization as an ongoing process

Organizations should regularly assess their infrastructure for issues like cloud sprawl, poor scalability, or underperforming backups. Ongoing optimization helps IT leaders ensure that cloud investments continue to deliver value over time.

6. Embrace AI with caution and clarity

AI is becoming a core part of cloud strategies, but its integration must be well-governed. Businesses should adopt a multi-platform approach, invest in user training, and ensure AI tools are aligned with specific business needs.