How can AI help close talent gaps in cybersecurity and beyond?

Employers continue to face significant recruitment challenges. Countless surveys show this, and it’s certainly something I have seen firsthand as Chief People Officer of SentinelOne. As an industry, cybersecurity is no stranger to talent shortages, with the global cyber talent shortfall estimated to be approximately 3.5 million people by 2025, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.

This shortage comes as no surprise, as cybersecurity is no longer just a tech problem, it’s a business one. Organizations across all sectors and industries urgently need skilled individuals to protect their data and systems.

So how can AI help?

AI as tech for good

Cybersecurity talent shortages keep CISOs – and business leaders – up at night. They are entrusted with the daunting task of safeguarding systems and vast amounts of data, often ranging in the petabytes, with limited resources. Despite having the know-how to secure their digital estates, the cybersecurity skills gap leaves security teams stretched thin, creating more opportunities for attackers to exploit.

Many companies find themselves in a constant scramble to secure top cybersecurity talent, but despite their best efforts, often come up short. The real solution lies in embracing artificial intelligence to fill the talent gap.

Bad actors are leveraging AI-driven tools to automate tasks like scanning networks for vulnerabilities and launching attacks, creating more convincing phishing emails, and developing more sophisticated malware.

But AI innovation cuts both ways and by harnessing AI's capabilities, organizations can not only mitigate the talent shortage but also bolster their cybersecurity defenses.

AI-powered solutions offer new ways to enhance threat detection, automate routine tasks, and empower existing teams to tackle complex challenges more effectively. Embracing AI isn't just about filling positions – it's about revolutionizing cybersecurity strategies.

The power of AI relies on human involvement

AI is streamlining security operations, empowering teams to achieve higher levels of effectiveness. It's also democratizing advanced capabilities, opening them up to organizations beyond just the largest enterprises with the most resources.

While it is unquestionably powerful, AI's effectiveness still hinges on human involvement. Human judgment remains vital in planning and strategy, as well as interpreting AI-generated insights and determining the best course of action. AI is designed to support people and bring their abilities to the next level.

AI's effectiveness still hinges on human involvement

To illustrate, consider the role of a cybersecurity threat hunter. A threat hunter proactively searches for hidden threats within a network or systems, going on the offensive to identify and neutralize potential attacks before they can cause damage. They take broad security concerns and turn them into specific questions that can be asked of security data. This typically demands expertise in intricate programming languages and coding abilities – both of which are in short supply.

Now, AI-driven platforms enable security teams to pose intricate threats and adversary-hunting inquiries using everyday language, swiftly providing insights and suggested response measures that can be acted on promptly. Entry-level threat hunters can perform at a much higher level, while more seasoned ones can operate more strategically, with greater efficiency and efficacy.

Building tomorrow’s skills today

By incorporating AI technologies into training programs, companies can smooth the learning curve, making it easier and faster for both existing staff and new hires to learn the necessary security skills. This not only helps people to become more proficient in security tasks but also expands the number of potential employees who can perform these roles effectively.

This forward-thinking strategy ensures a steady stream of well-prepared talent equipped to navigate the intricacies of network protection while leveraging AI tools strategically. Ultimately, this holistic approach to talent development not only addresses immediate staffing needs but also fosters a culture of innovation and adaptability, positioning your organization for long-term success against ever-evolving challenges.

AI and the future of work

Discussions about AI often focus on potential downsides, like the impact on jobs or some kind of dystopian scenario. While these issues are worth considering, it's important to balance the conversation with the real benefits AI is delivering today. In cybersecurity, integrating AI to augment human capabilities is helping organizations to optimize their cybersecurity defenses – and their security talent.

The lessons learned from leveraging AI to fill cybersecurity talent gaps are applicable across industries, highlighting the broader potential of AI to tackle talent shortages and drive innovation in diverse sectors. Although it's hard to predict the full extent of AI advancement in the future, one thing is certain: Companies that harness the power of AI will gain a competitive edge in talent acquisition and retention, setting the stage for continued growth and business success.