Can You Work in AI With a Cybersecurity Degree?

Cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) require computer science and information technology expertise and constantly change. As a result, some students earn a degree in cybersecurity but later decide they would rather work in AI. Working in AI is possible with a cybersecurity degree, although you may need additional training. Keep reading as we explain working in AI with a cybersecurity degree.

Can Cybersecurity Majors Work in AI?

Cybersecurity majors can certainly work in AI, although some AI careers are better for those with a cybersecurity degree than others.

Typically cybersecurity degrees prepare students for cybersecurity jobs. These jobs often include:

• developing, implementing, and maintaining software and programs designed for threat detection and to counter cyber attacks on networks, devices, and databases
• run penetration testing to detect vulnerabilities
• respond immediately to cyber threats like malware, security breaches, and other types of security incidents
• write incident response reports and develop new security measures and security solutions to prevent those incidents from happening again

Many programs used for threat detection and response use machine learning or AI. As a result, it can be easy to transition from a cybersecurity-focused career path into an AI-focused career.

How Can a Degree in Cybersecurity Prepare Me for a Career in AI?

As mentioned above, transitioning from cybersecurity to AI is easier because cybersecurity often uses AI. Additionally, many of the skills you learn in a cybersecurity program can help prepare you for career opportunities in AI. We've broken some of these key skills down below.

Knowledge of Programming Languages

Both artificial intelligence and cybersecurity require knowledge of programming languages. There are dozens of programming languages, but some are more popular in different fields than others.

Cybersecurity experts use programming languages for various reasons, including penetration testing, security operations, incident response, and malware analysis. The most common language used in cybersecurity is Python, but other common languages include:

• JavaScript
• C and C++
• Java
• Structured Query Language (SQL)
• Bash/Shell

In AI, programming is used for nearly everything, including creating algorithms and automation. Like cybersecurity, the top programming language for AI is Python, but others include:

• Java
• SQL
• C++
• R

As you can see, there is a lot of overlap between the programming languages used in cybersecurity and the programming languages used in AI. Both fields use Python extensively but also use Java, SQL, and A++.

Ability To Perceive Threats to AI Systems

Cybersecurity careers are focused on the threat detection and risk management of networks, devices, and data. To do this, they use software and programs. At its core, artificial intelligence is a type of software. The ability of cybersecurity majors to use software to protect other systems will also allow them to perceive threats to AI systems.

Experience Working With AI When Developing Security Systems

Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in many sectors, especially computer science and information security. AI is used in several different ways in cybersecurity, including:

• analyze security logs
• detect security anomalies
• read source code
• identify anomalies
• predict cyberthreats

Data Science and Analysis Skills

A cybersecurity analyst's job is to collect and analyze data to assess and improve network security. These data science skills can also help you when working with artificial intelligence.

AI is commonly used in data science and data analytics to analyze large datasets, simplify trends, and create data insights. Many of the same programs cybersecurity experts use to analyze their cybersecurity data use AI, meaning you'll already have experience using AI as a cybersecurity major.

Adapt To Changing Situations

Cybersecurity often requires security professionals to stay up-to-date with network and IT security. This means they must be up-to-date on the continuously changing threats affecting networks, operating systems, computer systems, and data storage. Similarly, artificial intelligence is constantly changing and evolving as well. The ability to adapt to different cybersecurity threats and situations will also help you adjust to the ever-changing world of AI.

Problem-Solving Skills

One of the most important soft skills in a cybersecurity skillset, and in an AI skillset, is problem-solving. Problem-solving refers to calmly, strategically, and effectively responding to problems.

Those working in cybersecurity use their problem-solving skills to protect against and manage new cybersecurity threats as they arise. Similarly, AI professionals must use problem-solving skills to adjust their AI systems and algorithms.

Top AI Careers That Would Benefit From a Cybersecurity Degree

Cybersecurity degrees primarily train students for cybersecurity jobs. These jobs usually include entry-level roles like cybersecurity analyst, as well as:

• cloud security engineer
• cybersecurity engineer
• ethical hacker
• penetration tester
• security consultant
• security manager
• security software developer
• security systems administrator

However, a few in-demand roles more focused on AI benefit from a cybersecurity degree. We've broken down a few of these below.

Machine Learning Engineer

A machine learning engineer is a software engineer who creates algorithms and frameworks for machine learning. Machine learning is a subfield of artificial intelligence focused on training AI to automate processes and retain those results to improve processes in the future.

Cybersecurity majors are good fits for machine learning engineers because they know software development and programming fundamentals. They're also adept at understanding algorithms and keeping information safe.

Data Scientist

Data scientists use programs to analyze big data and return valuable insights for companies and businesses. While degrees in data science are available, you can also become a data scientist with a degree in cybersecurity. Data science and cybersecurity both have a strong foundation in computer science and information technology. Cybersecurity degrees also train students in different aspects of data science so they can analyze cybersecurity data.

Data Engineer

Data engineers create the structures, algorithms, and frameworks data analysts and scientists use to process data. They use many of the same strategies and techniques cybersecurity experts use to build security systems. Like cybersecurity professionals, data engineers need to know programming languages like Python and SQL. They also need to know how to test and troubleshoot the data systems that they program.

How Cybersecurity Professionals Can Learn AI

There are different ways that cybersecurity professionals can learn how to use artificial intelligence. These include:

• a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology with a specialization in AI
• a master's degree in computer science or information technology with a specialization in AI
• completing an AI bootcamp or certification program

Some cybersecurity degree programs also offer a specialization in AI, which can be a great option for cybersecurity professionals who want to advance their careers in cybersecurity and AI.