Will AI start taking cybersecurity jobs?

AI is rapidly reshaping how cybersecurity professionals work, but is it taking jobs? 

As organisations face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, AI is being deployed to detect and respond to attacks with greater speed and accuracy than human analysts alone. AI-powered systems can monitor vast amounts of data in real time, identifying patterns that indicate potential breaches or vulnerabilities. This automation enhances cybersecurity defences but has also raised concerns about job displacement.

While AI is improving efficiency, it is unlikely to fully replace cybersecurity professionals in the near future. Instead, AI is taking over repetitive and time-consuming tasks, such as threat detection, log analysis, and vulnerability scanning. This allows human experts to focus on higher-level problem-solving, incident response, and strategic planning. However, some entry-level cybersecurity roles, particularly in security operations centres (SOCs), may be at risk as AI automates routine tasks.

New opportunities

Despite these concerns, AI is also creating new job opportunities. The demand for AI specialists, cybersecurity engineers, and ethical hackers is growing as organisations invest in AI-driven security solutions. Additionally, human oversight remains essential to ensure AI systems function correctly and ethically.

In the UK, where cybercrime is a major economic threat, AI is expected to play a crucial role in protecting businesses and government institutions. However, the shift towards AI-driven cybersecurity highlights the need for continuous upskilling and adaptation among cybersecurity professionals to remain relevant in an evolving job market. Instead of replacing jobs, AI is transforming them, demanding a new blend of technical and analytical expertise.