The rise of AI in cybersecurity is changing how teams detect threats and respond to incidents. But as companies adopt AI tools, industry experts warn that junior roles could become collateral damage.
A new global survey from ISC2 shows that while AI is improving efficiency, it’s also disrupting hiring plans—especially for entry-level talent.
AI Is Already Here—and It’s Working
Out of 436 cybersecurity professionals surveyed, nearly a third said they’ve already integrated AI tools into their daily operations. Another 42% are actively testing or evaluating them.
Big corporations and data-rich sectors are leading adoption. Industrial firms and IT services dominate the list, while public sector organizations and financial institutions are slower to act.
AI now plays a major role in:
- Network monitoring and intrusion detection (60%)
- Endpoint protection and response (56%)
- Vulnerability management (50%)
- Threat modeling (45%)
- Security testing (43%)
Most teams using AI report better performance in these areas, citing speed and scalability as key benefits.
Junior Roles Face Pressure
Over half of respondents (52%) believe AI will reduce the need for entry-level hires. One in five said AI has already changed their hiring strategy.
This presents a challenge: fewer junior roles mean fewer future experts. Without entry-level experience, aspiring professionals may struggle to gain the hands-on knowledge needed for mid and senior roles.
One survey respondent put it bluntly:
“You have to walk before you can run. AI is sprinting past the juniors before they’ve even laced up.”
Another warned that reducing junior hiring could lead to burnout among senior staff, slower threat response, and a serious cybersecurity skills gap.
New Roles Could Emerge
Despite concerns, not all experts are pessimistic. About 31% believe AI could create new entry-level roles—ones that combine foundational cyber skills with AI knowledge.
Examples of emerging roles include:
- AI-assisted SOC Analyst
- Security Data Analyst for AI training
- Automation and Security Orchestration Assistant
- AI Governance or Compliance Associate
- Cloud Security Support Analyst
These jobs could provide an entry point for newcomers while preparing them for a more AI-driven future.
Conclusion
AI in cybersecurity is here to stay, but the industry can’t afford to sacrifice junior talent. While AI tools offer speed and scale, they must be balanced with training, mentorship, and accessible roles for new professionals. Without a steady talent pipeline, even the smartest systems won’t be enough to secure the future.
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