There is no crystal ball that can help us predict what tomorrow will bring, yet it is possible based on current trends to know what job skills will be needed in the not-too-distant future. Tech experts are already noting the challenges brought on by artificial intelligence (AI). We should expect AI to play an even greater role in 2024 and beyond.
AI expertise could enable companies to optimize costs, build new technologies, and scale operations, said Shawn Loveland, chief operating officer at Resecurity.
“In the context of certain fields like cybersecurity, those skills are driving the industry now as well as the job market,” Loveland told ClearanceJobs.
AI will continue to disrupt, and that could result in new tech skills being even more in demand this year.
Ethical AI Governance – More Than a Single Skill
Tech experts are increasingly suggesting that greater emphasis needs to be placed on building ethical AI governance to better train an AI model. When incorporating a wide range of datasets and algorithms the results can produce more balanced and accurate insights, fostering unbiased models that can produce accurate outcomes for businesses.
The aim is stop algorithms from showing favoritism or discrimination, which helps ensure fairness and trust in AI.
“Ethical AI governance will be a serious challenge for our society in the coming years,” warned Corey Sinclair, cyber threat intelligence analyst at cybersecurity research firm Horizon3.ai.
Sinclair told ClearanceJobs that addressing this challenge demands a diverse set of skills.
“As AI continues to advance, we must cultivate deep expertise to comprehend its evolving capabilities to enable us to create timely rules and regulations,” Sinclair noted. “Additionally, we will need professionals who are adept at finding the appropriate balance between safeguarding intellectual property integral to AI models and upholding civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, for end users.”
As noted, it is more than a single skill – as ethical AI governance will be required as organizations and societies grapple with the complex challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Ethical AI governance is expected to encompass a broad set of skills and knowledge areas, including understanding AI and machine learning technologies, ethics, law, policy making, and stakeholder engagement.
“Professionals in this field are tasked with ensuring that AI systems are designed, developed, and deployed in a way that respects ethical principles, complies with regulations, and aligns with societal values,” explained Mark Campbell, senior director at cybersecurity provider Cigent.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Ethical AI governance will also require a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise from computer science, ethics, law, social sciences, and more. Such an interdisciplinary skill set will be needed to enable professionals to assess AI technologies from multiple perspectives, ensuring a holistic approach to ethical considerations. Those individuals must also be adept at developing and implementing governance frameworks, policies, and practices that promote ethical AI development
“This involves a deep understanding of the ethical implications of AI technologies, including issues of privacy, fairness, accountability, transparency, and the potential for bias,” Campbell told ClearanceJobs. “As AI becomes more integrated into various sectors such as healthcare, finance, transportation, and law enforcement, the demand for individuals who can navigate these ethical landscapes and guide organizations in responsible AI usage is becoming increasingly critical.”
Moreover, ethical AI governance won’t be limited to Silicon Valley and the domain of “Big Tech.”
“The demand for knowledge concerning ethical governance is not limited to tech companies but spans across industries adopting AI, including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing,” suggested Troy Batterberry, CEO and founder of insider risk and data management firm EchoMark, who told ClearanceJobs, “Professionals who can bridge the gap between the technology and ethical considerations will play a pivotal role in the future of responsible AI integration and deployment.”
Quantum Computing – Still Coming
This has been a buzz word for years now, and some researchers maintain that it is an impossible nut to crack while others suggest quantum computing is literally the next big thing. Billions has been invested in its development, as it promises to deliver the ability for computations to be completed several orders of magnitude faster than traditional binary computing.
“Quantum computing is like the wild west of tech right now – it is uncharted territory but with boundless potential. Mastering these skills not only opens up huge opportunities for developers but also makes a big leap to the forefront of an emerging technology that will change a lot of things in the industry,” said Nicolas Baca-Storni, chief revenue officer at InclusionCloud.
“With quantum computing, AI algorithms can process and analyze huge amounts of data far more quickly and efficiently than ever before, making AI smarter and capable of doing more complex tasks,” Baca-Storni told ClearancesJobs.
Skills to Counter Deepfake
It was once said that “seeing is believing,” but in the era of deepfakes we can no longer believe our eyes – and the technology to create deepfakes is ongoing going to improve. For those reasons, Baca-Storni also suggested that the skills around deepfake detection will be increasingly in demand.
“Every day, we hear more and more cases like this,” Baca-Storni continued. “That’s why proactive defense and training to avoid these types of threats have to be in every business playbook. If you don’t take action, these threats can erode your brand reputation, undermine customer trust, and, of course, lead to financial losses.”
Given the rising threat of deepfake technology, businesses will need to deploy advanced AI tools as part of a defense strategy.
“These tools offer proactive measures to detect and combat deepfakes before they inflict harm,” said Baca-Storni. “By leveraging cutting-edge AI algorithms, businesses can authenticate media content, identify anomalies indicative of deepfake manipulation, and swiftly respond to potential threats.”
