Nessa
Driving Factors: Modified Ransomware, OT Attacks, and Malware-as-a-Service
The year 2022 witnessed a surge in cybersecurity challenges worldwide, spanning various sectors. This rapid growth has been driven by the emergence of new modified ransomware programs, increased attacks on operational technologies (OT), and the rise of malware-as-a-service (MaaS). As a result, organizations are prioritizing the elimination of cybersecurity skills gaps in their IT teams.
Prioritizing Cybersecurity Skills Gap in IT Teams
Fortinet's 2023 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Global Research Report highlights issues of the human aspect of cybersecurity. Despite advanced cybersecurity solutions remaining crucial in defense against attacks, leaders are not only seeking specialists with relevant skills but also true talents when it comes to tackling complex cybersecurity challenges.
53% Increase in Breaches: A Wake-Up Call for Organizations
Notably, there was a 53% increase in organizations experiencing five or more breaches between 2021 and 2022. Surprisingly, 93% of leaders are confident in their organizations' ability to handle growing attack volumes, but this contrasts with concerns about certifications and employee cybersecurity awareness.
The Dominance of Phishing, Malware, and Password Attacks
The shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals is posing significant risks to organizations. The conducted research shows that phishing, malware, and password attacks comprised 81% of the encountered attack types in 2022. Phishing is especially concerning as it often leads to the delivery of other attacks targeting individual users.
Challenges in Hiring and Retaining Cybersecurity Specialists
More than half of organizations find it challenging to hire and retain cybersecurity specialists, especially considering the rapid technological advancements faced by cybersecurity teams. Because of this, approximately 46% of organizations require a cybersecurity specialist with cloud security skills in their team.
The Importance of Cybersecurity Certifications for Organizational Success
More than 80% of leaders recognize the value of cybersecurity certifications and believe their organizations would benefit from having certified professionals. Leaders who have specialized certificates themselves or work with certified team members acknowledge the positive impact of certifications on their roles and teams.
In summary, in 2022, cybersecurity encountered significant challenges, leading organizations to prioritize addressing the shortage of skilled professionals by actively investing in talent acquisition and development to ensure reliable protection and effective risk reduction strategies.
