As artificial intelligence continues to transform the cybersecurity landscape, the demand for skilled professionals who can manage, develop, and monitor AI-powered defences is rising rapidly. However, we know many organisations attending the Cyber Secure Forum face a widening talent gap, as traditional security teams struggle to keep pace with the tools and techniques required for an AI-augmented security environment…
AI and machine learning now underpin many critical functions within Security Operations Centres (SOCs), from behavioural analytics and anomaly detection to automated incident response and predictive risk scoring. But implementing these systems effectively requires human oversight: people who not only understand security principles, but also grasp data science, algorithmic behaviour, and ethical AI governance.
The shift has prompted forward-thinking organisations to rethink their hiring strategies and invest in continuous training. Roles such as AI Security Analyst, Machine Learning Threat Specialist, and Security Automation Engineer are emerging, requiring hybrid skillsets that blend traditional infosec with AI fluency. Unfortunately, these skillsets are rare and highly sought-after.
To bridge the gap, businesses are increasingly turning to cross-functional teams, reskilling programmes, and partnerships with academic institutions. Some are retraining existing security staff in data modelling and algorithmic auditing, while others are recruiting data scientists and training them in cybersecurity protocols. Apprenticeships and graduate schemes are also being updated to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of modern cybersecurity roles.
Vendor partners are playing a role too, offering managed services and co-development models that help internal teams get to grips with new AI-driven platforms without shouldering all the complexity. Additionally, AI tools are being designed with greater explainability, enabling non-technical users to understand how decisions are made, which is crucial for compliance and trust.
Still, the talent challenge goes beyond technical skills. Cybersecurity leaders must also instil a culture of curiosity, adaptability, and ethical responsibility. As AI systems make more decisions autonomously, there is a growing need for human oversight that considers context, fairness, and unintended consequences. This human-in-the-loop approach is essential to ensure AI is used responsibly.
Closing the AI cybersecurity talent gap is about building a future-ready workforce that understands how to work alongside intelligent systems to safeguard the enterprise. With the right investments in training, partnerships, and recruitment, organisations can equip their teams to thrive in the AI-enabled security landscape of 2025 and beyond.
Are you searching for AI solutions for your organisation? The Cyber Secure Forum can help!
