As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve with increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, traditional security measures are no longer sufficient. To understand how organizations are addressing these challenges and the growing cybersecurity talent gap, we conducted a survey of 1,000 technology leaders in the U.S.
Unsurprisingly, emerging AI capabilities and new cybersecurity challenges dominated the conversation, as did the ongoing challenge of hiring top prospects from a limited candidate pool. The results, combined with insights from subject matter experts, revealed critical technology trends and highlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in cybersecurity.
This blog explores how AI is transforming cybersecurity, the rise of generative AI, and the future trends that will shape the industry.
AI is increasingly being integrated into cybersecurity measures, offering advanced capabilities to detect and mitigate threats. For instance, AI-driven tools can automate repetitive tasks like threat detection, freeing up cybersecurity professionals to focus on more complex issues. This is crucial given the persistent talent gap in the industry. AI's ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately enables organizations to detect anomalies and potential threats in real-time, enhancing their overall security posture.
Organizations are implementing AI-driven network monitoring tools that can assess login risks, enhance user experiences, and reduce the need for manual interventions such as help desk password resets. A shocking 85% of security professionals who reported witnessing an increase in cyberattacks1 over 2023 attribute this increase to the rise of generative AI suggests the outsized level of risk posed by this new technology.
As AI becomes more embedded in business operations, securing AI systems becomes paramount. This involves protecting sensitive data, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations, and preventing unauthorized access to AI-driven decision-making processes.
With cybercrime expected to cost businesses $9.5 trillion dollars in 20242, it’s easy to see why IT leaders are always focused on mitigating risks and vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, new cyberthreats and updated reporting requirements from the federal government have caused many organizations to renew their focus on shoring up vulnerabilities.
Generative AI, a subset of AI, involves creating new data from existing data sets. GenAI poses unique challenges for security teams due to its ability to create sophisticated and convincing content that can be used in cyber-attacks. For instance, threat actors are using Generative AI to create phishing emails that can be highly personalized and difficult to detect. Organizations need to adopt advanced AI-based threat intelligence and security solutions to counter these threats.
Trey Gannon, principal cybersecurity services leader at Eliassen, noted that in non-regulated industries, particularly in small and mid-size companies, the concept of continual improvement as a driver for cybersecurity is still a struggle.
According to Gannon, two additional factors are at play in the cybersecurity landscape of 2024, particularly among companies in regulated industries such as financial services and pharmaceuticals. Firstly, the SEC now mandates organizations to deliver increased breach reporting and ongoing annual reporting on cybersecurity strength, making this information publicly available. Secondly, the federal government is now requiring initiatives such as zero-trust architecture, signaling a shift towards building resilient systems capable of managing ongoing intrusions rather than relying on impenetrable barriers.
While most companies do not operate in regulated industries and may be unaffected by these new requirements, time is running out for leadership to overlook the importance of continual improvement as a driver for cybersecurity.
“Companies in industries that haven’t made cybersecurity a priority can’t play catch-up forever,” Gannon stressed. “Because sooner rather than later, catching up may become simply impossible." In fact, catching up is likely to be made even more difficult by yet another factor: a critical shortage of qualified cybersecurity talent.
The cybersecurity talent gap remains a significant challenge. Cybersecurity talent is more in demand — and less accessible — than ever. Skilled cybersecurity professionals have always been in short supply, but as larger organizations invest more in upgrading their protections and smaller organizations become even more aware of the potential threats, this talent shortage will only become more acute.
In fact, the World Economic Forum estimates3 that the global cybersecurity workforce grew by almost 13% between 2022 and 2023, but as many as four million workers are still needed to fill all of the available roles. This trend is only expected to intensify going forward to the point that there will be a global shortfall of 85 million cybersecurity workers3, resulting in losses of almost $9 trillion in potential revenue, by 2030.
Organizations must focus on creating a collaborative culture, offering continuous learning opportunities, and retaining top talent. AI can assist by automating routine tasks, allowing cybersecurity professionals to engage in more strategic activities.
The future of cybersecurity lies in the symbiotic relationship between AI and security. By leveraging AI to enhance security measures and ensuring robust security for AI systems, organizations can navigate the complex landscape of cyber threats. Continuous improvement, zero trust architecture, and addressing the talent gap are critical to building a resilient cybersecurity framework. As AI continues to evolve, staying ahead of these developments will be essential for maintaining a secure and competitive edge in the digital age.
Download our white paper, The Stall Before the Storm for more information on how tech leaders are tackling increasing cybersecurity challenges and actionable insights on how to balance these new demands.
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