I work in the computer security industry. This entire enterprise focuses on computers and how they work. We not only provide protection to networks and endpoints but also use computers ourselves. An endpoint is any device that connects to a network but isn’t a network device such as a switch or router. It is easiest to think of an endpoint as a personal computer or server but mobile devices can also be endpoints. Without computer literacy, you can’t operate effectively in this industry. It is simply not possible. You may not need to know the inner workings of a computer but you do need to know how to operate office applications, web browsers, operating systems and basic networking.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how this industry operates. For example, endpoint protection products such as SentinelOne and Crowdstrike make liberal use of A.I. to detect potential threats. As A.I. becomes smarter and more wildly used, I envision it will transform networking as well. Firewalls, routers and switches will become even smarter. Firewalls will adapt to incoming threats in real time without needing interactions from real people. Routers and switches will monitor traffic and make changes in how packets are sent and moved throughout the network to reduce trip time and network congestion.

On the flip side, bad actors will start to use A.I. to attack systems. They’ll be able to modify tactics such as ports attacked and network packets on the fly in order to break into systems. Only by using A.I. in defense will we be able to respond quick enough to prevent breaches.