The Current State of Cyber and AI in the Workforce

In this episode of And Security For All, host Kim Hakim sits down with cybersecurity expert Ken Foster to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the modern workforce — and what that means for security professionals, organizations, and the future of work.

From layoffs and talent shortages to the rise of agentic AI, Kim and Ken break down how automation, machine learning, and new attack surfaces are changing the cybersecurity landscape in real time. They discuss:

• How AI is transforming security operations and workforce dynamics
• The growing risk of over-automation and the loss of human oversight
• Why data governance and validation are critical to AI success
• The double-edged sword of AI in threat detection — and how bad actors are using it too
• The looming impact of quantum computing and what it means for encryption and defense strategies
• The importance of Zero Trust, segmentation, and continuous monitoring in today’s AI-driven world

Ken also shares candid insights on hiring trends, upskilling the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, and how leaders can prepare for a workforce that increasingly depends on — and is challenged by — artificial intelligence.

Whether you’re a CISO, IT leader, or security practitioner, this conversation offers practical perspective on where AI, automation, and human expertise intersect — and how to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving cyber landscape.