2024 is quickly shaping up to be a defining year for generative AI. While 2023 saw the emergence of a powerful new technology, business leaders are now asking how to best leverage its transformative power to drive efficiency, security, and revenue. With AI becoming nearly universally integrated into global technology, the need for AI-ready cybersecurity teams is more critical than ever. INE securitya leading global provider of cybersecurity training and certifications, predicts that large language model (LLM) applications such as chatbots and AI-driven virtual assistants will be particularly at risk.
“AI systems are invaluable because they allow us to process large amounts of data with unparalleled speed and accuracy, detect anomalies, predict threats and respond to incidents in real time. But these revolutionary technologies also empower attackers, leveling the playing field in an unprecedented way,” said Lindsey Rinehart, COO and Head of AI Integration at INE Security. “As automated attacks increase, our defense strategies must also be automated and intelligent. The accelerating arms race between cyber attackers and defenders highlights the vital need for continued training and development for cybersecurity teams.
According to IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2024, cybercriminals mentioned AI and GPT in more than 800,000 posts on illicit marketplaces and Dark Web forums last year. AI information security training and preparation is no longer optional: organizations must deploy AI and cybersecurity training for their employees to maintain efficiency and stay ahead of the curve on the attackers.
Strategies to Optimize Teams for AI and Cybersecurity
1. Integrate Structured Team Training Programs
The first step to building an AI-ready cybersecurity team is to implement structured training programs focused on both cybersecurity fundamentals and advanced applications of AI. These programs should offer certifications and courses taught by recognized institutions and industry leaders to ensure they meet high standards. For example, the courses offered by INE Security provide comprehensive training that covers both traditional cybersecurity skills and new AI-based tools. The ideal training program will include:
- Skills Gap Analysis: Conduct an analysis to identify where the team’s capabilities can be an area for improvement, particularly regarding the integration of AI.
- Development of tailor-made programs: A training program that addresses identified cybersecurity skills gaps, integrating both cybersecurity fundamentals and advanced AI applications.
- Blended learning approach: A blend of online courses, hands-on labs and real-world scenario simulations to accommodate different learning styles and improve practical application skills.
2. Promote a culture of learning
Building a culture that encourages continuous learning and curiosity is equally important. Google, for example, fosters a learning culture in which employees are encouraged to spend 20% of their time learning new skills or working on side projects, many of which involve innovations in AI and cybersecurity . This not only keeps their skills up to date, but also helps retain talent and foster a proactive approach to security challenges.
To effectively implement a learning culture that supports the development of AI-ready cybersecurity teams, organizations can adopt several strategies:
- Provide access to resources: Offer subscriptions to leading industry publications, access to specialized online courses, and access to relevant conferences and seminars focused on AI and cybersecurity.
- Reward continuous learning: Establish a reward system that recognizes and encourages team members who actively engage in learning new skills or earning new certifications, particularly those who integrate AI technologies into cybersecurity practices.
- Create innovation laboratories: Set up dedicated spaces or times where employees can experiment with new technologies or develop new solutions independently of their usual tasks. This can help stimulate creative thinking and practical application of skills learned.
3. Leverage simulation-based learning
Simulation-based learning tools, such as cyber ranges, provide hands-on experience in handling real-world cybersecurity scenarios and help users learn how to use AI. Cyber ranges provide a simulated environment in which professionals can safely interact and respond to real-world cyber threats using AI tools, without the risk of impacting real-world operations (This hands-on lab from INE Security is a great example). This hands-on exposure is crucial to understanding how AI can be integrated into cybersecurity practices to detect, analyze and mitigate threats. By training in cyber, team members can develop and refine their skills in a controlled but realistic environment, improving their ability to effectively use AI in real-world environments. Practical experience also helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, improving the team’s overall preparedness and responsiveness to emerging cyber threats.
To effectively leverage cyber ranges to build an AI-ready cybersecurity team, consider implementing the following strategies:
- Regular table exercise: Integrate regular sessions in the cyber domain into the team’s training schedule. This ensures consistent practice and skill development in handling AI-based security scenarios.
- Variety of scenarios: Develop a variety of threat scenarios that reflect the latest AI-based attack techniques and the most common threats specific to the organization’s industry. This variety helps prepare the team for a wide range of potential real-world situations.
- Cross-functional exercises: Include team members from various functional areas in cybersecurity sessions to foster a comprehensive understanding of the impact of AI on different aspects of cybersecurity within the organization.
- Post-exercise exams: Hold debriefing sessions after each cyber range exercise to discuss what was learned and how it can be applied. This reinforces the lessons and integrates them into daily practices.
4. Encourage participation in hackathons and competitions
Participating in hackathons and cybersecurity competitions can also play a crucial role in lifelong learning. These events challenge participants to solve complex problems with innovative solutions, often within limited time frames. They are great at learning new skills, testing existing ones, and staying up to date with the latest cybersecurity and AI technologies.
To effectively implement a strategy that encourages participation in hackathons and competitions, organizations can take the following approaches:
- Promote awareness: Regularly inform team members of upcoming hackathons and competitions via internal newsletters, meetings or dedicated communication channels. Highlight the benefits of participation, such as improved skills and potential recognition.
- Encourage participation: Offer incentives such as bonuses, extra vacation days or public recognition within the organization for those who participate and especially for those who perform well at these events.
- Post-event learning sessions: After each event, organize a session where participants can share their experiences, learnings and new techniques discovered during the competition. This helps disseminate new knowledge to the entire team, thereby enriching the skills base of the organization.
Conclusion
Integrating AI into cybersecurity is not just an improvement on existing frameworks; This is a fundamental change that requires a new type of expertise. Continuing education is essential for cybersecurity professionals to remain effective in their role as digital asset defenders. By adopting a culture of continuous learning and using advanced training tools and techniques, cybersecurity teams can develop the resilience and adaptability needed to stay ahead of attackers in this rapidly evolving digital world.
As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, the capabilities of those charged with protecting against it must also evolve. An investment in continuing education is an investment in the future security of our digital lives.
To learn more about INE Security’s cybersecurity training and certifications, click here.
About INE security:
INE Security is the leading provider of online networking and cybersecurity training and certifications. Leveraging the world’s most powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, a global video distribution network and world-class instructors, INE Security is the premier training choice of Fortune 500 companies worldwide for training for business cybersecurity and for IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INE Security’s suite of learning pathways offers an unrivaled depth of cybersecurity expertise and is committed to providing advanced technical training while lowering global barriers for those looking to launch and excel in a IT career.
Contact
Catherine Brun
INE security
kbrown@ine.com
