Organizations are continuing to grapple with a cybersecurity talent shortage during a time of rapid growth of AI-driven threats. The rise in AI usage applies not only to security teams but also to the cyber threat actors they are working to defend against. More and more, attackers are leveraging generative AI to launch sophisticated intrusions. In fact, 75 percent of security professionals noted that amidst a rise in cyberattacks, 85 percent were powered by AI technologies, according to a recent report by Deep Instinct.
Meanwhile, AI is also enhancing threat detection capabilities, with 80 percent of experts believing it spots threats humans miss, and 66 percent believing AI is effective in predicting new attacks. Given this evolving landscape, it’s imperative that cybersecurity teams continue to sharpen their AI skills to stay ahead.
There are many reasons IT security professionals need to include AI as part of their professional development. As AI technologies evolve:
- Advanced AI-powered security tools are emerging that detect and respond to threats more effectively. Teams must be trained to deploy and manage these technologies.
- The amount of data being used has increased exponentially. Data protection services now require deeper expertise to ensure confidentiality and compliance.
- Regulations surrounding cybersecurity compliance services are expanding rapidly. Staying compliant means investing in up-to-date skills and continuous training.
- Upskilling is necessary to build a more resilient organization that can better withstand and recover from cyber incidents. This isn’t just for IT. Every employee should be trained to recognize and respond to social engineering and other threats.
As headlines blast news about AI replacing jobs, the reality is more nuanced. AI isn’t replacing workers. Workers who know how to use AI are replacing those who don’t, according to a report from the Harvard Business Review.
There’s a lot to unpack, but the takeaway is clear: the need for continuous learning, especially around AI and other cybersecurity technologies, is crucial for maintaining a strong security posture. Upskilling isn’t just about keeping pace. It’s about proactively mitigating risk and defending against sophisticated, AI-powered threats.
To help your teams adapt to AI and safeguard your organization, here are steps you can take:
- Offer continuous cybersecurity learning opportunities. Provide access to new research, white papers, and encourage attendance at industry conferences.
- Offer courses and certifications focused on AI in cybersecurity.
- Create opportunities for professionals to work on real-world AI projects like AI-driven threat management solutions or automated incident response.
- Facilitate collaboration between AI experts and security teams through hackathons, innovation sprints, or internal R&D projects.
- Equip your teams with AI security tools, threat intel feeds, and platforms that support predictive analytics.
By implementing these strategies, you’ll retain valuable talent and provide the upskilling necessary to stay competitive. At CyberOne, we’ve helped leading organizations in ecommerce, healthcare, and government build stronger teams through strategic security training and resource planning. Let’s talk about how we can help your organization stay ahead.