Source: https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/100492-cybersecurity-and-the-current-skills-gap
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the strength of an organization’s cybersecurity strategy hinges significantly on its workforce. The Fortinet 2023 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report highlights a worrying trend: 84% of surveyed security leaders faced one or more breaches in the past year, a rise from 80% in 2021. Moreover, 29% experienced five or more intrusions, a stark increase from 19% the previous year. Alarmingly, 48% of these breaches resulted in remediation costs exceeding $1 million, up from 38% in 2021.
The report reveals that phishing, password, and malware attacks constitute 81% of cyberattacks. With 65% of respondents anticipating a surge in cyberattacks, the urgency to bolster cybersecurity measures is clear. North American respondents foresee a 25% rise in attacks over the next year, while their counterparts in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa expect a 17% increase.
Organizations are responding by enhancing their cybersecurity readiness. This includes heightened communication with executives and efforts to recruit additional security personnel. Notably, 68% of organizations acknowledge the added risks posed by the cybersecurity skills shortage. This is reinforced by the increasing interest of boards in cybersecurity matters, with 93% of respondents noting their board inquired about cybersecurity in 2022, up from 88% in 2021. Additionally, 83% of boards recommended boosting IT security headcount, compared to 76% in 2021.
To address these challenges, organizations are prioritizing the hiring of individuals with technology-focused certifications. Ninety percent of leaders prefer such hires, and 82% believe cybersecurity training and certifications would benefit their organization. Additionally, 75% see value in security awareness and training for all employees. Leaders who hold certifications or have certified employees on their team report positive outcomes: 72% noted increased cybersecurity knowledge, 62% saw improved performance, and 55% experienced faster career growth. Furthermore, 47% reported higher salaries, a significant jump from 29% in 2021.
Efforts to diversify the cybersecurity workforce are also underway. However, approximately 40% of respondents find it challenging to recruit qualified candidates who are women, military veterans, or from minority backgrounds. Despite this, 83% of organizations have set near-term diversity hiring goals. Network security and software development roles remain particularly difficult to fill, with 37% and 32% of respondents respectively identifying these roles as the hardest to recruit for. Additionally, 54% of organizations struggle with employee retention.
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In conclusion, CSG Technologies stands ready to support your organization in navigating the complexities of cybersecurity. By leveraging our expertise and comprehensive solutions, you can address the skills gap, enhance your security posture, and achieve your business objectives with confidence.
