When Will AI Replace Ingénieurs en sécurité de l'information ?

The impact of AI on Information Security Engineers is unfolding in distinct phases. As early as 2026, junior security analysts and SOC tier-1 engineers will experience significant automation, particularly in routine monitoring and alert triage. By 2028, approximately 45% of Information Security Engineers' core tasks, including vulnerability scanning, threat pattern detection, and basic incident response, will be handled by AI-powered platforms.

The initial wave of AI integration by 2026 will heavily affect entry-level roles. Automated alert triage and basic log analysis will reduce the need for manual oversight in these areas. This shift necessitates a proactive approach from those in these positions to upskill and move towards more complex problem-solving.

By mid-term, around 2028, the automation extends to 45% of routine tasks across the board. This includes more sophisticated vulnerability scanning and initial incident response workflows. While this doesn't signal obsolescence, it demands a strategic pivot from tactical execution to a more oversight-focused and strategic approach.

Junior security analysts and SOC tier-1 engineers are identified as facing the most immediate impact, with routine monitoring and alert triage being automated as early as 2026. Their roles will need to evolve rapidly to avoid being sidelined by AI-driven efficiencies in these foundational tasks.

Conversely, senior security architects, incident response leaders, and security strategists are well-positioned to extend their careers well beyond 2030. Their expertise in complex threat response orchestration and strategic oversight of AI systems will become even more valuable, ensuring their continued relevance in the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

To navigate the AI revolution in cybersecurity, you have a critical 2-5 year window to transition from tactical execution to strategic security leadership. Focus on developing skills in AI security governance, designing robust zero-trust architectures, and taking on leadership roles in security program management.

Leverage AI-powered tools like Microsoft Defender AI, Darktrace, and CrowdStrike Falcon Intelligence not just as threats, but as opportunities to understand and oversee. Your future lies in managing these systems, orchestrating complex threat responses, and ensuring comprehensive security strategies rather than manual task execution.