Tech Career Decoded #21: Cybersecurity in the age of AI

AI is rapidly transforming cybersecurity, presenting both unprecedented challenges and groundbreaking opportunities. While the potential for AI to power sophisticated cyber attacks is a growing concern, AI and machine learning are also emerging as critical tools for modern threat detection and response.

In this edition of Tech Career Decoded, we explore this fascinating duality, exploring how AI is reshaping the threat landscape while also empowering innovative cybersecurity solutions and demanding a fresh set of skills from tech professionals. We’ll also tap into the insights of Dominic Redmond (Chief Information Officer at PageGroup ) who will shed light on navigating this complex AI-driven cybersecurity landscape.

Modern threat detection with AI and machine learning

Imagine a security system that continuously learns, adapts, and proactively anticipates danger; that's the promise of AI and machine learning in modern threat detection and response. For those less familiar with the term, machine learning is a subset of AI that enables systems to learn from data without explicit programming.

For instance, machine learning algorithms can analyse vast datasets of network traffic, user behaviour, and system logs to identify subtle anomalies and patterns that human analysts might miss. This leads to smarter threat detection, flagging suspicious activities with greater accuracy and reducing false positives.

AI can also automate responses to known threats, isolating infected systems or blocking malicious traffic in real-time, significantly minimising the impact of an attack. AI is increasingly playing a key role in strengthening digital security, from analysing potential vulnerabilities to identifying emerging threats early.

🎯Key tech roles and skills required in an AI-driven cybersecurity world

As artificial intelligence becomes more widespread, it’s reshaping the skills needed in cybersecurity. Since AI is now used in both cyberattacks and defences, new job roles are emerging to help organisations keep up with these evolving threats.

Security Operations, Governance, and Expertise: Building a Strong Foundation

Dominic Redmond , Chief Information Officer at PageGroup , identifies three key areas that will shape the next generation of cybersecurity professionals:

• Security operations: the right prevention, detection, and response to attacks can be the difference between safely navigating an issue or experiencing serious disruption.
• InfoSec governance roles: these roles establish the right control frameworks, providing a clear view of risks and driving appropriate mitigation strategies and priorities.
• Technical expertise in a highly complex field, along with up-to-date knowledge on AI-related threats, will become increasingly important.

🚀Emerging cybersecurity roles shaped by AI

As the cyber threat landscape evolves, particularly with the rise of AI-enabled attacks, new specialist roles are emerging to complement traditional capabilities.

AI Security Specialist

This role focuses on the unique security challenges and opportunities presented by AI and machine learning. They are responsible for securing AI systems, understanding and mitigating AI-powered attacks, and potentially developing AI-driven security solutions.

SOC Analyst with ML skills

While traditional SOC analysts monitor and respond to threats, this role specifically leverages machine learning skills to enhance threat detection, analysis, and response. They work with and fine-tune ML-based security tools, interpret AI-driven alerts, and use their understanding of ML algorithms to identify subtle anomalies and patterns that might be missed by traditional methods.

AI Threat Intelligence Analyst

This role specialises in understanding and predicting the evolution of AI-powered cyber threats. They research and analyse how threat actors are leveraging AI for malicious purposes, such as creating sophisticated phishing campaigns, automating attacks, or evading traditional security controls.

4 ways tech companies can build future-ready cyber teams

Tech giants like Google , with its recent $32 billion acquisition of cybersecurity firm Wiz, and Microsoft , which made security its top priority for every employee last year, demonstrate the increasing importance of robust cybersecurity. But what strategies can other companies adopt to build future-ready cyber teams? Dominic Redmond outlines four key ways organisations can strengthen their cybersecurity:

1️⃣ Understand the value of your data

“Understanding the business impact of restricted data access isn’t just about money—it’s about knowing how operations would be affected. By identifying what matters most, teams can focus their efforts where they’re needed most, rather than trying to protect everything at once.”

2️⃣ Connect governance and operations

“The connection and common objectives between cybersecurity governance and cybersecurity operations are critical. This end-to-end approach brings more focus, efficiency, and effective security control and management. This is as important as ever as AI driven threats advance.” 

3️⃣ Ensure influence and leadership support 

“Ensuring that the cybersecurity team has the right influence across the rest of the company, along with leadership support, is essential. Delivering better security requires everyone in the technology organisation to follow the cybersecurity plan, not just the cybersecurity team.”

4️⃣ Assess and mitigate third-party risk 

“Most companies are not attacked directly but through more vulnerable third parties so assess your supply chain and consider what risk they pose through their own internal vulnerabilities, how these can be mitigated, and ultimately, how long you could operate without them.”

By implementing these four strategies, your tech company can lay a strong foundation for building threat-resistant cyber teams. But what does it mean to have a security-first culture?

“Building a security-first culture means that in every action we take in technology, security is at the forefront of our thinking. We are all obliged to protect customer and employee data and must ensure we have the right controls over how our systems use this data. This approach is also more efficient, as the identification of security considerations up-front can impact solution design, rather than result in retrospective rework or risk acceptance that would otherwise not be necessary.”

🌎Global perspectives on AI and cybersecurity

We surveyed Michael Page experts worldwide to uncover the demand for AI/ML skills in cybersecurity roles and get their career advice for tech professionals looking to enter this business-critical field.

On the demand for AI/ML skills in cybersecurity roles

“The emergence of AI/ML in cybersecurity, while still in its early stages regionally, is definitely on the radar. Some forward-thinking organisations — particularly in sectors like finance, energy, and government — are beginning to look for professionals who can apply AI/ML techniques to large-scale data analysis, behavioural monitoring, and automated incident response. While these hybrid skill sets aren't yet standard requirements in most job descriptions here, they are increasingly seen as differentiators and can be the deciding factor between to otherwise equally qualified candidates.”

“In Colombia, the growing sophistication of cyber threats and accelerated digitalisation have led companies to seek professionals with advanced skills in areas such as AI, machine learning, and automation. There’s also an increased demand for skills in data analysis and risk management to proactively anticipate and mitigate threats. Soft skills are increasingly valued too—such as effective communication and teamwork. Companies want cybersecurity professionals who can act as cross-functional ambassadors, maintain ongoing relationships, and serve as strategic partners across the organisation, which also gives them greater visibility.”

“While we see few roles specifically targeting AI experts within the security field, there are initial developments where companies are setting up side projects or dedicated departments to address AI in the context of IT security. Currently, the main focus remains on conceptual ISO roles, but once the framework is established, the technical part (e.g. cybersecurity roles with an AI focus) will increasingly gain importance.”

“In Australia, businesses are investing more in cybersecurity talent and tools to counter AI-driven threats. Many companies are restructuring their security teams to integrate AI specialists alongside traditional cybersecurity experts. The focus is shifting towards proactive threat detection, AI-powered security automation, and enhanced risk management.”

💡Advice for tech professionals who want to pursue a career in cybersecurity

“The best advice is to start with what you already know. Whether you're in infrastructure, cloud, software, or networking, those skills are already a solid foundation. Cybersecurity isn't a completely separate world, it's built on top of these disciplines. The key is to figure out which area you want to focus on, whether it's cloud security, DevSecOps, or incident response, and then build toward it. Setting up a basic home lab, contributing to open-source security projects, or digging into real-world case studies can go a long way. So don’t wait to be fully ready — just get involved, stay up to date, and be intentional about the path you want to follow.” 

Matt Jones - Manager Technology Michael Page UAE

“For those looking to enter or advance in cybersecurity, my advice is to build a strong foundation in core IT and cybersecurity principles. Earning relevant certifications such as CISSP, CEH or CISM can be highly beneficial. Keeping up with the latest trends and threats is also essential. Getting involved in professional communities and networks can unlock many opportunities and provide valuable support and resources. There are also several free certifications available for beginners looking to start a career in cybersecurity, such as those offered by ISC2 and other institutions.”

Daniel Guerrero Andrade , Senior Consultant Michael Page IT, Digital & eCommerce Colombia

What steps is your organisation taking to build future-ready cyber teams? Do you think AI/ML skills will be must-haves for the next wave of cybersecurity professionals? Join the conversation and let us know in the comments!

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The Michael Page Technology team