Fortinet(US:FTNT) GlobenewswireĀ·2025-10-08 13:00Core Insights - 87% of cybersecurity professionals believe AI will enhance their roles, providing efficiency and relief amid ongoing skill shortages [3][4] - The 2025 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report highlights a critical shortage of over 4.7 million skilled professionals, leading to unfilled security roles and increased breach rates [2][4] - Organizations are increasingly adopting AI-enabled cybersecurity solutions, with 97% either using or planning to implement such technologies [4][5] Cybersecurity Skills Gap - The report indicates that 86% of organizations experienced at least one cyber breach in 2024, a rise from 80% in 2021, with 28% reporting five or more breaches [4] - More than 50% of respondents cited a lack of IT security skills and training as a leading cause of breaches [4] - Financial impacts of breaches are significant, with 52% of organizations reporting costs exceeding $1 million in 2024, up from 38% in 2021 [4] AI in Cybersecurity - While AI can alleviate pressure on security teams, nearly half (48%) of IT decision-makers identify a lack of staff with sufficient AI expertise as a major challenge [4][5] - 80% of surveyed professionals believe AI is making their teams more effective, but 76% of organizations that faced nine or more cyberattacks in 2024 had AI tools in place, indicating that mere adoption is insufficient without expertise [4][5] Board-Level Focus - Cybersecurity is increasingly recognized as a board-level priority, with 76% of boards increasing their focus on the issue in 2024 [9] - However, fewer than half (49%) of board members fully understand the risks associated with AI, highlighting a gap in awareness [9] Upskilling and Training - The report emphasizes the need for organizations to invest in training and upskilling to close the cybersecurity skills gap [5][6] - Fortinet aims to train 1 million people in cybersecurity globally by the end of 2026, reflecting a commitment to addressing the skills shortage [7]