The demand for cybersecurity jobs is growing rapidly. Executives in the field say this is due to the changing threat landscape, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). “Every time you create something for good or for growth, some adversary is going to use that,” said Chris Schueler, CEO of cyber solution provider Cyderes.
Cybersecurity professionals have to work hard to stay ahead of the bad guys who can access the same AI tools. Chris Risley, CEO of wireless threat intelligence company Bastille, agreed. As threats evolve, companies and governments are seeking more cybersecurity staff to protect against AI-powered cyberattacks.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 33% growth in employed information security analysts between 2023 and 2033. Over half a dozen cybersecurity executives explained the reasons behind this rising demand. Paul Caron from global consultancy S-RM said attackers are using AI to better understand people’s behaviors, like when they log into work.
Danny Jenkins, CEO of ThreatLocker, noted that AI allows anyone with a computer to create malware, not just skilled engineers. AI has also made phishing scams more sophisticated and enabled new attack methods like deepfakes. “All I need is one good picture of your face, and I can run a deepfake video on you within 20 minutes,” Schueler said.
Mike Britton from Abnormal Security pointed out that the digital age lets bad actors attack from anywhere, removing natural perimeters and protections.
Rising demand driven by AI threats
Risley added that compromised devices of loyal employees are the new insider threat, not just disgruntled workers.
As technology integrates more into daily life, it creates new opportunities for attackers. This makes cybersecurity roles more challenging and harder to fill the rising demand. Industry executives said the global cybersecurity workforce gap is around 4.8 million jobs.
Cybersecurity positions take 21% longer on average to fill than other IT jobs. Schueler, a 25-year industry veteran, said cyberattacks are escalating at an unprecedented pace, making it tough for candidates to maintain the needed skills. The stakes are very high, with major companies facing costly lawsuits and widespread disruptions from cybersecurity incidents.
While some firms offer specialized training, smaller companies may struggle to provide that support. Risley said his company prefers to hire experienced professionals over recent graduates. Despite the challenges, a career in cybersecurity can be very rewarding.
Schueler believes the field will only become more important as technology advances. US-based chief information security officers can earn around $565,000 annually, with some making over $1 million. Both new and experienced cybersecurity professionals tend to earn above-average salaries.
“This industry does pay very, very well,” Schueler said.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
