How to Train Tomorrow’s Cyber Defenders for an AI Era

As AI amplifies the speed, scale, and complexity of cyber threats, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has reached an unprecedented level. Breaches are no longer hypothetical—they are expected. Organizations now operate under a new “cybersecurity normal,” assuming that incidents will occur and adjusting how their security teams, executives, and boards prioritize risk as a result.

AI: A Double-Edged Force in Cyber Defense

AI is simultaneously reinforcing defenses and expanding the threat landscape. According to the Fortinet 2025 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report, nearly 49% of cybersecurity leaders fear AI will increase both the volume and sophistication of attacks. While AI enhances defensive capabilities, it also introduces new vectors of risk that require advanced expertise and strategic oversight.

A Growing Shortage of Cyber Talent

Despite rising threats, the cybersecurity workforce continues to face a severe talent shortage. Global estimates suggest a gap of 2.8 to 4.8 million professionals. Technology advances at breakneck speed, but the number of qualified defenders has not kept pace. Skilled human experts remain the most valuable—and scarce—asset in the security ecosystem.

Organizations Turn to AI to Bridge the Gap

To manage escalating risks and talent shortages, organizations are increasingly adopting AI-driven security tools. 97% of companies are using or planning to use AI-enabled cybersecurity solutions. Those that have fully integrated AI report an average $1.9 million reduction in data breach costs, highlighting the tangible benefits of intelligent automation.

AI deployment is particularly strong across Asia-Pacific and North America, where AI-powered detection, prevention, automation and threat intelligence are becoming core components of daily operations.

How AI Is Transforming Security Operations

AI enhances operational resilience by identifying anomalies, analyzing massive volumes of alerts and automating routine processes. This frees cybersecurity teams to focus on higher-level strategy and faster incident response. A 2025 study found that 88% of security teams saved significant time thanks to AI-enabled workflows.

With machine learning and large language models now embedded in security operations centers, organizations can anticipate threats, accelerate investigations and strengthen their posture across cloud security, email security, threat management and identity and access control.

Human Expertise Remains Irreplaceable

Despite fears of automation, cybersecurity professionals remain optimistic about AI’s role. 87% expect AI to enhance their work, while only 2% believe it will replace them entirely. But for organizations to unlock AI’s full potential, they need people with the right skills.

Nearly 48% of IT leaders say the biggest barrier to AI adoption is the lack of staff with sufficient AI expertise. Effective AI-driven security depends not only on technical understanding, but also on human judgment and strategic decision-making.

Soft Skills Are Becoming Critically Important

Technical skills alone are no longer enough. The Future of Jobs 2025 report predicts rising demand for soft skills such as

Analytical and creative thinking
Communication and collaboration
Adaptability and agility

These capabilities are essential for interpreting AI-generated insights, managing risk and maintaining resilient operations.

Closing the Cyber Skills Gap Requires a Long-Term Strategy

Solving the global talent shortage requires more than new tools—it demands coordinated, sustained investment in people. The World Economic Forum’s Strategic Cybersecurity Talent Framework outlines how organizations can attract, train, recruit and retain talent to build a robust security workforce.

Public-private partnerships are also central to this effort. The Forum’s work on Cyber Workforce Development highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration to create standardized training pathways, share resources and expand access to career opportunities.

A Three-Pillar Approach to Building the Future Cyber Workforce

A sustainable cybersecurity talent strategy should be built on:

Greater awareness and education
Targeted training and certification
Deployment of advanced security technologies

Organizations that invest in both cutting-edge tools and highly skilled people will be best prepared to navigate emerging threats.

The Future Belongs to Human–AI Collaboration

AI will continue revolutionizing cyber defense, but human intelligence, creativity, and judgment remain irreplaceable. The most resilient organizations will be those that strategically combine AI capabilities with a strong, well-trained cybersecurity workforce.

Ultimately, the future of cybersecurity will belong to those who can harness the strengths of both human expertise and intelligent technology.

With AI Changing Cybersecurity, How Do We Prepare Tomorrow’s Defenders?