Company Interview / Keeping up with AI

Key points:

- Anticipated surge in adoption of ISO 42001 and governance frameworks by 2026

- Rising demand for digital forensics, cyber hygiene, and human risk management

- Urgent need for hands-on cybersecurity training as skills shortage looms

- Emphasis on people, processes, and AI-powered solutions to strengthen organisational security

Excite Cyber has released its 2026 Cyber Security Outlook, forecasting significant trends in the management of artificial intelligence and the integration of cyber risk into company-wide risk registers. Bryan Saba notes a rapid pace of AI evolution, pushing organisations to embrace frameworks like ISO 42001 well ahead of impending government regulations. Saba expects heightened demand for digital forensics, stronger cyber hygiene, and an increased focus on managing human risk as businesses become more reliant on AI-assisted software development.

According to Saba, while AI enables faster and cheaper software creation, it also introduces new threat vectors, such as vulnerabilities or malware through manipulated large language models. Saba advocates for a layered approach, combining advanced AI tools with strict human oversight to minimise these risks. He sees many large organisations already implementing governance structures that include rigorous human checks but urges smaller firms to adopt similar strategies urgently.

Saba highlights a looming skills shortage, predicting a shortfall of 30,000 cybersecurity professionals in Australia by 2026. He calls for a transition from theoretical to practical, hands-on cybersecurity training, particularly as organisations trade internationally and require compliance with standards like the Essential Eight and ISO certifications. While technology and processes are crucial, Saba views people as the weakest link, recommending the adoption of AI-powered awareness solutions to strengthen human decision-making and organisational protection.