The RSA Conference 2026 once again brought together some of the brightest minds in cybersecurity.

And while the conversations spanned everything from product innovation to go-to-market strategy, one theme dominated across the board: AI is no longer emerging. It’s embedded.

]After speaking with industry leaders on the ground, Harry and Matt from neuco pulled together a few key reflections that are worth sharing.

AI is Reshaping the Hiring Landscape

From a recruitment perspective, AI is having a direct and immediate impact on hiring processes. Candidates are now able to apply for hundreds of roles in a matter of minutes. At the same time, AI tools are helping tailor and enhance CVs at scale.

The result?

• A sharp increase in application volume
• More noise in the screening process
• Greater difficulty identifying genuinely relevant experience

For internal talent teams, this creates a clear challenge: how do you efficiently filter quality from quantity?

The Candidate Experience is Under Pressure

It’s not just employers feeling the strain; candidates are also navigating:

• Overly complex and lengthy hiring processes
• Delayed or non-existent feedback
• Opportunistic or unclear job postings

When processes become bloated, communication suffers. And in a competitive market, that can quickly impact employer brand and candidate engagement.

AI in Cybersecurity: Moving Beyond the Hype

On the product side, the conversation around AI has matured. Rather than simply “using AI”, businesses are now focused on demonstrating tangible value.

For example:

• AI-powered SOC tools that clearly quantify time saved
• Solutions that directly link automation to customer outcomes
• Platforms embedding AI to enhance, not replace, human decision-making

The shift is subtle but important. It’s no longer about having AI. It’s about what it actually delivers.

Talent Demand is Picking Up Again

One of the more positive takeaways from RSA? The hiring market is showing signs of recovery.

Over the past few months, there has been a noticeable uptick in hiring activity, particularly for:

• Sales professionals on the US West Coast
• Candidates with federal or public sector clearance
• Highly specialised commercial roles

While challenges remain, there is a renewed sense of momentum across the market.

What Does This Mean Moving Forward?

If there’s one takeaway from RSA this year, it’s this: AI is accelerating everything – including the challenges.

For businesses, that means:

• Rethinking hiring processes to manage scale and complexity
• Being clearer and faster in candidate communication
• Demonstrating real value in AI-driven solutions

For candidates:

• Standing out is becoming harder, not easier
• Authenticity and clarity matter more than ever

Final Thoughts from neuco

Events like RSA are a reminder that while technology evolves quickly, people remain at the centre of it all.

At neuco, we sit right in the middle of that intersection, helping businesses navigate talent challenges in a rapidly changing market.

If you’re hiring, scaling, or simply trying to make sense of where the market is heading, it’s a conversation worth having.