French enterprises are ramping up their cybersecurity strategies as artificial intelligence (AI)-driven threats and tighter regulations reshape the country’s digital security landscape. A new report from technology advisory firm Information Services Group (ISG) highlights how businesses are shifting priorities, investing more heavily in security, and seeking streamlined solutions to keep pace with evolving risks.
Rising Budgets, Shifting Priorities
According to the 2025 ISG Provider Lens™ Cybersecurity – Services and Solutions report, organizations in France are boosting security budgets but also requiring clearer guidance on how to allocate resources effectively. Many firms are turning to AI-powered defense systems to navigate the challenges of cloud adoption, financial pressures, and a persistent shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals.
“The way companies in France choose security services is changing,” said Julien Escribe, partner and managing director at ISG. “With increasing security budgets, enterprises need guidance and insight to set the right priorities and tackle security problems.”
From Fragmented Tools to Unified Platforms
The report found that French companies are moving away from piecemeal security tools toward integrated, all-in-one platforms. These solutions offer central oversight and a single view of potential threats, reducing the complexity of managing security across multicloud environments.
Technologies such as secure access service edge (SASE), which merges network security and connectivity, are increasingly being adopted. At the same time, technical security service (TSS) providers remain essential, offering automation, managed platforms, and supplemental expertise for companies stretched by limited in-house talent.
Regulatory Pressures Mount
EU regulations, including the NIS2 directive and the upcoming AI Act, are being embedded into French law, significantly expanding compliance requirements. ISG estimates that more than 15,000 French businesses are now subject to stricter governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) standards.
This regulatory environment is forcing enterprises to embed GRC frameworks into their security strategies, ensuring they not only defend against cyberattacks but also meet legal obligations.
AI: Both a Threat and a Defense
The report underscores the double-edged role of AI in cybersecurity. Malicious actors are increasingly using AI to launch sophisticated attacks that are harder to detect and mitigate. In response, companies are investing in generative AI (genAI) and machine learning tools for faster detection, automated responses, and enhanced employee training.
“Clients seek providers that can integrate the best products into a unified platform for operational efficiency,” said Benoît Scheuber, principal consultant and security analyst at ISG, noting that AI-driven tooling is becoming central to modern defense strategies.
Outlook
As France’s cybersecurity landscape grows more complex, enterprises face the challenge of balancing compliance, technology adoption, and cost management—all while defending against increasingly AI-enabled threats. The shift toward unified platforms, coupled with rising reliance on specialized service providers, signals a new phase in how French companies approach digital resilience.
For businesses, the message is clear: adapting early to AI-powered security and regulatory change is no longer optional—it’s essential for long-term protection.
