Artificial intelligence has been making headlines across every industry, from coding assistants to productivity tools. But one of the most exciting applications is in cybersecurity education — where AI is transforming the way people learn, practise, and apply skills.
In 2025, the combination of hands-on labs and AI support is setting a new standard for how learners progress. At TryHackMe, that future takes shape with Echo, our new AI learning assistant.
The old way: learning in isolation
Traditionally, learners had two options:
Theory-heavy courses (reading, slides, lectures)
Hands-on labs (valuable, but sometimes intimidating without guidance)
The challenge? When you got stuck in a lab, progress often stalled. You might turn to search engines, Reddit threads, or community forums. Helpful sometimes — but inconsistent, fragmented, and time-consuming.
The AI shift: real-time support in the lab
Now, AI changes the equation. Instead of breaking flow, learners can:
- Ask questions in the moment (“Why did my scan return this?”).
- Get hints without spoilers — nudging you forward while preserving the challenge.
- Receive instant feedback on mistakes or misconfigurations.
- Understand context — AI isn’t just a chatbot, it references what you’re actually doing in the lab.
This tight feedback loop helps learners stay motivated and develop skills faster.
Introducing Echo: AI that learns with you
TryHackMe’s new AI assistant, Echo, is built directly into the platform. Echo isn’t a generic chatbot — it’s trained to:
- Guide you through TryHackMe labs and paths step by step.
- Offer context-aware hints tied to your current task.
- Explain technical concepts in simple, beginner-friendly language.
- Point you to deeper learning resources when you’re ready to go further.
💡 Echo is like having a mentor in the room: supportive, practical, and focused on your growth.
Why Echo matters for beginners
For someone starting out, cybersecurity can feel overwhelming. Echo makes the journey more accessible by:
- Reducing “blank page syndrome” when facing your first command line.
- Preventing drop-off when learners get stuck and frustrated.
- Encouraging experimentation — you’re more likely to try commands and tools knowing you can ask Echo if things go wrong.
Instead of feeling isolated, beginners get a scaffolded experience that balances challenge with support.
Why Echo matters for advanced learners
Experienced learners benefit too. Echo can summarise complex output so you can spot key insights faster, and will also suggest alternative approaches to reinforce deeper understanding.
That makes Echo not just a tutor, but a study partner for certifications, capture-the-flag events, or workplace up-skilling.
AI in education: wider context
Echo is part of a bigger shift. According to the 2025 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report, generative AI is becoming central to how students learn and how educators design courses.
The World Economic Forum highlights how AI tutors can free up teachers and learners alike to focus on critical thinking and problem-solving, while AI handles guidance and routine tasks.
Other thought leaders, like Cisco in their Education 4.0 report, note how AI personalises learning experiences — a principle that Echo brings into cybersecurity training.
How to start using Echo today
Echo is live now on TryHackMe. To try it:
- Launch any room, for example from the Pre Security Path or Jr Penetration Tester Path.
- When you get stuck, open Echo for hints or explanations.
- Keep progressing without leaving the platform — Echo meets you where you are.
Key takeaway
The future of cybersecurity training isn’t just theory vs practice. It’s practice, supported by intelligent feedback. Echo makes that future real today — guiding you through labs, keeping you moving, and helping you build the confidence to tackle real-world cyber challenges.
