The Future of Cybersecurity: Job Market, AI Hacking, and Skills to Learn

Can you believe 2025 is already 1/4 done?! And it’s not an April Fool’s joke 🫣

Time has been flying the past few months (maybe for you too), it feels like I just got used to writing “2025” as the date-year just this past week.

It’s been a while since I’ve shared an overall update, so let’s catch up! ☕

I recently got the chance to visit NYC and attend a Microsoft event for their latest Copilot AI Agents, the future of AI is coming and the focus is on practical application.

Yes, AI has been a buzzword for years now, but has it actually given companies the return on investment they’re looking for?

Well.. also yes, but not really.

Companies spent $235 BILLION on AI just in 2024, and this number is going to triple by 2028. But how much of this is resulting in an actual increase in productivity?

This is why companies are now focusing on AI Agents, and here’s the exact definition answered directly by ChatGPT, just to get it from an ideal source 🙂 -

This means, instead of needing to interact with AI through a chat, it’ll be integrated into the everyday tools and tech you already use.

It makes integration into your existing workflow much more seamless since there’s already an understanding of the environment, the work context, and the data involved.

Now, AI will not only help make us more productive, but it’ll help us become more productive in the ways that we actually need (not just for reviewing an email lol).

AND - If you want a deep dive into how AI is being used in cybersecurity by the good guys and the bad guys 👀 -

What About the Future of Cybersecurity and AI?

Ten years ago, cybersecurity was so much simpler.

A firewall, antivirus, and solid password hygiene? Boom, secured.

The biggest threats? Phishing emails and people using "password123."

Fast forward to today, and it's a whole different game.

• Ransomware can shut down entire cities.

• AI-generated deepfakes blur the line between real and fake.

• Zero-day exploits get weaponized before they even get patched.

Now, let’s push forward another ten years.

Where do you see cybersecurity in 2034?

More importantly - where do you see yourself?

For years, we’ve told ourselves cybersecurity pros will always be in demand.

Every company will need people to monitor networks, respond to threats, and keep data locked down.

But tech is evolving faster than ever.

• AI is running security operations centers.

• Encryption is racing against quantum computing.

• Companies are prioritizing real-world skills over degrees and certs.

Some roles will disappear - but new ones will emerge.

The people who thrive in cybersecurity won’t just be the ones who "know security." They’ll be the ones who adapt.

So… What’s Next for You?

If you’re working toward a future in cybersecurity, the worst thing you can do is just wait and see.

The people who stay ahead aren’t just reading the news. They’re:

✅ Experimenting with AI-driven security tools.

✅ Practicing ethical hacking or SOC foundations.

✅ Mastering cloud security.

They’re focusing on what automation can’t replace - critical thinking, security architecture, real-time attack response.

And here’s the truth: Degrees and certs aren’t enough anymore.

Employers don’t just want to see "CISSP" or "Security+" on a resume. They want proof you can protect a system, think like an attacker, and respond when something goes wrong.

That’s why I always tell people breaking into cybersecurity: Get hands-on experience ASAP.

Some people do this solo - building labs, competing in Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges, or working on open-source projects.

CTFTime is a great platform to find the latest upcoming CTFs and even find teammates for your CTF team!

Others take a more structured route - training programs that actually help them build job-ready skills.

Whatever you do - don’t stand still. Cybersecurity isn’t waiting for anyone.

Stay sharp,

Sandra