Cybersecurity talent shortage puts Phl digital economy at risk

Global cybersecurity firm Fortinet firm warned that Filipino consumers and enterprises face rising digital and financial risks as a persistent shortage of cybersecurity talent leaves organizations more exposed to breaches, according to its 2025 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report.

- Ehda M. Dagooc

Global cybersecurity firm Fortinet firm warned that Filipino consumers and enterprises face rising digital and financial risks as a persistent shortage of cybersecurity talent leaves organizations more exposed to breaches, according to its 2025 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report.

The study revealed that nearly all Philippine organizations surveyed experienced at least one cyber breach in 2024, underscoring how the lack of trained security professionals is translating into tangible threats to business operations, customer data and consumer trust.

Fortinet said the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in security systems is reshaping defenses—but also creating new attack vectors that many local teams are ill-prepared to manage.

“As organizations turn to AI to strengthen their security posture, they are also confronting the reality that the same technology can be used against them,” said Bambi Escalante, country manager of Fortinet Philippines.