Fortinet’s 2025 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report has revealed that AI skills are vital to bridging the cybersecurity skills gap, as malicious actors maximise AI to enhance cyberattacks.
“This year’s survey further underscores the urgent need to invest in cybersecurity talent,” said Jess Ng, Country Head, Singapore and Brunei. “Without closing the skills gap, organisations will continue to face rising breach rates and escalating costs.
AI skills bridge cyber skills gap
The survey found that the majority (92%) of organisations experienced at least one cyber breach in 2024. Some 44% reported five or more breaches, a significant increase from 80% of organisations that reported breaches in 2021, and only 19% faced five or more in 2021.
Over half (54%) indicated a lack of IT security skills and training as one of the leading causes of breaches in their organisations.
Amidst the growing threats, all organisations surveyed are either already using or plan to implement AI-enabled cybersecurity solutions. The top areas for applying AI in cybersecurity were threat detection and prevention.
Almost all (96%) cybersecurity professionals expect AI to enhance their roles.
As the cyber skills shortage persists, 84% of IT decision-makers prefer to hire candidates who hold certifications. However, respondents willing to pay for employees to obtain certification decreased from 92% in 2023 to 80% in the latest survey.
Ng said: “The findings highlight an inflection point for both public and private sectors: Without bold action to build and retain cybersecurity expertise, the risks and costs will only continue to grow for our society.”
The survey analysed responses of 1850 IT and cybersecurity decision-makers from 29 locations, including Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.
