AI and cybersecurity are two of the hottest topics in technology today. The ongoing debate about how AI and cybersecurity complement or compete with each other is already reshaping risk management and strategic planning. As AI becomes more integrated into security practices, a key question has emerged: Will AI eventually replace humans in cybersecurity?
To explore the question of whether AI will replace humans in cybersecurity, I asked Waident’s CEO, John Ahlberg, and CISO, Patrick Giantomasso, to share their expert perspectives on how AI is shaping the future of cybersecurity and whether human expertise will remain essential in an AI-driven world.
AI vs Humans in Cybersecurity: CEO and CISO Weigh In
Effective cybersecurity today cannot happen without AI. But it’s not replacing people.
John Ahlberg’s opinion: I believe that effective cybersecurity today is not possible without the integration of AI. Will it replace people? Definitely no.
Why: My take on AI is – delegate your “to-dos”, so you can focus on your “to-thinks”. A perfect example is looking through the log files from your firewall. On any given day, there are tens of thousands of log entries to review. A human can never review them at the same level of efficiency (time and error-free), nor is anyone excited to do that, right? AI is a great tool in this aspect of cybersecurity. Just a few years ago, there was no option to delegate this boring but important task to the machine, and people would be stuck reviewing the logs for days, which was inefficient.
Conclusion: Cybersecurity will remain human, with AI playing an increasingly critical role , but only in areas where it outperforms human capabilities. The need for skilled cybersecurity professionals will remain essential for the foreseeable future.
AI won’t replace cybersecurity professionals, but those who know how to leverage it will lead the field.
Patrick Giantomasso’s opinion: AI will not replace cybersecurity professionals, but those who know how to utilize it will rise to the top of the field. Right now, AI is a very powerful tool, but it still needs guidance. True security comes from knowing how to combine AI’s capabilities with human expertise and judgment.
Why: We’re entering a phase where AI can even write code to build more AI. That’s a huge opportunity—but also a major risk if misused. Without the right oversight, we risk creating vulnerabilities faster than we can control them.
Conclusion: The demand for skilled experts who can strategically integrate AI into cybersecurity frameworks will only continue to grow. Organizations will look for individuals who not only understand traditional security principles but also know how to leverage AI responsibly to strengthen defense, detect threats faster, and adapt to rising risks. In the future, success in cybersecurity will belong to those who embrace AI as a force multiplier, not a replacement.
Final Thoughts on AI Replacing Humans in Cybersecurity
AI will not replace humans in cybersecurity — not today, not tomorrow. One thing is certain: the role of the cybersecurity expert is evolving fast. As John and Patrick agree, AI is a tool, not a substitute for human expertise.
Those who integrate AI into their strategies without losing human oversight will define the next generation of cybersecurity leadership.
The future belongs to the cybersecurity professionals who:
- Embrace AI without blindly trusting it
- Stay educated and adaptable
- Combine human strategy with machine precision
We may not know exactly where this road is heading, but one thing is clear: the human element in cybersecurity isn’t going away; it’s becoming more essential than ever.
Further Reading on AI and Cybersecurity:
AI Compliance: https://www.waident.com/navigating-ai-compliance-and-risks-in-the-midwest/
AI Security dilemma: https://www.waident.com/the-ai-security-dilemma-what-every-ceo-must-know-to-protect-their-business/
AI Security concerns and how to mitigate them: https://www.waident.com/ai-security-concerns-and-4-ways-to-mitigate-them/
