Mounting cyber threats driven by the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence have intensified global concerns regarding the availability of skilled cybersecurity professionals. Melonia da Gama, Director of Training and Learning Programs at Fortinet, and Natasa Perucica, Lead for Capacity Building at the World Economic Forum, emphasize that organizations are increasingly relying on AI to address the shortage of qualified workers. As cyber risks grow more complex, they argue that cybersecurity training must extend beyond technical knowledge to include soft skills that support effective risk management and communication within organizations. This dual focus is becoming essential as both public and private sectors struggle to find and retain individuals capable of managing expanding responsibilities in digital security.
India continues to experience one of the most significant gaps in cybersecurity talent, with a shortage estimated between 1 and 1.5 million trained professionals. The demand for cybersecurity expertise is rising across industries, yet the supply of qualified workers has not kept pace. Micro, small and medium sized enterprises sit at the center of the risk landscape because they often lack the resources to build robust cybersecurity teams or implement advanced defensive tools. Efforts such as the World Economic Forum’s strategic cybersecurity talent framework aim to support individuals in entering the workforce and developing long term careers in the sector. These programs seek to standardize training pathways, improve access to learning opportunities and encourage widespread adoption of skill development initiatives that can bring new workers into the field.
Leveraging AI for defensive automation is identified as an opportunity for organizations to enhance their security posture, but experts caution that such reliance requires a balanced governance structure. Automation can help reduce workloads, detect anomalies more efficiently and support teams that are already stretched thin, but it must operate under frameworks that preserve accountability and uphold privacy standards. Without appropriate safeguards, expanded automation may introduce new risks or weaken oversight within critical systems. As organizations experiment with the integration of AI tools across cybersecurity operations, the need for clear governance remains a central priority.
Concerns surrounding over reliance on a small number of AI firms are also shaping discussions about long term digital resilience. William Dixon, Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, notes that the rapid growth of the AI market appears to be entering a phase where correction is possible. This trend is motivating firms and governments to reassess their dependence on limited providers and instead invest in diversified digital infrastructure. According to Dixon, lasting value in cybersecurity will come from prioritizing foundational practices rather than investing heavily in speculative AI tools. These fundamentals include resilient system design, adaptive strategies and long term planning that can withstand evolving threats. As the global environment becomes increasingly influenced by AI driven systems, the emphasis on sustainable cybersecurity development continues to gain importance across industries seeking to strengthen digital resilience.
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