Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity, has released its 2024 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report, shedding light on the growing shortage of skilled professionals in the sector, particularly in Malaysia. The report reveals that 94% of Malaysian organisations have suffered security breaches, partly attributed to the ongoing shortage of cyber talent.

According to the report, the cyber skills gap poses significant risks to businesses. "The results from our latest Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report highlight the critical need for a collaborative, multi-faceted approach to closing the skills gap," said John Maddison, Fortinet's Chief Marketing Officer and EVP of Product Strategy. He further emphasised the importance of upskilling security professionals and creating a cyber-aware workforce, as Fortinet aims to train 1 million people in cybersecurity by 2026, with nearly half a million trained so far.

In Malaysia, Rashish Pandey, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for Asia and ANZ at Fortinet, acknowledged the country's particular vulnerability. "A well-trained and certified cybersecurity workforce is our first line of defence against the evolving threat landscape. In Malaysia, where 94% of organisations have experienced breaches due to the cyber skills gap, Fortinet is committed to bridging this divide," he stated.

The report also found that 76% of Malaysian organisations believe the skills gap has increased risks, with 52% reporting financial losses exceeding USD 1 million (MYR 4.4 million) due to cyberattacks in the last year. Additionally, 62% of organisations disclosed that directors or executives have faced penalties, including job loss, following cyber incidents.

Certifications remain highly valued in the cybersecurity field. A striking 98% of respondents from Malaysia said they would invest in certifications for their employees, though 84% acknowledged difficulty in finding candidates with technology-focused certifications. Fortinet's training programmes are designed to be accessible to all, aiming to create a diverse and resilient talent pool through collaborations with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry leaders.

Fortinet's three-pronged approach to closing the cyber skills gap focuses on training IT professionals, fostering a cyber-aware workforce, and implementing strong security technologies. The company's broad training initiatives, including the Fortinet Training Institute, aim to make cybersecurity certification and career opportunities available to people from all walks of life.

The report underscores the urgent need for organisations to invest in cybersecurity to protect against increasing threats, with boards of directors increasingly recognising cybersecurity as a top priority.

Fortinet's 2024 survey encompassed over 1,850 cybersecurity professionals from 29 countries, offering a global perspective on the challenges and opportunities in closing the skills gap.