Growth in AI security specialist roles fuels new job market niche

The artificial intelligence sector is creating new specialisations as companies expand their use of the technology. One of these is AI security, which involves professionals responsible for identifying risks, testing systems and creating mechanisms to reduce vulnerabilities.

According to LinkedIn data, job offers related to AI security increased by 91% over the past year. The announcement was made by LinkedIn CEO Daniel Shapero at the Talent Connect conference this week.

The growth is taking place in a more moderate hiring environment, according to LinkedIn itself. The company notes that the expansion of AI-related roles is one of the exceptions to the overall slowdown in hiring seen across various sectors.

What does an AI security professional do?

AI security is not a single profession. The field encompasses technical, operational and policy-related activities related to the use of technology.

Responsibilities include identifying vulnerabilities, assessing risks, creating protection mechanisms and testing to see how a system reacts to potentially dangerous situations.

In practice, a specialist might assess, for example, whether a chatbot reveals confidential information, produces inappropriate content, or can be manipulated by malicious commands.

Another area involves AI governance, which includes defining rules and processes to determine how systems should be developed, evaluated and used within an organisation.

Other AI roles are also in high demand

The progress is not limited to security. LinkedIn data cited by Business Insider shows significant growth in other roles created or driven by the expansion of technology.

Job openings for forward-deployed AI professionals, who implement AI solutions directly with customers or in operations, grew by 226% during the period analysed. Meanwhile, AI forensic analyst positions increased by 169%.

LinkedIn itself also identified a broader expansion of technology-related opportunities. In a survey published in August, the company said AI jobs in the United States had roughly doubled since 2023.

The study also shows that the role of AI engineer has surpassed that of machine learning engineer as the most common position among job postings analysed by the platform.

For professionals, this increases the number of roles that require knowledge of artificial intelligence, even outside of model development.

AI security is also linked to cybersecurity

The spread of artificial intelligence systems increases the need to protect not only the data used by companies, but also the AI systems themselves.

The relationship with cybersecurity tends to be direct. AI systems can handle sensitive information, access corporate tools and perform tasks in an automated manner.

In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 21% growth in information security analyst jobs between 2025 and 2035. The agency attributes part of this demand to the increased use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence.

This does not mean that every information security professional will start working with AI. However, the data shows how digital security and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly interconnected areas.

What knowledge may be required?

Requirements vary depending on the role. Some positions are highly technical and require knowledge of programming, information security, machine learning engineering and model evaluation.

Others may combine AI with knowledge of risk management, compliance, public policy or governance.

For professionals already working in technology, security, legal, compliance or management, understanding how AI systems work can help them understand the risks involved in adopting these tools.

The movement also reinforces a shift in the market: knowledge of artificial intelligence is no longer limited to those who develop models. The technology is beginning to create demand for professionals capable of implementing, monitoring and protecting systems used by companies.

The expansion of security jobs is therefore part of a broader movement towards specialisation in the job market around artificial intelligence. As companies incorporate AI systems into different processes, roles emerge that focus not only on creating these tools, but also on their implementation, control and security.