Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
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Next-Generation Technologies & Secure Development
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Recruitment & Reskilling Strategy
SANS Institute’s Rob Lee on AI Transforming Cyber Jobs
Artificial intelligence is reshaping entry-level cybersecurity work, but evidence doesn’t support fears that junior jobs are disappearing, said Rob Lee, chief AI officer and chief of research at SANS Institute.
See Also: Why Traditional DLP Can’t Keep Up With AI Data Growth
Lee said SANS has been tracking available entry-level cybersecurity jobs along with emerging AI and machine learning roles. But entry-level openings have remained stable and recently increased, he said. The larger shift will come in what employers expect from new hires. Junior roles will require greater technical capability, while AI will help practitioners reach higher skill levels faster.
That doesn’t eliminate the need for cybersecurity fundamentals. Lee compared the profession with medicine, law and engineering, where structured education and practical experience prepare people for advanced responsibilities earlier in their careers. Cybersecurity may need a similar model rather than assuming expertise develops through years of repetitive junior work.
“The evidence is showing that it’s not directly eliminating jobs. You’re not seeing someone’s number of SOC analysts suddenly drop. Plus, as a manager out there, you don’t want to have a reduction in people. You basically are able to accomplish more with what you have,” Lee said.
In this video interview with ISMG, Lee also discussed:
- Why the job description for entry-level cybersecurity roles will require more advanced skills;
- How AI accelerates work without replacing core cybersecurity skills and validation;
- Why CISOs should prepare for emerging AI security roles and shifting workforce needs.
Lee, who leads AI and research at SANS Institute, advises boards, CISOs and government leaders on how to govern, deploy and defend AI at scale. He authored the SANS Secure AI Blueprint, which organizes secure AI adoption around the themes Protect AI, Utilize AI and Govern AI, and led development of the SANS Critical AI Security Guidelines. He co-authored “The AI Vulnerability Storm: Building a Mythos-Ready Security Program” and the initial post-mortem of the OpenAI agent breach of Hugging Face.