AI Skills Are Now a Cybersecurity Imperative And Organizations Are Running Out of Time

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming one of the most influential forces shaping cybersecurity, but for many organizations, it is also exposing a dangerous skills gap. As cyber threats grow more frequent, automated, and financially damaging, businesses are discovering that technology alone cannot compensate for the lack of trained people who know how to deploy, manage, and govern it effectively.

Recent findings from a global cybersecurity skills gap study highlight a stark reality for organizations in the Philippines and beyond. Cyber incidents are no longer occasional disruptions; they are an expected part of operating in a digital economy. Nearly all organizations surveyed experienced at least one cyber breach in 2024, with a significant portion reporting multiple incidents within the same year. Compared to earlier years, both the frequency and impact of breaches continue to rise, signaling that defenses are struggling to keep pace with attackers.

A key contributor to this trend is the persistent shortage of cybersecurity professionals. Millions of roles globally remain unfilled, leaving security teams overstretched and reactive. Almost half of surveyed organizations identified inadequate cybersecurity skills and training as a leading cause of breaches. The financial consequences are equally serious, with nearly half reporting losses exceeding one million dollars from cyber incidents in a single year. These are not abstract risks; they are direct hits to operations, reputation, and long-term growth.

AI is increasingly seen as a way to relieve pressure on short-staffed teams. All surveyed organizations are either already using or planning to deploy AI-enabled security technologies, particularly for threat detection and prevention. Most cybersecurity professionals believe AI will enhance their roles rather than replace them, automating routine tasks and allowing teams to focus on more strategic work. In many cases, AI is already improving efficiency and response times.

However, this rapid adoption comes with a catch. While AI tools are widely deployed, the expertise needed to use them safely and effectively is lagging behind. A majority of IT decision-makers cited the lack of in-house AI skills as the biggest obstacle to successful implementation. Poorly configured systems, misunderstood outputs, or overreliance on automation can quietly introduce new vulnerabilities instead of reducing risk. AI, when misused or insufficiently governed, can become an amplifier for mistakes rather than a safeguard.

Leadership awareness is improving, but gaps remain. Cybersecurity is now firmly established as both a business and financial priority at the board level. Yet understanding of AI-related risks is uneven, particularly in organizations that are still early in their AI journey. Without informed oversight, strategic decisions around AI and security may fail to account for long-term risk exposure.

As the skills gap persists, certifications and continuous learning remain important indicators of competence. Employers continue to value certified professionals, recognizing that credentials demonstrate up-to-date knowledge in a fast-changing field. At the same time, declining organizational support for funding training raises concerns about whether enough is being invested in building sustainable cybersecurity capability.

Closing the cybersecurity skills gap will require more than isolated initiatives. It calls for a coordinated approach that combines awareness, targeted training, and responsible use of advanced technologies. In this environment, many organizations are also rethinking how they supplement internal teams.

Working with a Managed Security Service Provider such as Directpath Global Technologies (DGT) can help organizations strengthen resilience while navigating talent constraints. DGT supports organizations through services including mobile threat defense, extended detection and response, vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, next-generation firewalls, SOC 2 readiness, vulnerability risk management, web application firewalls, virtual CISO support, and operational technology security. Its advanced artificial intelligence division helps tailor solutions not only for cybersecurity, but for broader operational needs as well.

The message from the skills gap findings is clear. AI is redefining both how attacks are launched and how defenses are built. Organizations that invest now in people, governance, and intelligent security practices will be far better positioned to manage risk and protect trust in an increasingly complex digital landscape. Source: Punto PH