INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Enterprise Security

Fortinet releases new research on key concerns around the cybersecurity talent shortage , recruitment , diversity and security awareness .

The new global report reveals that the cybersecurity skills shortage continues to have multiple challenges and repercussions for organizations , including the occurrence of security breaches and subsequently loss of money . As a result , the skills gap remains a top concern for C-level executives and is increasingly becoming a board-level priority . The report also suggests ways the skills gap can be addressed , such as through training and certifications to increase employees ’ education .

The widespread global impact of the cybersecurity skills shortage

According to ( ISC ) ² ’ s 2021 Cyber Workforce

Report , the global cybersecurity workforce needs to grow 65 % to effectively defend organizations ’ critical assets . While the number of professionals needed to fill the gap has decreased from 3.12 million down to 2.72 million in the past year , this is still a significant void that leaves organizations vulnerable .

Fortinet ’ s report demonstrates multiple risks resulting from the cybersecurity skills gap . Most notably , eight in 10 organizations surveyed have suffered at least one breach they could attribute to a lack of cybersecurity skills or awareness . The survey also showed that globally 64 % of organizations experienced breaches that resulted in loss of revenue , recovery costs and / or fines .

Given the increasing costs of breaches on organizations ’ profits and reputation , cybersecurity is becoming more of a board level priority . Globally , 88 % of organizations that have a board of directors reported that their board asks questions specifically about cybersecurity . And 76 % of organizations have a board of directors who has recommended increases in IT and cybersecurity headcount .

Advancing cybersecurity skills through training and certifications

Fortinet ’ s skills gap report demonstrated that training and certifications are critical ways organizations seek to further tackle the skills gap . The report revealed that 95 % of leaders believe technology-focused certifications positively impact their role and their team , while 81 % of leaders prefer to hire people with certifications .

Additionally , 91 % of respondents shared they are willing to pay for an employee to achieve cyber certifications . One major reason for certifications being highly regarded is due to their validation of increased cybersecurity knowledge and awareness .

In addition to valuing certifications , 87 % of organizations have implemented a training program to increase cyber awareness . However , 52 % of leaders believe their employees still lack necessary knowledge , which raises question around how effective their current security awareness programs are .

For organizations looking for security awareness training , Fortinet offers a Security Awareness and Training service through the award-winning Fortinet Training Institute . The service further protects organizations ’ critical digital assets from cyberthreats by building employee cybersecurity awareness .

This service receives updates from Fortinet ’ s FortiGuard Labs threat intelligence so that employees are learning and keeping up with the latest evolving cyberattack methods to prevent company breaches and risks from being introduced . p

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