Enterprise turns to AI for speed and accuracy in DFIR 

In just one year, enterprise DFIR teams—as well as third-party service providers—have undergone a radical change due to the nearly universal integration of artificial intelligence. As businesses face constant pressure to detect and respond to incidents with greater speed and precision, companies are increasingly taking advantage of the benefits of AI-powered digital forensics. 

According to the 2025 State of Enterprise DFIR Report, a whopping 94% of respondents said they now use AI in digital forensics—an astonishing leap from just 21% the year prior. This use of AI tools for DFIR marks a fundamental transformation in how organizations are investigating and responding to cyberthreats. 

Why AI adoption is accelerating 

A variety of factors are driving the widespread adoption of AI for both corporate DFIR teams and external third-party providers: 

• Increased data volumes: With data volumes growing exponentially, traditional manual analysis is no longer scalable. AI provides the computational muscle needed to keep up with increasing workloads. 
• Efficiency and speed: AI dramatically reduces the time it takes to sift through digital evidence. Tasks that previously took days can now be completed in minutes or hours. 
• Improved accuracy: AI models trained on large data sets can detect patterns and inconsistencies human analysts might miss, especially when time is a factor—as it almost always is. 
• Labor shortages and skill gaps: There’s a well-documented shortage of skilled DFIR professionals. AI helps bridge this gap by automating routine, repetitive, or time-consuming tasks. In short, AI for digital forensics and incident response allows organizations to keep pace with both the scale and complexity of modern cyberthreats that is simply not efficient with manual processes. 

AI’s growing use in DFIR workflows 

Artificial intelligence offers a variety of ways to deliver concrete improvements across a range of DFIR practices. According to the 2025 State of Enterprise DFIR Report, the most common applications are: 

• High-accuracy data classification of text, videos, images, etc. (64.7%) 
• Analyzing text and images (60.5%) 
• Drafting/editing text and images (44.4%) 
• Drafting reports (43.8%) 

These tasks, once handled manually, are now enhanced and performed quickly and efficiently by advanced tools capable of identifying potential evidence within vast data sets.  

Manually sorting and analyzing large volumes of data is tedious and time-consuming. Without integrated tools that streamline workflows, analysts may waste time switching between applications to complete repetitive steps—slowing investigations and diverting expert attention from more critical analysis. By accelerating the investigative process through bulk data review and enabling experts to focus on complex, high-value tasks, these tools enhance both the quality and efficiency of digital forensic workflows—from acquisition through analysis and reporting. 

Prioritizing usability and seamless integration in AI tools 

One way organizations are counteracting the talent shortage is by adopting AI tools with a strong emphasis on user experience and seamless integration into existing workflows. By prioritizing ease of use and reducing friction for analysts, these solutions enable faster onboarding and more consistent utilization of AI capabilities across diverse teams. 

AI as a double-edged sword 

While the benefits of AI for cybersecurity and digital forensic investigations are undeniable, artificial intelligence is viewed with caution. The 2025 State of Enterprise DFIR report reveals a striking paradox: while 51% of respondents see AI advancements as the most beneficial trend for DFIR, 56% also believe these same advancements could make their work more difficult. 

Even as AI strengthens investigations, it also presents opportunities for adversaries to develop more advanced tactics. According to the DFIR report, the continued evolution of cyberattack techniques remains the most frequently cited investigative challenge for the third year in a row. Investigators are navigating a range of new cyberthreat issues, including: 

• AI-powered phishing: Attackers are using AI to craft highly personalized and convincing phishing messages, making detection much harder. 
• Vulnerability discovery: AI tools are being used by attackers to quickly identify unpatched software vulnerabilities, accelerating exploitation. 
• Deepfakes and impersonation: AI-generated deepfakes capable of impersonating individuals are being used to facilitate financial fraud or information breaches. 

These evolving threats mean DFIR professionals must not only adopt AI but also be prepared to defend against it. Solutions used to enhance investigations must also be capable of detecting AI-driven attacks, presenting a new layer of complexity to the work of DFIR teams. 

The future of AI in enterprise DFIR 

AI can assist—but never replace—human analysts, so the future of DFIR will involve a hybrid approach. While AI can process data at incredible speeds, human expertise is still essential for interpreting context, making judgment calls, considering ethical implications, understanding broader business objectives, and providing strategic insight. 

DIFR users should look for AI-powered solutions that enhance proven investigative processes without replacing human oversight. The ideal tools will offer natural language search to help non-technical users quickly find relevant evidence, along with transparency and explainability, so analysts understand how results are generated. Features that give investigators context about how the AI reached a result should include noting the type of AI employed as well as annotated references, or citations to specific source data when practical, for the investigator to assess the accuracy of the AI output. Solutions should be rigorously tested and regularly updated to ensure accuracy and consistency. Just as important, the platform should prioritize user experience, providing proper training and intuitive design so analysts can confidently navigate its features. 

Organizations that combine human expertise and AI will be best positioned to predict and react to cybersecurity threats. They’ll be able to scale to meet demand, handle evolving threats, and keep their systems as secure as possible.  

Making AI work for you 

AI in DFIR is no longer a futuristic concept in digital forensics—it is present-day reality that is transforming how businesses detect, investigate, and respond to cyberthreats. The benefits of artificial intelligence in cyber investigations are clear. Businesses that harness AI’s strengths (and anticipate its risks) won’t just improve their digital forensics capabilities—they’ll be preparing their entire cybersecurity strategy for challenges to come. 

If you’re ready to elevate your DFIR capabilities with AI-enhanced solutions, it’s time to learn more about Magnet Forensics. Our solutions, such as Magnet Axiom Cyber, are enhanced with AI to help you work smarter, respond faster, and uncover the truth with greater precision. We’re also governed by a set of principles that always puts investigators first. Contact us today to learn how our AI-powered DFIR tools can help your business gain an Investigative Edge. 

Download the full 2025 State of Enterprise DFIR Report for a wide range of insights and more detailed statistics.