Hartford has earned its title as the insurance capital of the world over the course of two centuries. Companies like The Hartford, Travelers, Aetna, and Chubb have anchored our state’s economy and defined its identity.
But today, a new threat is emerging that could undermine that legacy — and a new opportunity that could strengthen it. The convergence of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity is reshaping the insurance industry, and Connecticut must invest now in the workforce to lead this transformation.
The numbers tell an urgent story. Cyber insurance premiums are projected to rise 15 percent in 2026, driven largely by the new risks that AI introduces. As insurers integrate AI into claims processing, underwriting, and customer service, they simultaneously expand their attack surfaces. The Hartford has committed to leading the industry in AI adoption. Chubb invests more than $1 billion annually in technology. Across the sector, 82 percent of financial services and insurance firms have already integrated AI into their cybersecurity strategies. These companies need professionals who understand both sides of the equation — how to deploy AI responsibly and how to defend against AI-powered threats.
Yet there is a glaring talent gap. Nationally, over 500,000 cybersecurity positions remain unfilled, with roughly one in four roles sitting vacant. Connecticut’s own economic development director has publicly expressed concern about the acceleration of job displacement that AI will bring. The irony is stark: our state’s signature industry is racing to adopt AI, but we are not producing the workforce to secure it.
This is not a distant problem. CompTIA, the leading IT certification body, launches SecAI+ this month — the industry’s first certification specifically designed for AI security professionals. The credential validates skills in securing AI models, defending against adversarial machine learning, and governing AI systems in compliance with evolving regulations. Demand for the beta exam far exceeded previous CompTIA launches, signaling that employers are actively seeking these skills. AI security roles now command salaries between $159,000 and $240,000 — precisely the kind of high-paying careers Connecticut needs to retain young talent and attract new residents.
Connecticut has the foundation to act. State-sponsored AI training initiatives have already exceeded enrollment expectations, signaling strong public demand. Career ConneCT has trained 7,000 people, with 77 percent achieving employment. Several school districts have begun integrating AI into their curricula, and pilot AI labs are launching across the state. Gov. Ned Lamont’s Office of Workforce Strategy recently unveiled an updated plan that includes an AI tech talent accelerator program. These are promising starts.
But we need to go further — and faster. To transform Hartford from the insurance capital into the AI cybersecurity capital, Connecticut should take several concrete steps.
First, the state should establish dedicated AI cybersecurity training pathways through its existing workforce development infrastructure. Programs funded through Career ConneCT and WIOA should specifically target AI security certifications alongside traditional cybersecurity credentials. Training providers across the state are ready to deliver this curriculum. What is needed is the funding alignment and policy direction to make it happen.
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Second, Connecticut should create incentives for insurance companies and financial services firms to partner with local training providers on apprenticeship and placement programs. The companies headquartered here are spending billions on technology. A fraction of that investment, directed toward building a local talent pipeline, would yield returns for both the industry and the communities that need good jobs.
Third, policymakers should integrate AI security literacy into the broader AI regulation debate. For two consecutive legislative sessions, Connecticut has been unable to agree on comprehensive AI legislation. Whether the state ultimately passes a version of Senate Bill 2 or takes a more incremental approach, any framework must include provisions for workforce development — not just rules about what companies cannot do, but investments in what workers can become.
Finally, Connecticut should market itself nationally as the destination for AI cybersecurity careers. We already have the employer base, the academic institutions, and the workforce development infrastructure. What we lack is a coordinated message that ties them together. A state that is home to the world’s largest insurers and already training thousands in AI skills is uniquely positioned to own this space — if we claim it.
The insurance industry was built on the principle of managing risk. Today, AI represents both the greatest risk and the greatest opportunity our signature industry has faced in a generation. The states and nations that build the workforce to navigate this moment will define the next era of economic leadership. Connecticut has done it before. We can do it again — but only if we act now.
The future of cybersecurity is AI-driven. Let’s make sure Connecticut’s workers are driving it.
Kevin J. Conlan is chief technology officer with DCI Resources, LLC (The Learning Academy), an IT training firm headquartered in Connecticut. He is a resident of West Haven.