In a recent Help Net Security video, John Grancarich, the Chief Strategy Officer of Fortra, delved into the findings of the 2025 Fortra State of Cybersecurity Survey. The survey brought to light the growing concerns among security professionals regarding AI-driven threats and the shortage of cybersecurity skills in the industry.
According to the survey, a staggering 83% of organizations have identified phishing and smishing as the top security risks that they face. Additionally, 50% of respondents expressed heightened apprehension over the emergence of technologies like generative AI, which pose new challenges to cybersecurity. In response to these threats, 77% of participants are planning to prioritize the identification and closure of security gaps, while 75% are focusing on enhancing security culture and awareness within their organizations.
Despite these efforts, 45% of security leaders acknowledge the existence of a significant skills gap within the industry. This shortage has led many organizations to consider outsourcing key functions such as penetration testing, email security, and vulnerability management to managed services providers. By enlisting the help of external experts, businesses hope to bridge the gap and strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.
The survey findings underscore the pressing need for organizations to stay vigilant and adapt to the evolving cybersecurity landscape. With AI-driven threats on the rise and a shortage of skilled professionals in the field, security leaders are facing mounting pressure to secure their systems and protect sensitive data from malicious actors. By investing in training and education, as well as leveraging external support where necessary, businesses can bolster their defenses and stay ahead of cyber threats in the years to come.