Fortinet: AI skills now critical to close 4.7 million cybersecurity talent gap

KUALA LUMPUR: Fortinet’s 2025 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report reveals that the shortage of AI-skilled professionals is worsening the global 4.7 million talent deficit, driving higher breach rates and costs.

AI skills

While 100% of organisations are adopting AI-powered security tools and 84% of professionals believe AI will enhance rather than replace their roles, 64% of IT decision-makers cite insufficient AI expertise as the biggest barrier to success. Lack of cybersecurity training remains the top cause of breaches, with 98% of organisations suffering at least one incident in 2024.

Pledge

Kevin Wong, Fortinet Malaysia Country Manager, stressed that without urgent upskilling in AI and certifications, breach volumes and financial losses—already exceeding US$1 million for 47% of firms—will escalate. Fortinet is accelerating its pledge to train one million people globally by 2026 and offers new AI-focused modules through its Training Institute to bridge the critical skills gap.