SECURITY NEWS
58 % IT decision-makers cite lack of training and upskilling as biggest challenge finds Fortinet
Fortinet , the global cybersecurity provider driving the convergence of networking and security , released its 2024 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report , which highlights ongoing challenges related to the cybersecurity skills shortage impacting organisations around the globe . The study also included large organisations from the UAE .
“ The findings from our 2024 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report highlight a critical issue facing organisations in the United Arab Emirates ,” says Alain Penel , VP Middle East , Türkiye and CIS , at Fortinet .
Close to 58 % of IT decision-makers cited the lack of training and upskilling opportunities as being their biggest challenge . This underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity training and certification programs , as 94 % of our respondents said they were ready to pay to get their employees cybersecurity certified .
It is also encouraging to see that 92 % of IT decision-makers actively women into security roles , while 74 % had plans to introduce diversity goals over the next 2 – 3 years . Fortinet is committed to supporting organisations to build a resilient cybersecurity posture by providing comprehensive training and certification programs through our pledge to train 1 million people in cyber by 2026 . We aim to empower professionals with the necessary skills to protect against evolving cyber threats and secure their organisations effectively .
• Breaches continue to have significant repercussions for businesses , and executive leaders are often penalised when they happen .
• Certifications continue to be highly regarded by employers as a validator of current cybersecurity skills and knowledge .
• Numerous opportunities remain for hiring from diverse talent pools to help address the skills shortage .
An estimated 4 million professionals are needed to fill the growing cybersecurity workforce gap . At the same time , Fortinet ’ s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report found that 70 % of organisations indicated that the cybersecurity skills shortage creates additional risks for their organisations .
Organisations are attributing more breaches to a lack of cyber skills . In the past year , nearly 90 % of organisational leaders , 87 % said they experienced a breach that they can partially attribute to a lack of cyber skills , up from 84 % in the 2023 report and 80 % the year prior .
Alain Penel , VP Middle East , Türkiye and CIS , Fortinet
Breaches have a more substantial impact on businesses . Breaches have a variety of repercussions , ranging from financial to reputational challenges . This year ’ s survey reveals that corporate leaders are increasingly held accountable for cyber incidents , with 51 % of respondents noting that directors or executives have faced fines , jail time , loss of position , or loss of employment following a cyberattack .
Additionally , more than 50 % of respondents indicate that breaches cost their organisations more than $ 1 million in lost revenue , fines , and other expenses last
70 % indicated that the cybersecurity skills shortage creates additional risks for their organisations .
year , up from 48 % in the 2023 report and 38 % from the previous year .
Boards of directors view cybersecurity as a business imperative . As a result , executives and boards of directors increasingly prioritise cybersecurity , with 72 % of respondents saying their boards were more focused on security in 2023 than the previous year . And 97 % of respondents say their board sees cybersecurity as a business priority . •
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