NEWS
Europe’ s AI law sparks cybersecurity hiring surge
“ If you can’ t show your AI is secure, you can’ t sell it.”
The EU AI Act, in force since August 2024, is the world’ s first comprehensive framework for artificial intelligence. It bans unacceptable-risk systems such as real-time facial recognition in public spaces and imposes strict requirements on high-risk tools used in critical infrastructure, recruitment, law enforcement and essential services.
From August 2026, these systems must demonstrate protection against tampering, data poisoning and model manipulation, while maintaining documentation, testing resilience and reporting serious incidents to regulators.
Europe’ s landmark AI regulation is fuelling a scramble for cybersecurity talent, as organisations race to secure systems and meet tough new compliance rules, says Sam Hameed, Group Managing Director, SPG Resourcing. With the EU’ s Artificial Intelligence Act now in phased enforcement, banks, insurers, law firms and technology providers are rapidly recruiting specialists to prove their algorithms are safe, transparent and tamper-proof.
“ The law has effectively made cybersecurity part of the legal compliance process,” says Hameed.
Cyber experts with AI risk-management skills are commanding premium salaries. SPG Resourcing reports senior cybersecurity architects earning up to £ 150,000, with Chief Information Security Officers exceeding £ 200,000 including bonuses.
The Act overlaps with other EU regulations such as NIS2 and the Cybersecurity Act, demanding multi-disciplinary expertise.
“ Cybersecurity talent is already scarce – the AI Act will intensify competition across every sector.” Said Hameed. Europe’ s bid for trustworthy AI has made cybersecurity one of the most valuable skills in today’ s workplace.
VSORA Launches Europe’ s Most Powerful AI Inference Chip
French semiconductor innovator VSORA has announced the production launch of Jotunn8 – claimed as Europe’ s most powerful AI inference chip. The breakthrough processor is designed to power next-generation data centers and accelerate AI applications with unprecedented efficiency, scalability, and sustainability.
With Jotunn8 now entering production, VSORA becomes the only European company delivering AI inference chips capable of competing directly with those of leading US technology giants.
Matching the raw compute power of the world’ s most advanced solutions, Jotunn8 is pitched as achieving more than three times higher real-world performance while operating at less than half the power consumption, offering significant energy and cost advantages for modern data centers.
Purpose-built for inference rather than AI training, Jotunn8’ s advanced architecture eliminates GPU bottlenecks and enables rapid, low-power decision-making at scale. Delivering 3,200 teraflops of compute power with over 50 % utilization efficiency, the chip redefines performance for cost-effective AI deployment.
“ Jotunn8 allows us to compete on the global stage with a homegrown, energy-efficient AI chip,” said Khaled Maalej, VSORA’ s Founder and CEO.
VSORA is partnering with leading global semiconductor manufacturers to ensure quality, scalability, and access to cuttingedge fabrication technologies.
“ It represents a pivotal moment for VSORA and for Europe’ s semiconductor ecosystem as we shape the future of AI computing.”
Full-volume production of Jotunn8 is expected in Q1 2026, marking a major milestone for European leadership in AI hardware innovation.
10 INTELLIGENTCIO EUROPE www. intelligentcio. com