The cybersecurity landscape is facing an unprecedented challenge. Fortinet's 2024 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report reveals a troubling connection between the increasing frequency of cybersecurity breaches and the persistent shortage of skilled professionals in the field. This report underscores the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to address these challenges effectively.

Over the past year, nearly 90 percent of organizations have experienced breaches that they partially attribute to a lack of cybersecurity skills. Why is this number a big deal? Because it puts a spotlight on how important it is to develop a well-trained and knowledgeable cybersecurity workforce.

"Nearly 90 percent of organizations experienced a breach in the last year that they can partially attribute to a lack of cyber skills, and 70 percent attribute increased cyber risks to the skills gap,” Fortinet found, according to the report.

Powerful findings

Fortinet’s study offers an extensive list of powerful findings, including:

• 51 percent of IT leaders surveyed said corporate leaders are being held accountable – including fines, jail time or loss of their job after a cyberattack;
• 53 percent of organizations suffered breaches that cost more than $1 million;
• 63 percent of organizations took more than a month to recover after a cyberattack;
• 91 percent organizations prefer to hire job candidates with cybersecurity certifications, but 72 percent of organizations say it’s hard to find them.

"Organizations are attributing more breaches to a lack of cyber skills,” Fortinet’s report stated. “In the past year, nearly 90 percent of organizational leaders said they experienced a breach that they can partially attribute to a lack of cyber skills” – a 6-percent increase from 2023 and a whopping 80 percent hike from 2022.

"Certifications continue to be highly regarded by employers as a validator of current cybersecurity skills and knowledge,” the report found. “More than 90 percent of respondents said they prefer hiring candidates with certifications.”

To address these issues, organizations are expanding their hiring criteria to include nontraditional candidates.

Fortinet recommends a three-pronged strategy to strengthen cyber defenses:

• Invest in training and certifications
• Cultivate a cyber-aware workforce
• Utilize effective security technologies

This holistic approach is essential for building robust cybersecurity infrastructures capable of defending against today's complex threats.

Solution providers can learn more about working with Fortinet to address all three prongs through the company’s Engage Partner Program.

As the evolution in cybersecurity continues, closing the skills gap becomes increasingly critical. By focusing on comprehensive training, awareness, and technological advancements, organizations can better prepare themselves to tackle the growing challenges and protect their valuable assets from cyber threats.

“Participants are embracing a threefold response to cybersecurity that combines training, awareness, and technology. This response provides a comprehensive strategy for facing current and emerging threats,” Fortinet concluded.