Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming central to cybersecurity operations, but a widening skills gap is limiting its effectiveness and increasing organizational risk, according to Fortinet’s latest global study.
The 2025 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report highlights how Philippine organizations are embracing AI to strengthen defenses even as shortages in cybersecurity and AI expertise leave teams vulnerable to more frequent and costly breaches.
Skills gap deepens as AI adoption accelerates
The report shows organizations are turning to AI-powered security tools to compensate for talent shortages, yet many lack the expertise to deploy them safely and effectively. While AI is widely seen as a force multiplier for security teams, it is also viewed as a potential weapon for attackers—especially when defenders lack sufficient AI skillsets.
Among the report’s findings in the Philippines:
- Lack of cybersecurity awareness and training remains the leading cause of breaches.
- Boards increasingly prioritize cybersecurity but often lack deep technical understanding.
- Employers continue to favor certified cybersecurity professionals.
“This year’s survey underscores how unresolved skills gaps continue to expose organizations to rising cyber risk,” said Bambi Escalante, country manager of Fortinet Philippines. “Without decisive action to develop and retain talent, both financial and operational impacts will intensify.”
Cyber skills shortage linked to rising breaches and costs
Cyberattacks are no longer a question of “if” but “when,” the report notes, as a global shortfall of more than 4.7 million skilled professionals leaves critical roles unfilled.
In the Philippines:
- Nearly all organizations surveyed experienced at least one cyber breach in 2024, with more than a third reporting five or more incidents.
- Almost half cited insufficient security skills and training as a leading cause of breaches.
- Financial fallout remains significant, with close to half reporting cyber incidents costing over $1 million in 2024.
AI promises relief, but expertise remains scarce
AI adoption in cybersecurity is now nearly universal, with organizations either using or planning to deploy AI-enabled security solutions. Threat detection and prevention top the list of use cases.
While 84% of cybersecurity professionals expect AI to enhance—not replace—their roles, a lack of in-house expertise threatens to undermine these gains. More than half of IT decision-makers identified insufficient AI skills as the biggest obstacle to successful implementation, even as most say AI is already improving team effectiveness.
Board focus rises, AI risk awareness lags
Cybersecurity has clearly moved into the boardroom. The report found that boards are increasingly treating cybersecurity as both a business and financial priority.
However, understanding of AI-related risk remains uneven. Board awareness is closely tied to whether organizations have already integrated AI into their cybersecurity programs, suggesting a lag between strategic prioritization and technical comprehension.
Upskilling and certification seen as critical
As organizations grapple with persistent talent shortages, certifications remain a key hiring signal. Most IT leaders say certifications validate skills, demonstrate ongoing learning, and indicate familiarity with essential tools.
At the same time, organizational willingness to fund certification has declined, raising concerns about long-term workforce development amid accelerating threat complexity.
Closing the gap to strengthen resilience
The report concludes that closing the cybersecurity skills gap is now fundamental to business resilience. Organizations are urged to rethink hiring practices, invest in targeted training, and expand access to certification—while pairing these efforts with advanced security technologies.
Fortinet’s training initiatives, including AI-focused security awareness programs, aim to address these challenges as the company works toward its goal of training one million people in cybersecurity globally by the end of 2026.
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