Organizations Face Increased Risks Due to Skills Gap

Rob Rashotte, Vice President of Global Training & Technical Field Enablement at Fortinet, provides a comprehensive analysis of how the cybersecurity skills gap exacerbates security risks, increases the impact of breaches, and underscores the necessity of a holistic cybersecurity strategy that integrates technology, training, and awareness.

With a staggering shortage of nearly 4 million professionals required to fill critical cybersecurity roles, organizations worldwide are acutely feeling the strain of this ongoing skills gap. This deficit significantly contributes to security incidents, with 58% of leaders acknowledging that the lack of IT and cybersecurity skills and training within their organizations plays a role in these breaches. The reality is that a single cyber incident can expose an organization to a cascade of new threats and vulnerabilities. Once a breach occurs, threat actors gain valuable insights into an enterprise’s environment, which they can exploit to orchestrate follow-up attacks. Moreover, compromised organizations may become targets for other cybercriminals who view them as easier prey.

The far-reaching impacts of these breaches are of particular concern to senior executives and board members, who are increasingly held accountable for such incidents. This accountability is not without consequence—over half of leaders report that breaches cost their organizations over $1 million in 2023, with North America and Asia Pacific experiencing the most financially damaging attacks. Furthermore, recovery from these attacks is protracted, with 63% of organizations taking more than a month to recover, and the average recovery time extending nearly to three months. The repercussions extend beyond financial losses and recovery times; 51% of IT and security leaders note that executives and board members have faced significant repercussions, including fines, jail time, and even job loss.

As cybersecurity incidents continue to escalate globally, organizations are grappling with an increasingly familiar threat landscape. Malware, phishing, and web attacks account for 80% of all attacks experienced annually. Notably, password attacks are more prevalent in North America, while phishing and web attacks are more common in Asia Pacific. Despite the rise in breaches, the methods used to perpetrate these attacks remain largely unchanged, emphasizing the ongoing need for effective defensive measures.

Addressing the cybersecurity skills gap is crucial for mitigating these risks and enhancing organizational security. Fortinet’s approach advocates for a robust cybersecurity program that combines cutting-edge technology, comprehensive training, and heightened awareness. The Fortinet Security Fabric platform provides an extensive suite of over 50 enterprise-grade products designed to bolster cybersecurity defenses. Complementing this technological arsenal is the Fortinet Training Institute, which offers one of the industry’s broadest ranges of training and certification programs. These programs are designed to democratize access to cybersecurity education and career opportunities, including free and low-cost certification programs aimed at upskilling and reskilling individuals from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the Fortinet Training Institute provides Security Awareness Training to help organizations foster a cyber-aware workforce, enhancing their overall security posture.

The increasing sophistication of cybercriminals necessitates an "all hands on deck" approach to cybersecurity. Organizations must invest in skilled professionals who are equipped with the latest cybersecurity technologies and ensure that their employees are trained to act as a strong first line of defense. By addressing the skills gap and strengthening various components of their risk management strategies, enterprises can better position themselves to defend against the rapid and voluminous attacks that characterize today’s threat landscape.