The Uses and Impact of AI in Cyber Security
Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming cyber security, from detecting and responding to threats faster, to strengthening defence strategies across networks and systems. By understanding how AI is applied in this fast-evolving field, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to launch or advance your career in cyber security.
You may have noticed that new cyber threats are emerging all the time, and new news headlines every week are proving that businesses, both large and small, are getting caught out by them.
One week it’s a new phishing scam, the next, an advanced ransomware attack makes the headlines. For those looking to enter the cyber industry, you may be thinking that no human team (no matter how skilled) can manually keep up with that pace. Why? Because the threats themselves are being driven by malicious AI practices.
That’s why artificial intelligence (AI) now plays such a key role in cyber security. From predictive analytics that spot unusual activity to automated systems that can contain an attack in seconds, AI is becoming an essential tool.
As a career consultant in the cyber space, I'm finding myself saying the same thing about AI and cyber security with increasing frequency these days: AI isn’t taking cybersecurity jobs. It’s simply reshaping them. It’s becoming an ally rather than replacing human expertise (something you can read more about in our comprehensive AI impact on jobs guide).
In this article, I’ll explain how AI is being used in cyber security today and what skills you should be developing if you want to enter or progress in this fast-moving industry.
Written by
Neil has been at Learning People in New Zealand working a specialist in helping people gain the skills, certifications, and confidence they need to land their dream roles in tech and project management for over 5 years.
Why AI Matters in Cyber Security Today
Cyber attacks are evolving at a pace that’s hard to keep up with. As someone who advises people on how to build a career in this space, it certainly keeps me on my toes!
Every week brings a new story of a breach, phishing scam, or ransomware strain more advanced than the last. The truth is, there’s simply too much data and too many threats for manual defences alone to cope. In addition, important to note is that the cyber threats and attacks themselves are increasingly being driven and propagated by, you guessed it, AI, as SHARP explain here in their article on How AI is Used for Cyber Attacks.
This is why using AI to fight these threats is important. By automating routine monitoring and analysing huge amounts of network data in seconds, AI helps security teams spot suspicious activity faster and respond before damage is done. Its biggest strengths lie in speed, accuracy, and the ability to learn as it goes. Something no human analyst could match on their own.
We’re seeing UK organisations adopt AI tools at scale. And interestingly, more employers are now asking for AI familiarity in Cyber Security job specs… a clear sign of how vital these skills have become amid the growing tech skills gap.
More specifically, it's been flagged in several reports over the last year or so that the digital and cyber skills gap in Australian companies is worth around $25 billion AUD. So there’s a clear opportunity for those willing to learn.
AI-enabled cyber budgets increase rapidly in Australia
Three in four Australian organisations plan to increase their cybersecurity budgets over the next 12 months into 2026, with 37% naming AI as their top investment priority. This reflects how quickly AI is becoming central to security planning — and how strongly demand is growing for professionals who can apply it effectively.
Key Uses of AI in Cyber Security
1. Threat Detection and Response
If you’ve ever worked in a Security Operations Centre, you’ll know how overwhelming the flow of alerts can be. I’ve spoken to many Analysts who say they spend hours sorting through false alarms, and that’s exactly where AI earns its keep. By scanning massive data streams in real time, AI can spot unusual behaviour or hidden patterns far faster than any human team could.
Machine learning models are trained to recognise phishing attempts, malware activity, or even subtle network anomalies that suggest a breach. Tools like Darktrace’s self-learning AI take this further by building a live understanding of what “normal” looks like inside an organisation — and flagging anything that doesn’t fit.
For you as a SOC Analyst or Penetration Tester, this means more time focusing on genuine risks instead of chasing noise.
2. Predictive Threat Intelligence
One of the most exciting things about AI is its ability to see around corners. Predictive threat intelligence systems can forecast potential attacks before they happen by analysing historical data, global threat feeds, and even hacker chatter across the dark web. IBM’s Watson for Cyber Security, for instance, processes billions of records daily to warn teams about emerging exploits.
If you’re thinking about where you might fit into this, roles like Threat Intelligence Analyst or Security Researcher are now closely tied to these tools. Understanding predictive AI gives you a real edge in building proactive defence strategies. Something many employers are now prioritising. You can explore where this fits in different cyber security career paths.
3. Automation and Incident Response
When an incident hits, minutes really matter. I’ve seen AI-powered automation shave hours off response times by instantly isolating infected devices or filtering false positives before a human even logs in. Platforms like Palo Alto Cortex XSOAR and Microsoft Sentinel are already doing this in practice.
It’s important to keep reminding yourself that AI doesn’t replace you; it supports you. Think of it as a teammate that handles the repetitive parts so you can focus on deeper analysis and strategic decision-making.
4. AI in Identity and Access Management
You’ve probably noticed how many platforms now verify identity using fingerprints, face scans, or behavioural patterns. That’s AI in action. Adaptive authentication systems use machine learning to understand normal user behaviour and adjust access controls accordingly. If someone logs in from a new location or device, AI might automatically ask for extra verification.
For Compliance Analysts and Security Engineers, this is becoming an everyday reality. AI is helping strike the balance between user convenience and robust protection. It’s a challenge that sits right at the heart of modern cyber security.
40% of ANZ businesses cite lack of cyber and AI talent
Among ANZ channel firms, 40% identified workforce skills shortages as the second biggest factor holding back business growth, particularly in cyber security, data, and AI roles. This reinforces how valuable it is to build AI and cyber expertise, giving professionals both relevance and rare advantage in the job market.
The AI Skills Every Cyber Professional Should Develop
One of the first things I tell people who are thinking about building AI knowledge for a career in cyber security is this: you don’t need to be a Data Scientist to use AI effectively in cyber roles. You just need to understand how these systems work, where they fit into your role, and how to use them confidently.
In cyber security, there are a few practical AI-related skills that can really boost your career prospects.
- A solid grasp of machine learning fundamentals helps you interpret how algorithms make decisions and spot when something looks off.
- Getting comfortable with security automation platforms (like SOAR tools) can also save you hours on manual work.
- Many professionals I’ve worked with also find that learning Python for data analysis and scripting helps them build smarter workflows and connect different systems.
- And if you enjoy investigative work, AI-driven threat intelligence and risk modelling will teach you how to predict and prioritise real-world risks.
If you’re looking to upskill, our Cyber Security courses cover these kinds of practical areas from AI-based defences to hands-on automation. We also pair learners with career coaches to help you turn those skills into real job opportunities.
Final Thoughts – Preparing for the Future of AI-Driven Cyber Security Careers
I've spoken to so many people over the last year who worry that AI will eventually replace cyber security jobs, but it won’t. What’s actually happening is that the work is evolving.
Employers are increasingly looking for cyber professionals who can use AI tools confidently and apply the human judgement that technology still can’t replicate.
We’re already seeing a rise in hybrid roles such as AI Security Specialist and AI Risk Analyst. Both positions that blend technical expertise with strategic oversight. These professionals don’t compete with AI; they collaborate with it to make security smarter, faster and more adaptive.
The key is learning with AI, not against it. If you can combine technical understanding with communication, critical thinking, and risk awareness, you’ll be well ahead of the curve.
Schedule a free call with one of our expert Cyber Career Consultants to take the first step toward a future-proof path.
