Dr. Vladimir Bunic, Dean of Cyber Security at Business Technology Academy recently spoke to us about how AI is being used in the Cyber Security workplace. Dr. Bunic discussed how AI is reshaping—but not replacing—the work Cyber Security Professionals do. In the interview, he emphasised that AI is enhancing capabilities, enabling practitioners to work more efficiently, strategically and at scale, while the fundamental human skills remain as essential as ever. You can read the full interview below:
What is your history in Cyber Security?
My experience is vast in the field of cyber and converged security. I have a PhD in Cybersecurity and a Doctor of Science in Cyber-Physical Security with a supplementary MBA in Digital Transformation. I have been practicing in industry and academia as well as consulting in the last 25 years, assisting organisations to build resiliency in the face of more complex digital ecosystems. I am the present director of The Converged Security Institute and Dean of Cyber Security at Business Technology Academy, where I am working toward creating the world-renowned career trajectories of the future generation of security executives.
Why did this decision to pursue a career in Cyber Security interest you?
I was interested in cybersecurity since it is a field that exists at the point of convergence of technology, human behaviors, and decision-making processes. It is not only about the protection of systems, but also about the way societies work, organisations change, and people engage with technology. I was attracted by the thought that security is not only a technical field but also a human field, and the technical field that we do has a direct impact on the world in terms of stability, trust, and resilience.
What is the application of AI by Cyber Security Professionals?
The AI has become an inseparable force multiplier. AI is used by security teams to identify scale anomalies, automate repetitive workflows, detect threat trends, and speed up incident response. With converged security environments, AI can assist with bringing together physical and digital intelligence to provide practitioners with a more comprehensive perspective on risk. The most important change is that AI enables practitioners to shift their approach to reactive firefighting to proactive, strategic decisions.
Will Artificial Intelligence outperform or support Cyber Security Practitioners?
AI does not mean that it will be used to substitute cybersecurity experts, but rather that it will improve them. The discipline is basically concerned with judgment, morals, context and leadership. AI can process data at a rate that cannot be understood by any human being, but it is not able to perceive organisational culture, geopolitical complexity, or what is actually motivating individuals to attack. It is a shift to augmented security practice, with professionally trained people who understand how to collaborate with AI, becoming many times more efficient.
What has been your approach to Cyber Security in the course programs as the Dean of Cyber Security at Business Technology Academy?
We base our programs on three beliefs, which include relevance, accessibility, and professional recognition. We incorporate cybersecurity into all levels of education, both in basic digital literacy and in more advanced converged security leadership. Each course is created based on real-life activities, industry-specific competencies, and the pathways to credentials. We make sure that learners also have the basic knowledge of not only the technical component of security, but also governance, risk, ethics, and the strategic position of AI in contemporary organisations. The objective is straightforward: to train professionals who will guide in a fast-changing environment.
Why would someone think about taking up a career in cybersecurity?
The purpose, opportunity, and long-term stability have met in a few areas, where cybersecurity is one of them. Demand of skilled professionals is constantly increasing all over the world, and the work is not in vain – you save people, organisations, and other important systems. It is a profession where curiosity, flexibility, and learning are rewarded. Regardless of whether one is a technical or non-technical person, there is a place where he or she fits in this area. Cybersecurity has become a mainstream field and does not fit into this category of niche anymore.
To learn more about Business Technology Academy’s Cyber Security + AI Course you can check out the programme in the Courses page
Business Technology Academy is accredited by the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA) and Certified by the Converged Security Institute (CSI)
