How to Get You First Job in Cyber Security 

There is a lively debate about the value of IT certifications vs experience and a four-year degree, and this week CSO reported on the 12 best entry-level cybersecurity certifications.  IT security certs may be the key to landing your first cybersecurity role or accelerating early-stage career growth. Our editors showed you how to make the right choice for launching your infosec career. 

But what about if you are an IT pro wanting to move to security? Smart Answers has you covered. Our CSO readers wanted to know how to move from an entry-level IT job into cyber security. The answer? An apprenticeship, internship, or mentor to gain hands-on experience. 

Find out: How can entry-level IT professionals break into the cybersecurity industry?  


The Future Economy is All AI 

In 2024 we saw AI move from pilots into production use cases. In 2025, they’ll expand into fully-scaled, enterprise-wide deployments. That's just one of our 12 AI predictions for 2025.  

But what impact will this have on life, the universe and everything? Smart Answers parses insights from generations of human reporting, and predicts that AI will have a significant impact on the global economy over the next decade. How significant? AI is expected to add a staggering $20 trillion to the global economy by 2030. 

Find out: How will AI transform the global economy in the next decade?  


 
Bubble Burst 

Staying with AI in 25, this week we reported that pilot fatigue, aimless experimentation, and failure rates have many organizations shifting generative AI investments toward more targeted — and promising — business use cases. 

But CIO readers are a skeptical lot, and they were keen to ask Smart Answers what if the bubble bursts? The answer is a lot of wasted money. 

Find out: What are the implications of a potential gen AI bubble burst?