CYBERSECURITY is one of the most serious risks facing organisations today. The Fortinet 2025 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report shows that the gap between the skills businesses require and the talent available continues to widen, resulting in more frequent cyber attacks, higher financial losses, and increased operational pressure.

In 2024, 86 per cent of organisations worldwide experienced at least one cyber breach, with 28 per cent reporting five or more incidents. At the same time, 67 per cent of organisations said the cybersecurity skills gap increased their overall risk. More than half of respondents linked breaches directly to limited security training and low awareness of cyber threats. For Jamaican businesses, statistics like these can result in reputational damage, disrupted operations, and significant financial and operational consequences.

Finding skilled cybersecurity professionals remains a major challenge. Many organisations identify a lack of IT security expertise as a leading factor in breaches, while a global shortage of trained professionals leaves key positions unfilled. Cyber criminals are increasingly sophisticated, using advanced tools including artificial intelligence. Without capable staff in place, organisations face delayed threat detection, slower response times, and unprotected systems, leaving critical operations exposed.

Professional certifications provide a practical solution. They measure real-world competence, demonstrating that employees can apply their knowledge effectively under pressure rather than just understand theory. Certifications create clear benchmarks across teams, making it easier to identify capable candidates and build cohesive, capable workforces.

Certification programmes also support career development. Employees can progress from foundational skills to advanced and expert roles, strengthening both individual growth and team capability. Limited access to training and upskilling is a top reason employees leave, and investing in certifications shows that organisations value professional development, which helps retain talent. This focus on capability is reflected in hiring practices, with the 2025 Threat Report showing that 89 per cent of IT decision-makers prefer candidates who hold professional certifications.

Structured certification programmes produce the greatest results. The Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE) programme, for example, guides learners from basic awareness to advanced and expert-level knowledge. It covers areas such as secure networking, cloud security, and security operations, equipping professionals with practical, role-ready skills. Programmes like this also close the ‘readiness gap’, giving employees the confidence and experience to apply concepts effectively in high-pressure situations.

Hiring decisions are increasingly skills-based. Professional certifications now often carry as much weight as formal academic qualifications because they keep pace with evolving threats and provide hands-on experience that traditional degrees cannot. This approach also opens pathways for a wider talent pool, including career changers, veterans, and learners without formal degrees, giving more Jamaicans access to credible careers in cybersecurity.

Closing the cybersecurity skills gap strengthens organisational resilience, protects operations, and safeguards customers. Investing in training and professional certification ensures that staff have the knowledge, experience, and readiness to manage evolving threats effectively. As cybercrime continues to grow in complexity, developing a skilled and prepared workforce is essential for sustainable growth and long-term security.

Melonia da Gama is the director of training and learning programmes at Fortinet.

Melonia da Gama.