Fortinet study reveals PH in dire need of cybersecurity experts
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The Philippines has been experiencing a rising number of online breaches lately and to counter this, the country has to develop more cybersecurity experts, as companies are starting to feel the pinch of the skills gap in the digital age. Cybersecurity leader Fortinet conducted a study in June 2024 titled “Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report.” Based on a report from Fortinet, three in four businesses are worried about the worsening shortage of digital professionals in the country.
The study said 94% of organizations in the Philippines suffered an online breach that they partially blame on talent shortage. Globally, Fortinet estimates that more than four million people are needed to fill the skills gap in cybersecurity. Companies polled in the report said this talent demand has to be topped up as soon as possible, or else they might suffer financial or reputational consequences.
For instance, the report found that 62% of respondents said that executives have faced jail time or been told to pay fines for data breaches. Half of them also lamented that they lost as much as $1 million in revenue from online attacks. In response, the report said 94% of organizations view cybersecurity as a business priority, and this means more funding will be allocated for protective solutions.
Fortinet country manager for the Philippines Alan Reyes said the first order of the day is to find the right talents to be able to fend off data breaches. He said: “More organizations are increasingly linking security breaches to the cybersecurity skills gap, as 94% of organizations in the Philippines recognize this issue, up from 92% in the last report.”
Moreover, Reyes said companies are starting to diversify their hiring efforts to address the talent shortage. This means opening cybersecurity roles to candidates whose credentials fall outside the usual required background of being a graduate of information technology (IT). In spite of this, management remains strict in employing cybersecurity personnel. Most want their IT departments run by people who have obtained certifications.
Internally, Reyes also recommended that companies invest in the training of their employees to improve their security hygiene and prepare for possible cyber threats. As the cyber workforce shortage persists, some organizations diversify their recruitment pools to include candidates whose credentials fall outside traditional backgrounds—such as a four-year degree in cybersecurity or a related field—to attract new talent and fill open roles.
Shifting these hiring requirements can unlock new possibilities, especially if organizations are also willing to pay for certifications and training. The increasing frequency of costly cyberattacks, combined with the potential of severe personal consequences for board members and directors, is resulting in an urgent push to strengthen cyber defenses across enterprises. As a result, organizations are focusing on a three-pronged approach to cybersecurity that combines training, awareness, and technology.
Reference: ‘Philippines in dire need of cybersecurity experts’ (msn.com)
