The big picture: A new ISACA report reveals that while AI is rapidly integrating into cybersecurity operations, organizations are lagging in AI-specific incident response planning and workforce readiness.

Why it matters: This gap creates significant risk for businesses and intensifies stress for cybersecurity professionals already grappling with understaffing and complex threat landscapes.

Between the lines:

• Only 8% of organizations regularly conduct AI-specific response exercises.
• 58% of organizations believe their cybersecurity teams are understaffed, and 61% have open roles.
• High work stress is the leading reason for cybersecurity professional attrition (52%).

Staffing & HR impact: Staffing firms must address the critical skills gap in AI-driven cybersecurity, focusing on upskilling and retention strategies to meet demand and mitigate burnout in this high-stress field. HR departments need to prioritize flexible work and professional development to retain talent.

The bottom line: The cybersecurity sector faces a dual challenge: leveraging AI effectively while simultaneously building a resilient, well-prepared, and supported human workforce.