Cyberattacks and online manipulation are increasingly compromising security worldwide, interwoven in a broader global transformation. As artificial intelligence (AI) permeates various sectors—including governments, industry, education, and healthcare—the pace of change is outstripping the ability of nations to adapt effectively. This urgency was underscored at Israel’s recent Cyber Week conference, which highlighted the pressing need for proactive measures in the face of evolving digital threats.
The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Risks Report identifies disinformation and cyberattacks as two of the most significant threats confronting humanity today. In an era where truth and falsehood intermingle, every Israeli must cultivate a foundational skill set in cyber and AI literacy. This encompasses understanding AI’s functioning, recognizing manipulative tactics, safeguarding data, and navigating the internet securely. The American national security strategy further emphasizes that robust cyberdefense relies not solely on technology but also on an informed populace and a resilient society.
Having engaged with advanced tech training programs over the past decade, including real-life simulations and innovative learning environments, the importance of digital and AI literacy has never been clearer. This knowledge is crucial not just for tech professionals, but for all citizens. Awareness of cyber threats and comprehension of how AI systems shape perceptions are vital for enhancing a nation’s cyber resilience.
As malicious actors exploit propaganda, disinformation, and cognitive warfare to destabilize societies, cyber and AI literacy emerges as a cornerstone of national security. For societies to withstand waves of digital manipulation, citizens must develop strong critical thinking skills and a thorough understanding of information dissemination. Absent a resilient public, even the most advanced technological frameworks fall short in safeguarding national security.
In Israel, thousands of young individuals, including combat soldiers who have navigated challenging wartime experiences, are reentering a rapidly evolving landscape. They bring crucial skills such as decision-making under pressure, emergent analysis, leadership, perseverance, and mental resilience. Israel must harness these abilities, guiding these young professionals towards new career paths that can drive the nation’s growth.
Historically, Israel’s tech ecosystem has relied on the military as a breeding ground for technological expertise. However, the current security landscape necessitates deploying many promising young individuals into combat roles. Consequently, the responsibility for nurturing the vital expertise required for national security now falls on civilian training institutions and higher education.
Opportunities for Growth in Cyber and AI
This transition presents a strategic opportunity to broaden participation in cyber and AI fields, especially among women, who remain significantly underrepresented in these sectors. With skills in analytical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving—areas where women often excel—Israel has the chance to close persistent gender and social gaps while fortifying its technological future.
To address this challenge, Israel must develop a modernized training infrastructure tailored for the AI era. This entails foundational cyber and AI training accessible to the entire population, including government employees, banking staff, and workers across various sectors. Universities and teacher-training colleges should integrate AI and cyber training into all academic programs alongside relevant professional pathways. AI is no longer merely a subset of computer science; it fundamentally influences every discipline, from practical applications to ethical considerations.
Training pathways must be pragmatic, grounded in real-world scenarios that prepare learners for advanced systems and continually evolving threat landscapes. Programs developed in conjunction with leading tech organizations demonstrate that hands-on training facilitates rapid competency acquisition for both young individuals and adults entering the field without prior experience. This model is essential for creating the human defensive layer Israel urgently requires.
Israel finds itself at a pivotal moment. Investing in people is critical for establishing the next tier of defense for the nation’s security, economy, and social fabric. This layer will encompass not only cyber experts and AI engineers but also an informed citizenry capable of navigating the digital landscape intelligently. For Israel’s future to be secure and prosperous, it will rely not just on innovators and tech developers, but equally on a broad base of skilled citizens equipped to use technology judiciously, bolstering both personal safety and national integrity in a rapidly changing world.
The author is an advisory board member at CyberproAI and serves as the CEO of the Davidson Institute of Science Education.
