CBS News · 9 Oct, 16:48 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

AI has driven a 90% jump in cyberattacks this year, a security expert says

Recent reporting indicates that artificial intelligence technologies have contributed to a ninety per cent increase in cyberattacks this year, according to security experts.

What it means for you ↓ Courses for this story

25–40%salary premium for professionals with applied AI skills

11xgrowth in AI job adverts since 2019

66%of leaders won't hire without AI literacy

20days to your first credential

The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Recent reporting indicates that artificial intelligence technologies have contributed to a ninety per cent increase in cyberattacks this year, according to security experts. This surge highlights the evolving nature of digital threats, where automated tools enable malicious actors to launch more sophisticated and frequent assaults. The data suggests a critical shift in the cybersecurity landscape, demanding immediate attention from organisations and professionals alike. As AI capabilities expand, the distinction between human-led and automated attacks blurs, creating unprecedented challenges for defensive strategies and requiring updated protocols to safeguard digital infrastructure.

Employer demand for Cyber Security skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This surge means your technical skills must evolve rapidly. Cyber Security professionals are now essential, but so are experts who understand AI-driven threats. You should prioritise learning how AI tools are weaponised to breach systems. If you work in IT or risk management, upskill in defensive AI strategies immediately. Non-technical leaders must grasp these risks to allocate resources effectively. Consider courses in AI in Cyber Security to stay ahead. Ignoring this trend leaves your organisation vulnerable. Proactive learning in threat detection and automated response systems will distinguish you in the job market. Adapt now to secure your career and your company’s future.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Cyber Security, AI in Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence and Risk Management Strategies — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

Enrol in these
to benefit.

These programmes position you for exactly this shift — online, self-paced, and finishing with a verifiable certificate you can share the day you pass.