Key Takeaways from the 2023 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report
Key Takeaways from the 2023 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report
Evaluating the Impact of the Skills Shortage on Cyber Risk and Response
As the threat landscape continues to evolve, the need for robust cybersecurity has never been greater. According to Fortinet’s 2023 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report, organizations find themselves grappling with increasingly frequent and costly breaches. Security leaders, while acutely aware of the rising tide of cyberthreats, are struggling to fill key cybersecurity positions with skilled professionals.
Surge in Cyber Breaches: Alarm Bells Ring Louder
A startling 84% of organizations reported experiencing at least one breach in the past year—a jump from 80% in 2021. Even more troubling, the instances of multiple intrusions (five or more) have surged, with 29% of organizations facing this challenge, as compared to 19% in the previous year. The financial implications of these breaches are severe, with nearly half of the organizations incurring costs exceeding $1 million for damage control.
The Human Factor in Cyber Risk: Unfilled Positions and Skills Shortages
The Fortinet report stresses that unfilled cybersecurity positions represent a considerable risk. A staggering 68% of organizations say they are exposed to additional risks due to the cybersecurity skills shortage, a figure consistent with the previous year. Hiring and retention continue to be a challenge, with roles related to cloud security and security operations proving to be the hardest to fill.
Additionally, Gartner predicts that by 2025, “lack of talent or human failure will be responsible for over half of significant cyber incidents.”
Cloud Range fills the experience and skills gap with live-fire IT and OT/industrial incident response exercises to strengthen the resilience of security teams, practice defense against real-world cyberattacks, maximize toolsets, and improve operational efficiency. The proactive preparation is accessible to companies without the need to invest in costly infrastructure or administration. Companies are drawn to us because we solve a universal problem with a quality readiness solution that shows measurable results and reduces risk.
Diversity in Cybersecurity: An Untapped Resource
It's no secret that diverse teams lead to innovative problem-solving—a critical aspect of combating evolving cyber threats. However, the Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report shows that 40% of organizations report difficulties in finding qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds, including women, military veterans, and individuals from minority groups. Despite this, the focus on diversity seems to be waning slightly, with 83% of organizations having near-term diversity hiring goals, down from 89% in 2021.
Cybersecurity in the Boardroom: A Rising Focus
Boardrooms are increasingly focused on cybersecurity—an encouraging trend. An impressive 93% of respondents noted their board's interest in cybersecurity, a rise from 88% in 2021. Additionally, a higher percentage of boards suggested increasing IT security headcount in 2022 compared to 2021.
Technical Certifications: A Growing Preference Among Leaders
Another highlight of the report was the emphasis on certifications as an indicator of cybersecurity knowledge and skills. Nine out of ten leaders expressed a preference for hiring individuals with technology-focused certifications—an increase from 81% in 2021. Not only were they willing to pay for an employee's cybersecurity certification, but they also acknowledged its positive impact on the overall security awareness and knowledge within their organizations.
However, a certification is not the same as real-world experience.
Live-Fire Simulation Exercises: Measurably Improving Cybersecurity Preparedness
Cloud Range is the ONLY continuous, live-fire simulation and analysis program for teams that measurably tracks and improves technical and soft skills, accelerating team members' abilities and effectiveness. Unlike other types of cyber training programs that focus on theory, or even some hands-on training geared at individual skill development, Cloud Range provides an customized, comprehensive cyber simulation learning experience that uses live-fire simulation exercises to train, test, assess, and solidify capabilities of cyber professionals on an ongoing basis and as a team to keep up with the ever-changing threat landscape.
Ensure comprehensive preparedness with Cloud Range. Download this overview of Cloud Range to learn more or fill out this form to see a demo.
