Hartford Aims to Lead in AI Cybersecurity

The city that has long been known for its insurance firms is now looking to become a hub for protecting against the new threats that artificial intelligence brings. Insurance companies in Connecticut are already spending huge sums on technology, and many have begun using AI to speed up claims, set premiums and chat with customers. But every new tool also opens fresh ways for hackers to attack, which means the cost of cyber insurance is expected to climb 15 % next year. To keep pace, insurers need people who can both use AI safely and defend against AI‑powered attacks. Yet the state faces a serious shortage: more than half a million cybersecurity jobs nationwide are still empty, and one in four positions in the U. S. remain vacant. Connecticut’s own leaders have warned that AI could leave many workers without jobs if the state does not act. The problem is urgent because a new industry certification, SecAI+, has already seen record interest, showing that employers are actively looking for talent with these skills. High salaries in AI security—between $159, 000 and $240, 000—could help keep young people in the state and attract newcomers.The good news is that Connecticut has already started training thousands of people in AI, with programs like Career ConneCT and school labs that teach the basics of machine learning. The state’s workforce strategy team has even announced an accelerator program to help businesses hire local talent. But more is needed. The state should create clear training pathways that combine traditional cybersecurity with AI‑specific courses, and it should give incentives to insurance companies to partner with training providers for apprenticeships. Lawmakers must also weave workforce development into any AI rules they draft, ensuring that education and job creation go hand in hand with regulation. Finally, Connecticut should promote itself as the go‑to place for AI cybersecurity careers, highlighting its insurers, universities and training programs in a coordinated marketing push. If the state can build a skilled workforce now, it will turn its long‑standing insurance legacy into leadership in the next big technology frontier.