Cybersecurity in 2026 looks very different than it did just a few years ago. Dutch organisations now face an environment where cyber threats evolve rapidly and attackers use artificial intelligence to accelerate and automate attacks. At the same time, defenders must adopt AI-driven tools to stay ahead. This shift means that traditional cybersecurity skills are no longer enough. Companies in the Netherlands must hire and train professionals with AI-ready cybersecurity skills to defend effectively and maintain digital resilience.
AI is transforming how security teams operate. According to the 2025 Fortinet Global Skills Gap Report, a large majority of organisations are already using or planning to use AI-enabled cybersecurity tools, especially for threat detection and prevention. These tools offer efficiency and relief amid talent shortages, but they also require specialists who understand how to leverage them safely and securely. Without the right skills, companies cannot fully unlock the potential of AI-driven security technology or manage the risks associated with its use.
The Growing Threat Landscape and Skill Gaps
AI doesn’t just help defenders; it equips attackers too. Recent global AI safety analyses indicate that deepfake technology and AI-generated attacks are becoming more convincing and harder to detect, which raises the stakes for security teams. In this context, AI-specific threat skills become essential rather than optional. Traditional indicators and manual detection are no longer sufficient when adversaries can use AI to adapt their tactics.
Dutch organisations feel this more sharply than many others. In the PwC Digital Trust Insights survey, 61 per cent of Dutch respondents said a lack of knowledge in the application of AI for cyber defence was a top challenge. This figure sits well above the global average, highlighting a clear gap between technological adoption and workforce preparedness in the Netherlands.
At the same time, broader cybersecurity workforce studies show that AI-driven defence now ranks among the most highly valued skills. In the ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, 42 per cent of respondents rated the ability to use AI in threat detection and response as a top skill, with other AI-related capabilities like threat modelling and risk assessment also ranking highly.
Why Dutch Employers Must Prioritise AI Skills
Dutch companies face a double challenge: implementing AI for defence while dealing with a skills shortage. The PwC survey also found that organisations most often cited a lack of relevant skills and unclear risk appetite as barriers to AI integration. This means that companies need both technical expertise and leadership vision to make AI work securely.
For employers, this translates into three key actions. First, they must hire for AI-centric security capabilities, not just general cybersecurity skills. Second, they must train existing teams to understand both how AI tools operate and how attackers might abuse them. Third, they must embed governance and oversight to ensure ethical and secure deployment of AI within security operations.
Hiring for AI-Ready Cybersecurity Skills
Finding professionals with strong AI and cybersecurity skills remains a major challenge. According to industry insights, many organisations face critical shortages in areas involving AI governance, model security, and the ethical deployment of AI systems. This shortage is not just about deep technical mastery; it also involves understanding how to integrate AI safely into security operations.
For Dutch companies, recruiting AI-ready security talent means looking beyond traditional criteria. Instead of focusing solely on classic cybersecurity certifications, hiring managers should consider candidates with experience in AI threat modelling, machine learning pipeline security, and generative AI risk mitigation. Prior experience with AI frameworks, or skills in scripting languages like Python used in AI applications, also adds value.
AI security roles can range from AI Security Analysts and AI Threat Hunters to AI Governance Specialists and DevSecOps engineers with AI expertise. These roles not only help defend against AI-enhanced attacks but also assist with securing AI systems themselves, aligning defence strategies with 2026 threat models that include automated adversarial behaviour.
Training for AI-Driven Threats and Defences
Training internal staff is one of the most effective ways Dutch companies can build AI-ready teams. The cybersecurity industry surveys show that over half of organisations say they need more AI-specialised training for their security teams, and most professionals recognise the need for continuous learning in this space.
Training should cover several areas. First, staff must learn how to use AI-powered tools safely and interpret their outputs accurately. Second, teams should understand AI-specific threats such as prompt injection, data poisoning, and model abuse. Threat hunters and SOC analysts should be equipped to recognise AI-augmented attack vectors. Third, governance and compliance training must include lessons on responsible AI use, awareness of bias, and regulatory requirements as they relate to automated systems.
Dutch companies can source training from vendors, industry groups, and specialised programmes that focus on AI and cybersecurity skillsets. Aligning training with business needs and regulatory contexts such as GDPR and NIS2 also ensures that AI integrations support compliance as well as defence.
Building an AI-Ready Security Culture
Technical skills alone are insufficient without a broader AI-aware security culture. This means leadership must understand the strategic value and limitations of AI in cybersecurity. It also means that teams should be encouraged to experiment safely with AI tools, share lessons learned, and collaborate across departments.
For many Dutch organisations, building this culture starts with awareness at the board level and active governance frameworks that involve security, legal, and IT leadership. Boards that understand the risks posed by AI and the need for specialised talent tend to prioritise budget for training, tools, and staffing. The Fortinet report highlighted that while AI adoption is widespread, boards often lack full understanding of related risks, underscoring a need for education at the highest levels of organisations.
AI-ready cybersecurity skills are essential for Dutch organisations in 2026. Hiring with an AI focus, investing in modern training, and fostering an AI-aware security culture will help Dutch companies stay ahead of evolving threats.
If you need support building an AI-capable cybersecurity team or finding candidates with the right mix of AI and security expertise, reach out to us. Our recruitment specialists can help you find and retain the talent your organisation needs to succeed in the AI era.
