AI would be essential to address the cybersecurity skills shortage, according to a Fortinet study.
According to a new Fortinet report, 87 percent of security professionals expect AI to increase their efficiency and help alleviate the cyber skills shortage. However, many organizations lack sufficient knowledge to deploy AI effectively and securely.
Shortage Leads to more Incidents
Fortinet’s annual Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report once again highlights the growing shortage of security expertise. In 2024, 86 percent of surveyed organizations experienced at least one security incident. Nearly one-third had five or more incidents. According to more than half of respondents, lack of skills and training are direct causes of these incidents.
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The financial impact remains significant: 52 percent of organizations estimated incident costs at more than one million dollars. At the same time, organizations clearly prefer certified candidates, although willingness to fund training programs has declined compared to previous years.
Opportunities and Risks
AI is widely deployed in security solutions: 97 percent of organizations already use AI or plan to do so. The technology is primarily used for threat detection and prevention. Nearly nine out of ten professionals see AI as a tool to support their work, not as a replacement. However, many teams lack the required AI skills. Nearly half of IT decision-makers cite the lack of AI knowledge within their organization as a major obstacle.
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The research also shows that AI solutions are only effective when properly implemented. For instance, 76 percent of organizations that experienced nine or more attacks had AI tools in use, highlighting the importance of proper implementation and training.
Board members increasingly recognize the importance of cybersecurity, but less than half of respondents believe their leadership properly understands AI risks. Organizations that actively deploy AI typically show greater awareness of these risks.