AI in Defense and Offense: Cybersecurity Skills You Need in 2026

AI is changing both sides of cybersecurity. Attackers can use AI to write malware, speed up recon, and scale phishing, while defenders are using AI to automate alerts, triage, and response in the SOC. This shift is creating a clear skills gap for U.S. professionals who want to enter or grow in cybersecurity by 2026.

To help candidates respond with the right mix of skills, Simplilearn and Purdue University are hosting this live webinar. This webinar breaks down the 2026 threat and defense trends, the hybrid cyber + GenAI skills employers want, and the tools that support real job tasks. It also outlines a practical path to U.S. job readiness and shows how Purdue’s Professional Certificate Program in Cybersecurity, delivered with Simplilearn, supports hands-on learning. 

Jan. 14, 2026 | 10:30 am ET

What You Will Learn

• What AI-driven threats may look like in 2026 across malware, phishing, recon, and ransomware
• How AI is changing SOC work, from alert triage to faster incident response
• The hybrid skills employers want across offensive, defensive, and GenAI-enabled workflows
• The tools that support job readiness, including Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite, and Kali
• Where Purdue’s Professional Certificate Program in Cybersecurity fits into a clear career path

Who Should Attend

• New graduates who want an industry-aligned cyber start without prior experience
• Early- to mid-career U.S. IT professionals preparing for cybersecurity roles
• SOC analysts, network engineers, and system administrators looking to upskill
• Career transitioners from IT, QA, support, or networking
• Learners who want hands-on exposure to offensive and defensive practice
• Professionals who want a clear view of how AI is reshaping cyber roles

About The Speaker 

William Bailey
Senior Cybersecurity Instructor, Simplilearn

William Bailey is an experienced information security, privacy, and risk professional with a strong track record in building and leading programs that balance governance, risk, compliance, privacy, and third-party vendor requirements. He has worked across financial services, healthcare, retail, utilities, and national infrastructure, advising both industry and government organizations.

Beyond industry work, William is a seasoned educator and speaker. He has presented at leading global forums including FS-ISAC, ISACA, ISSA, IAPP, RSAC, and BSides. He also develops cybersecurity curricula, trains military and government professionals, serves as an adjunct professor at Fox School of Business, and is an APMG-certified trainer for ISACA certifications.

Bonus: Attend and receive a certificate of participation to showcase your commitment towards professional growth 



Register Now!