AI or Cybersecurity: Which Career is For You?

  • John Berti
  •   min.
  • Updated on: 07 Nov 2024

    • Expert review

    Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity stand at the forefront of technological innovation, offering compelling career paths for IT professionals seeking specialization. As these fields rapidly expand, they shape the future of technology and business, creating diverse opportunities for those ready to dive in.

    The decision to pursue a career in AI or cybersecurity can significantly influence your professional journey. Both domains promise intellectual challenges, competitive salaries, and the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies that impact our daily lives. But which path is the better choice for your career goals?

    While we can't make that decision for you, we can provide the insights you need to make an informed choice. Let’s get started!

    Careers in AI: Overview

    Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries across the board, from healthcare to finance, manufacturing to entertainment. This dynamic field offers a variety of career paths for IT professionals looking to specialize.

    AI careers typically revolve around developing systems that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. This includes machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. As an AI professional, you might find yourself:

    • Designing and implementing machine learning models
    • Developing algorithms to process and analyze large datasets
    • Creating AI-powered solutions for business problems
    • Working on natural language processing for chatbots or voice assistants
    • Advancing computer vision technology for autonomous vehicles or facial recognition systems

    The AI field demands a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and programming. Proficiency in languages like Python, R, and Java is often essential, as is familiarity with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.

    What sets AI apart is its potential to create groundbreaking innovations. You'll be at the forefront of technology, potentially developing solutions that could revolutionize entire industries. However, this cutting-edge nature also means you'll need to continuously learn and adapt as new techniques and technologies emerge.

    Careers in Cybersecurity: Overview

    Our increasingly connected world demands a robust defense against digital threats. Cybersecurity isn't just a tech specialty—it's a critical shield protecting our digital lives and assets. The rapid advancement of technology has created a battlefield where skilled professionals are constantly in demand to counter emerging threats.

    Unlike the creation-focused world of AI, cybersecurity is about protection, detection, and response. It's a field where you're constantly matching wits with adversaries, turning defense into a proactive discipline. Your role? To outsmart those who would do digital harm.

    In cybersecurity, you might find yourself:

    • Analyzing system vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them
    • Developing robust security protocols to safeguard sensitive data
    • Investigating security breaches and performing digital forensics
    • Crafting incident response plans to mitigate potential threats
    • Educating organizations on best security practices

    The cybersecurity landscape demands a unique blend of technical know-how and strategic thinking. While coding skills are valuable, equally important is the ability to understand complex systems, anticipate threats, and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

    This industry stands out for its immediate, tangible impact on the world. Each day in this field goes beyond solving complex technical puzzles—you're actively defending people's privacy, fortifying financial systems, and bolstering national infrastructure against attacks. The stakes in cybersecurity are often high, demanding constant vigilance and quick thinking to stay ahead of potential threats.

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    AI vs Cybersecurity Careers: Key Differences

    As we've explored, both AI and cybersecurity offer exciting and impactful career paths in the tech industry. While these fields sometimes intersect, they present distinct challenges, require different skill sets, and offer unique opportunities for growth and specialization.

    Let's dive deeper into the key differences between these two dynamic career paths to help you determine which aligns best with your goals and interests.

    Career Paths

    AI and cybersecurity both offer diverse career trajectories, but the paths tend to diverge based on the unique demands and nature of each field.

    In AI, career paths often progress from junior roles focused on implementing existing AI models to more senior positions involved in designing novel AI systems and strategies. Common career trajectories include:

    • Machine Learning Engineer
    • Data Scientist
    • AI Research Scientist
    • Natural Language Processing (NLP) Specialist
    • AI Ethics Consultant

    If you thrive on innovation, enjoy working with large datasets, and are excited by the prospect of creating new technologies that can transform industries, a career path in AI might be your best fit. AI careers often involve more research and development work, requiring patience for long-term projects and a passion for pushing the boundaries of what's possible with technology.

    Cybersecurity careers, on the other hand, typically evolve from hands-on technical roles to strategic positions managing overall security postures. Typical cybersecurity career paths include:

    • Security Analyst
    • Penetration Tester
    • Incident Response Specialist
    • Security Architect
    • Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

    If you're drawn to problem-solving in real-time, enjoy the thrill of outsmarting potential threats, and want to play a critical role in protecting organizations and individuals, a cybersecurity career might be more aligned with your interests. Cybersecurity often involves more immediate, tangible results and requires adaptability to rapidly changing threat landscapes.

    Both fields offer opportunities to specialize or to take on broader, more strategic roles as you advance in your career. The choice between AI and cybersecurity often comes down to whether you prefer creating new technologies (AI) or protecting existing ones (cybersecurity).

    Demand

    The job market for both AI and cybersecurity professionals is robust, with significant growth projected in both fields. However, the nature and scale of demand differ between the two.

    The demand for cybersecurity professionals is immediate and widespread. According to Cyberseek, there are currently 457,398 cybersecurity job openings in the United States alone. This high number of vacancies underscores the urgent need for skilled professionals to protect organizations against ever-evolving cyber threats.

    While specific job opening numbers for AI roles are harder to pinpoint due to the field's broad applications, the growth in demand is undeniable. PwC's 2024 AI Jobs Barometer reports that growth in jobs demanding AI skills has outpaced all jobs since 2016, with postings for AI-skilled jobs growing 3.5 times faster than for all jobs.

    What does this mean for your career decision? Both fields are experiencing a skills gap, with demand outstripping the supply of qualified professionals. This creates excellent opportunities for those entering either field, promising strong job prospects and potential for career advancement.

    However, it's important to note the different natures of demand:

    • Cybersecurity demand is often driven by immediate needs and regulatory requirements, leading to a more consistent job market across various sectors.
    • AI demand, while growing rapidly, may be more concentrated in tech hubs and innovative industries, potentially offering more varied and cutting-edge work but with a more competitive landscape.

    As you consider your career path, reflect on whether you're drawn to the widespread, urgent need in cybersecurity or the rapidly growing, innovation-driven demand in AI. Both fields offer promising futures for those willing to develop the necessary skills and expertise.

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    Salary

    When considering a career path, salary is undoubtedly a crucial factor. Both cybersecurity and AI offer competitive compensation, but there are some differences to note.

    In the cybersecurity field, professionals in the USA can expect an average salary of $124,452 per year or $59.83 per hour. Entry-level positions typically start at $96,490 annually, while experienced professionals can earn $170,000 or more per year. It's important to note that salaries can exceed $170,000, especially for senior roles, specialized positions, or in high-demand markets.

    AI specialists tend to command higher salaries on average. In the USA, the mean annual salary for artificial intelligence professionals is $153,145. Those just starting their careers might see salaries around $115,008, while seasoned experts can potentially earn up to $204,324 annually.

    While these figures provide a general overview, it's important to understand that salary ranges can vary significantly based on several factors:

    • Geographic location: Tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City often offer higher salaries but also come with a higher cost of living.
    • Industry sector: Finance, healthcare, and tech companies might offer more competitive salaries compared to other sectors.
    • Company size: Larger corporations may have more resources for higher compensation, while startups might offer lower salaries but potentially more equity.
    • Specific role and responsibilities: Specialized roles or those with management responsibilities typically command higher salaries.
    • Education and certifications: Advanced degrees or industry-recognized certifications can positively impact earning potential.
    • Years of experience: As in most fields, more experience generally correlates with higher compensation.

    As you weigh your options between cybersecurity and AI, consider not just the potential earnings but also which field aligns best with your interests and long-term career goals. Remember, while salary is important, job satisfaction and growth opportunities should also play a significant role in your decision-making process.

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    Skills and Certifications

    Another key difference between these emerging industries lies in the skills and certifications needed by IT professionals.

    For cybersecurity, you're expected to have a strong foundation in network security, vulnerability assessment, incident response, threat intelligence, risk management, cryptography, among other things. Having certifications can also elevate your chances of succeeding in this career. For instance, if you're looking at specializing in cloud security, the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is a great choice. This certification validates your ability to design, manage, and secure data, applications, and infrastructure in cloud environments.

    However, if you're pursuing senior roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a highly valuable certification to have. CISSP is widely recognized as the gold standard in the field, demonstrating your expertise in designing, implementing, and managing a best-in-class cybersecurity program.

    In the AI space, you'll need proficiency in machine learning algorithms, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, data mining and analysis, and programming languages like Python, R, and Java to thrive. Like cybersecurity, earning certain certifications can also boost your career prospects. Notable AI certifications include Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer, IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate, and Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate.

    Regardless of which path you choose, remember that while certifications are important, hands-on experience and the ability to apply your skills to real-world problems are equally crucial for career advancement in both cybersecurity and AI.

    FAQs

    Is cybersecurity better than AI?

    Neither field is inherently "better" than the other. Both cybersecurity and AI offer rewarding career paths with strong growth potential. The choice depends on your personal interests, skills, and career goals. Cybersecurity might be a better fit if you're passionate about protecting digital assets and enjoy problem-solving in real-time. AI could be more suitable if you're excited by creating innovative technologies and working with large datasets to develop intelligent systems.

    Will AI replace cybersecurity jobs?

    No, AI is not likely to replace cybersecurity jobs entirely. Instead, AI is becoming an essential tool in cybersecurity, enhancing the capabilities of security professionals rather than replacing them. While AI can automate certain tasks and improve threat detection, human expertise remains crucial for strategic decision-making, ethical considerations, and handling complex, nuanced security challenges that AI cannot fully address.

    Can AI be used in cybersecurity?

    Yes, AI is increasingly being used in cybersecurity. It's employed for various purposes, including enhancing threat detection and response, automating routine security tasks, analyzing large volumes of security data to identify patterns and anomalies and predicting potential security risks. AI in cybersecurity acts as a powerful tool that augments human expertise, allowing security professionals to work more efficiently and effectively in protecting digital assets.

    Charting Your Course: AI or Cybersecurity?

    Both AI and cybersecurity fields offer exciting opportunities for IT professionals looking to specialize. Whether you're drawn to the innovative world of AI or the critical role of safeguarding digital assets in cybersecurity, both paths promise rewarding challenges and strong career prospects.

    Your decision ultimately depends on your personal interests, strengths, and long-term career goals. Remember, the tech industry is dynamic, and there's often overlap between these fields. Whichever path you choose, continuous learning and adaptability will be key to your success.

    If you're leaning towards a career in cybersecurity, consider elevating your expertise with our CISSP and CCSP masterclasses. These comprehensive programs are designed to not only prepare you for these prestigious certifications but also to equip you with practical, real-world skills that are in high demand across the industry.

    Our CISSP masterclass will set you on the path to becoming a well-rounded cybersecurity leader, covering all domains of information security. For those interested in cloud security, our CCSP masterclass offers in-depth knowledge of cloud concepts, architecture, security, and design.

    Take the next step in your career journey. Explore our CISSP and CCSP masterclasses and position yourself at the forefront of the cybersecurity industry.

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    John is a major force behind the Destination Certification CISSP program's success, with over 25 years of global cybersecurity experience. He simplifies complex topics, and he utilizes innovative teaching methods that contribute to the program's industry-high exam success rates. As a leading Information Security professional in Canada, John co-authored a bestselling CISSP exam preparation guide and helped develop official CISSP curriculum materials. You can reach out to John on LinkedIn.

    John is a major force behind the Destination Certification CISSP program's success, with over 25 years of global cybersecurity experience. He simplifies complex topics, and he utilizes innovative teaching methods that contribute to the program's industry-high exam success rates. As a leading Information Security professional in Canada, John co-authored a bestselling CISSP exam preparation guide and helped develop official CISSP curriculum materials. You can reach out to John on LinkedIn.

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    Learn about our CISSP MasterClass

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