G2 report: AI That Acts: What IT and security teams are buying, and what it takes to trust it

Brought to you by Tanium

This G2 research report, commissioned by Tanium and based on interviews with 118 IT and security leaders, finds that the AI buying market is shifting from tools that merely advise to tools that act. While 43% of leaders now want AI capable of low-risk execution with human oversight, adoption remains tightly governed: 99% cite governance, security, or regulatory constraints, 67% require human approval before AI acts, and 83% demand strong transparency and validation before trusting it further.

This caution stems partly from a fragmented technical foundation, as 85% report only partial visibility across their IT estate. Despite this measured pace, momentum is real, with 84% naming AI or automation as a top priority for the next 6–18 months and AI capability now outweighing price in vendor evaluations. Meanwhile, next-generation AI models remain more of a talking point than a roadmap item, with the report concluding that vendors who can deliver proven, auditable, governed autonomy today are best positioned to lead as that next wave matures.

Tanium – MQL Form (25 August to 27 October 2026) – G2 report: AI That Acts: What IT and security teams are buying, and what it takes to trust it -EN