Threat Intelligence
Capture-the-Flag Contests Could Help Fill the Gap as AI Reshapes Early Cyber Careers
Dark Reading · 30 Oct 2026
Key Takeaway
If you hire or train IT staff, consider encouraging hands-on learning such as CTF competitions to help them build practical security skills.
Artificial intelligence is changing how people begin their careers in cybersecurity. According to Dark Reading, AI is squeezing the early-career learning opportunities that newcomers have traditionally relied on to build their skills.
One possible answer is the capture-the-flag (CTF) contest. These competitions let participants practise security challenges in a hands-on setting, and Dark Reading suggests they could help pick up the slack as other routes to experience shrink.
For small businesses, this matters because the supply of skilled security people affects everyone. The source summary does not go into further detail, but the broader point is clear: new ways of learning may be needed to keep the next generation of defenders prepared.