Cybersecurity certifications have become essential for businesses in the face of rising digital threats. The 2025 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report by Fortinet, prepared by Melonia da Gama, Director of Training Programs at Fortinet, reveals that 86% of organizations suffered at least one breach in 2024, with 28% reporting five or more incidents. This skills gap increases risks, financial losses, and operational stress, as 67% of firms attribute greater vulnerabilities to a lack of training.
The skills gap drives massive intrusions
The report highlights that 54% of breaches are due to shortcomings in security training and 56% to low cyber awareness. More than half of the companies faced costs exceeding one million dollars per incident. These figures, verified in global reports such as those from (ISC)², confirm a worldwide shortage of experts: there are 3.5 million open cybersecurity positions for 2025. Threats driven by sophisticated AI exacerbate the problem, leaving key roles unprotected in hybrid and cloud environments.
Key benefits of cybersecurity certifications
Cybersecurity certifications validate practical competencies beyond theory. They offer:
- Proof of real aptitude: They demonstrate application in real-world scenarios, preferred by 89% of IT decision-makers over traditional academic degrees.
- Comparable standards: They facilitate hiring in a competitive market, aligned with roles such as secure networks or SASE.
- Professional development: Programs like Fortinet NSE scale from basic (NSE 1-3) to expert (NSE 8), improving retention by covering 48% of complaints regarding lack of training.
In-demand certifications in 2025
Among the most requested are CISSP for senior management, CISM for regulatory strategies, CEH for ethical hacking, and CompTIA Security+ for beginners. These globally recognized credentials surpass university degrees because they are updated with hands-on labs and real threats, opening doors to non-traditional talent such as veterans or career changers.
Companies prioritize cybersecurity certifications for resilience: they reduce response times, minimize impacts, and build trust in regulated sectors such as banking and healthcare. Investing in them is not optional; it is a strategic priority in the face of rapid cyberattack evolutions.
The 2025 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report urges a rethinking of hiring practices. Cybersecurity certifications close critical gaps, protecting assets and competitiveness in a vulnerable digital world.
