What skills and qualifications are needed for cybersecurity professionals in the age of AI?

The founder of Kaspersky believes that young people who want to pursue a career in cybersecurity need a strong foundation in mathematics, logical thinking, and the ability to learn continuously in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

In an interview with Thanh Nien Newspaper in Ho Chi Minh City regarding cybersecurity for businesses and education , Eugene Kaspersky, CEO of Kaspersky, argued that the human resource challenge in this industry doesn't stem from software or tools, but from a fundamental mindset. According to him, as cyber threats constantly evolve and AI is increasingly exploited by both defenders and attackers, young people who want a long-term career in cybersecurity need to prepare core competencies from an early age, with mathematics being the most crucial foundation.

To go far in cybersecurity, young people first need a solid foundation in mathematics - shared the CEO of Kaspersky.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTOR

He observed that users' awareness of cybersecurity is now better than before, because after more than 30 years of living with the internet, most people understand that digital technology brings both conveniences and risks. However, cyber threats are not static. Every year, new attack methods emerge, from scenarios targeting industrial systems to exploiting AI and deepfakes to increase the effectiveness of fraud. According to Eugene, this means that learning in the field of cybersecurity cannot stop at foundational knowledge or past experience.

Mathematics is the foundation of cybersecurity thinking.

When asked what students should be taught early on to prepare them for a career in cybersecurity, Kaspersky CEO Eugene gave a direct answer: mathematics. According to him, mathematics is not just a subject, but a tool that helps shape thinking structures, logical reasoning abilities, and a systematic approach to problem-solving.

From this perspective, mathematics serves not only engineers or researchers but also forms the foundation for many different career paths. Specifically in cybersecurity, this knowledge base allows students to delve deeper into the technology, from data analysis and algorithm development to the development of AI systems. In the context of rapidly developing AI, the market needs not only people who know how to use the tools but also those who can participate in building them.

This message also reveals his rather clear perspective on cybersecurity education. Instead of chasing short-term skills or popular tools, learners need to build a solid foundation of thinking to adapt to technological changes. If they possess mathematical thinking skills, young people will have a significant advantage when entering fields requiring in-depth analysis such as AI or security.

Cybersecurity professionals in the AI ​​era must continuously learn and possess investigative and analytical skills.

Beyond a mathematical foundation, Eugene believes that cybersecurity professionals in the new era must accept the reality that it is a continuous learning process. According to him, cybersecurity is not a project with an end point, but a process. Threats change year after year, so professionals in the field must constantly update their knowledge, skills, and response methods.

Cybersecurity professionals in the AI ​​era need not only technical skills but also a continuous learning, analysis, and adaptation process to new attack methods.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTOR

Cybersecurity is not just about technology. In many successful attacks, the human element remains a crucial link, alongside technical vulnerabilities. Social engineering scams, malicious links, and deepfakes demonstrate that even a single user error can pave the way for an attacker. Therefore, according to him, cybersecurity awareness training must go hand in hand with professional training.

At the professional level, cybersecurity professionals today must also possess investigative and analytical skills. This field requires both individuals who can develop new technologies and those who can track down attackers, understand their motives, and predict their next moves. In other words, this industry needs not only people who know how to build systems, but also people who can "read" how opponents act in cyberspace.

From those observations, his message to students is quite clear: to pursue cybersecurity in the age of AI, one cannot simply learn to use tools. More importantly, they must cultivate logical thinking, maintain a habit of continuous learning, and prepare for a constantly evolving field where technical knowledge must go hand in hand with the ability to analyze human behavior and attack scenarios.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhan-luc-an-ninh-mang-thoi-dai-ai-can-co-nhung-gi-185260423095624996.htm