AI Agents Reshape Cybersecurity Roles and Skills
The cybersecurity landscape is undergoing significant changes as AI agents increasingly work alongside humans. According to Cisco's report on AI Agents and the Impact on Cybersecurity, 49% of security leaders say hands-on experience working with AI agents is among the hardest competencies to find in entry-level cybersecurity candidates.
Cybersecurity professionals will need to combine technical expertise, practical AI experience, and human judgment as AI becomes more deeply integrated into cybersecurity operations. This shift requires people who can understand how to work with AI agents, validate their outputs, and apply human judgment when decisions carry risk, said Fady Younes, Managing Director of Cybersecurity at Cisco Middle East.
The report highlights a growing need for professionals who can combine technical expertise with the ability to assess AI-generated outcomes, communicate effectively, and apply judgment. Separate job-market analysis included in the report shows that cybersecurity job postings requiring AI skills doubled year-on-year across G7 markets analyzed.