CISO Says Identity Security Can Be a Strong Starting Point in Cybersecurity Careers

Artificial intelligence is changing how security teams work, but it is not necessarily shrinking the field, according to Silverfort CISO John Paul Cunningham. In a recent "Heard it From a CISO" video, Cunningham said AI-driven tools are helping automate repetitive tasks and streamline security workflows, which can free professionals to focus on higher-value work.

Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for people, Cunningham framed it as a shift in how cybersecurity jobs are done. He said organizations still need experts who can interpret risk, respond to incidents, and manage access across increasingly complex environments. As security tools become more automated, the demand for human judgment and specialized knowledge remains important.

Why identity security stands out

Cunningham pointed to identity security as one of the most accessible ways to enter the industry. Because nearly every system depends on users, credentials, and access controls, identity-focused roles can expose newcomers to many core parts of cybersecurity. Those responsibilities often include understanding authentication, monitoring access patterns, and supporting incident response efforts tied to account misuse.

That makes identity security a practical area for people who are building experience. It can provide a path into security operations while also connecting to broader topics such as governance, threat detection, and policy management. For professionals early in their careers, it offers a chance to develop technical skills without needing to start in highly specialized roles.

• AI is changing security workflows, but it is also creating space for new kinds of work.
• Identity security remains central because access and authentication affect almost every organization.
• Entry-level professionals can use identity-related roles to build experience across multiple security disciplines.

The broader message from Cunningham was that cybersecurity continues to need people, even as automation expands. For job seekers, identity security may be one of the clearest entry points into a field that is still growing and adapting to new technology.