Key Takeaways
- Global cyber‑attack losses are projected to reach $10.2 trillion this year, with roughly 2,200 attacks occurring each day.
- Small businesses are especially vulnerable; a malware infection gives them about a 60 % chance of bankruptcy within 12 months.
- The cybersecurity sector faces a talent gap of 4.8 million unfilled positions, highlighting a pressing need for skilled workers.
- Industry leaders stress that technology will evolve rapidly, but human adaptability, character, and foundational skills (math, language, critical thinking) remain essential.
- AI is viewed as a tool that changes tasks faster than it changes human nature; it will not replace people but will shift the focus to originality and intelligent use of technology.
- Collaboration among educational institutions, businesses, and government agencies (e.g., the FBI and university cyber‑innovation institutes) is seen as vital to mitigating risk and filling workforce shortages.
Overview of the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s State of Workforce & Talent Event
The Tulsa Regional Chamber hosted its “State of Workforce & Talent” forum, drawing about 400 attendees to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities for Oklahoma’s economy. The event featured multiple panels, including one on cybersecurity led by David Keely, executive director of the Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute at the University of Tulsa, and another on artificial intelligence (AI) featuring Ryne Sherman of Hogan Assessments. The discussions underscored how cyber threats and technological change are reshaping workforce needs across the state.
Escalating Financial Impact of Cyber Attacks
David Keely opened the cybersecurity panel by citing staggering figures: worldwide losses from cyber attacks are expected to hit $10.2 trillion this year, with an average of 2,200 attacks per day. He emphasized that cyber risk now surpasses traditional threats such as flood, fire, or theft for businesses of all sizes. “The No. 1 loss for businesses is now cybersecurity,” Keely stated, noting that the issue has moved from a peripheral concern to a central economic headwind.
Small Business Vulnerability and the Need for Expert Help
Keely warned that small businesses are particularly exposed. A malware infection gives a small firm roughly a 60 % probability of bankruptcy within a year if they lack adequate defenses. He explained that many small enterprises cannot afford the $20,000‑$35,000 required to hire expert cybersecurity consultants, leaving them “easy pickings” for attackers operating from overseas. Without coordinated support programs, he predicted the losses will continue to worsen.
Role of the Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute
The institute at the University of Tulsa offers guidance to business owners concerned about potential breaches. Keely advised that companies suspecting infiltration should first contact the FBI, which can investigate and prosecute offenders, although federal agents will not physically intervene in a company’s IT systems. The institute aims to bridge the gap between awareness and actionable defense strategies for local firms.
Cybersecurity Workforce Shortage
A striking statistic emerged from the institute’s research: the cybersecurity industry currently has 4.8 million job vacancies. This talent gap underscores the urgency for educational institutions and employers to develop pipelines that equip students with the necessary technical skills. Keely highlighted that closing this gap is not only a security imperative but also an economic opportunity for Oklahoma.
Transition to the AI Discussion
Following the cybersecurity panel, the forum shifted to an “emerging industries workforce” discussion that examined the impact of artificial intelligence. Ryne Sherman, chief science officer at Hogan Assessments, delivered a keynote address in which he argued that AI will transform tasks more quickly than it alters human nature. He cautioned against over‑valuing technology at the expense of originality, noting that while tools evolve, the capacity for creative, thoughtful work remains a uniquely human asset.
Historical Perspective on Technology and Adaptability
Sherman placed AI within a broader historical continuum, pointing out that each technological leap—from the printing press to the internet—has reshaped work without eliminating the need for human adaptability. He asserted that the constant throughout history has been humanity’s ability to learn and apply new tools, suggesting that the same principle will hold true for AI‑driven environments.
AI Will Not Replace Humans, But Will Change Their Focus
Reiterating a optimistic outlook, Sherman declared that AI is not going to replace humans. Instead, he argued that the value will shift toward how people use intelligence: access to information is now easy, so the differentiator becomes judgment, character, and the ability to do the right thing. He concluded that future success will depend on “humans and character” rather than on the sophistication of the algorithms themselves.
Foundational Skills Remain Critical in a Tech‑Driven Economy
Jim Vasher, general manager of the Space Test Center at Agile Space Industries, echoed the importance of core competencies. He stressed that, regardless of advances in AI or space technology, employers will still need technicians who possess solid grounding in math, language, and critical thinking. These basics enable workers to learn specialized tasks quickly and to apply new tools effectively.
Practical Skepticism About AI Hype
Jarrod Cavner, director of sales for cybersecurity consultancy JMARK, offered a more pragmatic viewpoint. He likened the current AI enthusiasm to past reactions to new office technologies, asking rhetorically, “When computers came out, did we still need a piece of paper in the office?” Cavner warned against assuming that leadership automatically understands how to leverage AI, drawing laughter from the audience as he highlighted the risk of over‑reliance on untested assumptions.
Event Context and Future Programming
The “State of Workforce & Talent” forum is a signature event of the Tulsa Regional Chamber, having evolved from its former “State of Education” format. The chamber’s next major gathering will be the “State of the State” on August 13 at the Arvest Convention Center downtown. That session will feature a gubernatorial candidate forum moderated by the newly appointed University of Tulsa President, Stacy Leeds, with candidates who advanced from the June primary to the August 25 runoff and the November general election: Republicans Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei, and Democrat Cyndi Munson.
Conclusion: Bridging Cybersecurity, AI, and Workforce Development
The discussions at the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s event painted a clear picture: cyber threats impose massive financial costs, especially on under‑resourced small businesses, while the cybersecurity field suffers from a severe shortage of skilled workers. Simultaneously, AI promises to accelerate task automation but will not diminish the enduring importance of human adaptability, creativity, and foundational abilities. Addressing these intertwined challenges requires coordinated efforts—government agencies like the FBI, academic institutions such as the University of Tulsa’s Cyber Innovation Institute, private‑sector partners, and proactive workforce‑development initiatives—to build resilience, fill talent gaps, and prepare Oklahoma’s workforce for a future where technology and human ingenuity must work hand in hand.